The word sacrament is derived from the Latin word ‘sacramentum’ meaning to ‘make sacred’. A sacrament is a visible means of experiencing the invisible Grace of God.

Without the help of symbolic language and visual expression, it is difficult to communicate spiritual truths (Eph. 2:8-9). The sacraments instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ are referred to as ‘Dominical Sacraments’ – they are Baptism and Holy Qurbana.

The Mar Thoma Church practices the following sacraments

Mamodisa

Mamodia is the Malayalam word for Baptism. Baptism is a sacrament, wherein the immersing with water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, (Mt.28:19) signifies and seals our engrafting into Christ. It is identifying with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Confirmation

Confirmation is a sacrament admitting a baptized person to the full fellowship of the church. Confirmation is done after the baptism service by anointing with the Holy Murron (Syriac, meaning a Holy Chrism or a consecrated oil used for anointing).

The Murron is prepared with special prayers by the bishops of the Mar Thom Church. This is added to the already consecrated oil kept in the ancient jar from Antioch as a symbol of apostolic succession. Murron is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

Confession

Confession is a sacrament by which a person confesses his or her sins/sinful nature and receives absolution. Confession is incorporated into the liturgy of the Holy Qurbana.

Holy Qurbana

Holy Qurbana is partaking at the Lord’s Table

Marriage

Marriage is a sacrament where the bridegroom and bride are blessed to enter into a wedded life

Ordination

Ordination is a selective sacrament for those who enter into the priestly ministry. The celebrant for ordination will be the Metropolitan or one of the bishops.

Unction

The sacrament of absolution of sins performed by a priest for a person who is sick (for healing – Anointing the sick) and /or to face death (Extreme Unction).