Sunday School Final Exam

Both the Fall and the Prodigal Son show people turning away from God. Adam and Eve disobeyed in Eden, and the son left his father’s house. Both stories end with God offering mercy and a way back. The fall brought sin and death into the world. The Prodigal son shows personal repentance and forgiveness. One is about all humanity, the other is a personal example.

Compare and Contrast “The Fall” in the Garden of Eden and the parable of the prodigal son

Ancestoral sin means we inherit the effects of Adam’s sin, like death and weakness. We do not inherit guilt. Original sin teaches that we inherit both sin and guilt. The orthodox church rejects inherited guilt. Each person is repsonible for their own sins. baptism cleanses us from ancestoral sin and brings new life.

Difference between ancestoral and original sin

Salvation is union with God, not just going to heaven. It is healing, transformation and becoming like Christ. This process is called theosis. It begins with Baptism and continues through church life. Salvation is a gift, but we must also participate in it. It brings us back to the fullness of life in God.

What is the full understanding of salvation

The Church is where we grow closer to God. Through the sacraments , we receive grace to change. The Eucharist, Confession, and Prayer help us to become more like Christ. The Church is our spiritual home and hospital. It gives us guidance, healing, and strength. Theosis happens in and through the Church.

Describe how the life of church plays a role in the process of Theosis

Confession heals our soul and restores our peace with God. We name our sins and receive forgiveness. Sin wounds us spiritually, but confession is the medicine. The Priest helps guide and pray with us. Confession humbles us and brings God’s grace. It is a powerful tool for growth and healing.

How does Holy Confession provide a diagnosis and path of healing in relation to what sin does to us spiritually? Do you recongize the importance Confession and other church traditions have on our lives?

In the steps of Holy Baptism they first renounce Satan, and then turn to the East to confess belief in Christ.

Then on behalf of the child the godparent recites the Nicene Creed as an official proclamation of faith.

Next is the triple immersion in water. One in the name of the Father, one in the Son, and one in the Holy Spirit. This symbolizes dying to sin and rising with Christ.

After Baptism, the newly illumined person is anointed with the Holy Chrism (known as Chrismation), receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, this is like their personal Pentecost.

After, the baby is clothed with “garments of salvation” symbolized by the white baptismal robe which is the “new humanity”.

Finally, the baptized person receives the Holy Eucharist completing their full entry into the church.

What are the steps of the Holy Baptism? Explain in detail

Pentecost is when the Holy Spirit came to the apostles. It gave them power to preach and lead the Church. The Holy Spirit lives in us through Baptism and Chrismation. He guides, comforts and helps us grow in holiness. The Spirit makes us strong in faith and love. Without the Spirit, we cannot live the Christian life.

Review the feast of Pentecost service and try to briefly explain the role that the Holy Spirit play in our lives

We fast prior to Eucharist to prepare our hearts and our minds. It helps us focus on god and repent. Fasting makes us spiritually alert and humble. It reminds us that the eucharist is holy and special. Fasting trains us to hunger for Christ, not just food. It shapes how we receive the Body and Blood of Christ with our heart, minds, body and souls.

Why do we fast prior to Eucharist? What does it allow us to do as Christians? How does fasting shape our praticipation in the Eucharist?

Metanoia means U-turn, or U-turn from sin to repentance/Christ. It means a deep change in heart and mind. It is true repentance, not just feeling bad. We turn away from sin and return to God. It takes humility and honesty. Metanoia brings healing and transformation. It is a lifelong part of the Christian life.

What is metanoia? What do you understand about metanoia?

The prayer of absolution is said by the priest after Confession. It asks God to forgive the person’s sins. It is not the priest who forgives, but God through him the prayer sets the person free from spiritual burden. It brings peace, healing, and a fresh start. This prayer shows God’s mercy and love.

What is the prayer of absolution after confession?