Untitled Flashcard Set

Why did our Lord Jesus Christ visit Egypt?

He visited Egypt to establish the Christian Church there so it would become a powerful center for Christianity in the whole world.

Who prophesied the coming of the Lord into Egypt?

Isaiah the prophet foretold this event more than 700 years before the coming of Christ.

Who established the Christian Coptic Orthodox Church in Alexandria?

St. Mark established the church based on the faith he received from Our Lord Jesus Christ.

What do the words 'Coptic' and 'Orthodox' mean?

Coptic means Egyptian, and Orthodox means straight.

Who was the shoemaker healed by St. Mark in Alexandria?

Anianus was the shoemaker who cried out 'The One God' when injured, and he later became the Pope of all the churches of Egypt.

What educational institution did St. Mark establish?

St. Mark established the first Catechistic school in the world.

Which famous theologians graduated from the school of Alexandria?

Great theologians like Clement, Origen, Cyril, and Athanasius graduated from this school.

Under which ruler did the Copts suffer the worst persecution?

The persecution of the Copts was at its worst at the time of Diocletian.

What year marks the beginning of the Coptic calendar?

The Copts considered the year 284 to be the new era and called it the year of martyrs.

On what is the foundation of the Coptic Orthodox Church built?

The foundation is built upon the teachings of the Holy Bible and the traditions received from the Apostles.

How does the church view the nature of our Lord Jesus Christ?

The church believes that Jesus Christ has one nature based on the unity of the divinity and humanity without mingling, mixing, changing, or separating.

From whom does the Holy Spirit proceed according to the Coptic Church?

The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father only.

What event marked the new creation in the New Testament?

The day of the Pentecost is considered the day of the new creation.

How is the creation of Adam similar to the birth of the Church?

Just as God's breath entered the mud to create life in Adam, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples as tongues of fire to recreate man.

What was another name for the Jewish feast of the 50th day?

It was known as the Feast of the Weeks or the Pentecost.

How many disciples were assembled in the upper room during Pentecost?

There were 120 persons chosen at that time.

What was the first gift the Holy Spirit gave the disciples on Pentecost?

The Holy Spirit gave them the gift of speaking with tongues so the diverse people in Jerusalem could understand them.

How many people were baptized in one day after St. Peter's sermon?

The disciples baptized 3,000 people in a single day.

What does the holy baptism represent in the spiritual life?

Baptism acts as the washing process and the new birth, burning old weaknesses with the Holy Spirit.

Who directs persecutions against the people of God?

Persecutions exist since the beginning of creation and are directed by Satan and his followers.

Why does God permit believers to endure pain and persecution?

Enduring pain benefits the person, makes them stronger, and produces patience.

Does God test believers beyond their capabilities?

God limits trials so they do not exceed a person's faith and strength.

What reward awaits the person who endures persecution with thankfulness?

The person carries the cross and will receive eternal life and be glorified with Christ.

What does the Bible reveal about the blood of martyrs?

The murdered are martyrs, and their blood has a crying voice that God hears and avenges.

What happened to King Herod after he killed James and seized Peter?

An angel of the Lord struck Herod, and he was eaten by worms and died.

What should a believer's response be to persecution?

Believers should pray with tears, repent of their sins, and help their persecuted brethren.

Why is the Apostolic era highly significant for the Christian Church?

The Holy Spirit governed all the actions of the Apostles, providing a faithful picture of Christianity's purity.

What were the three major Jewish sects during the birth of the Church?

The three major sects were the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Essenes.

Which Jewish sect did not believe in resurrection, angels, or spirits?

The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection after death, nor in the presence of angels or spirits.

What was the highest Jewish Council called?

It was called the Sanhedrin, an aristocratic council composed of 70 or 72 members.

Which two philosophical schools were prominent among the Gentiles?

The most important schools were the Epicurean and Stoic philosophies.

What rights did Roman citizenship grant individuals like St. Paul?

It granted protection under the laws, no jail without trials, and the right to be judged in Rome.

Who was the first martyr among the Apostles?

St. James, the brother of John, was the first martyr among the Apostles.

Who was the first to preach in the cities of Samaria?

Philip, one of the seven deacons, was the first to preach in the Samaritan cities.

Where were the disciples first called Christians?

The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Who founded the Church in Alexandria?

The see of Alexandria belonged to its founder, St. Mark, who founded the church around A.D. 57–59.

What event stopped the Jewish sacrifices in A.D. 70?

The Romans attacked and destroyed Jerusalem and its Altar, completely stopping the offerings.

Why did Christians leave Jerusalem four years before its destruction?

They left because they believed Jesus' prediction about the destruction of the city.

Which apostles preached in India?

Bartholomew and Thomas preached in India.

Which apostles preached in Asia Minor?

John and Philip preached in Asia Minor.

Which Roman emperor initiated a massive fire and blamed the Christians?

Emperor Nero initiated the fire in 64 A.D. and used it as a reason to kill massive numbers of Christians.

Which Roman emperor considered himself 'God and Lord' and exiled St. John?

Domitian considered himself 'God and Lord' and exiled St. John.

Why is Sunday called the Lord's Day?

Sunday is called the Lord's day because our Lord Jesus arose from the dead on that day.

What were the 'Agape' meetings in the Apostolic Church?

The Agape were meetings of the believers where they used to get together, sing hymns, and eat together.

Which two days of the week were fasted by the early Apostolic Church?

Wednesday and Friday were fasted by the Apostles' Church.

Did the Church in the Apostles' era practice praying for the dead?

Yes, the church practiced praying for the dead, believing it benefited those who had not committed sins leading to death.

Who were the 'Apostolic Fathers'?

They were the fathers who were contemporary with the apostles and were their disciples.

Name the three famous Apostolic Fathers.

The three famous Apostolic Fathers were St. Clement, St. Ignatius, and St. Polycarp.

What was St. Ignatius called?

St. Ignatius was called 'The bearer of the Divine'.

What characterized the writings of the Apostolic Fathers?

Their writings aimed to maintain church unity, keep the faith pure, and possessed an 'eschatological character' waiting for Christ's second coming.

What was the oldest center for sacred sciences in the history of Christianity?

The Catechistic School of Alexandria was the oldest center for sacred sciences.

How did Pantaenus contribute to the Coptic language?

He introduced the Coptic Alphabet by using the Greek Alphabet and adding 7 letters from the ancient Demotic language.

How did Clement of Alexandria respond to the Gnostic heresy?

He showed the supremacy of Christian gnosis, teaching that the Logos converts, disciplines, and instructs mankind to perfect knowledge.

Who was described as 'The Prince of the Bible Interpreters'?

Origen was described as the Prince of the Bible Interpreters.

What was Origen's 'Hexapla'?

It was a 28-year study and translation of Bible manuscripts arranged in six columns.

Why was Origen excommunicated by the Church?

Pope Demetrius held a council that excommunicated Origen due to his theological mistakes and his unauthorized ordination in Palestine.

Who was the first bishop of Alexandria to be called 'Papa' or Pope?

Heraclas was so loved by his people that they called him 'Papa' in Coptic, which means 'Father'.

What title did St. Athanasius give to St. Dionysius?

St. Athanasius called him the 'Teacher of the Universal Church'.

When did the age of martyrdom reach its peak?

The persecution of Christians reached its peak during the years of Emperor Diocletian between 284 and 305 A.D.

What was the previous profession of St. Arsenius before he became a monk?

He was hired by the king to be a teacher for his two sons.

What does the word 'heresy' mean?

It comes from the Greek word meaning 'to Choose'.

What did the Docetism heresy claim?

It claimed that Christ was a phantom and not completely God and completely human.

How many Ecumenical Councils were accepted by the Coptic Orthodox Church?

The Coptic Orthodox Church accepts three Ecumenical Councils.

What heresy was addressed at the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D.?

The council addressed the Arian heresy, which stated that Christ was created and that the Father was greater than the Son.

How many bishops attended the Ecumenical Council of Nicea?

Emperor Constantine invited 318 bishops from all over the world to this council.

Who was the hero of the Council of Nicea?

The deacon Athanasius was the hero who dumbfounded Arius and his followers.

Who was elected to preside over the Council of Nicea?

Hosius of Cordova was elected both for his age and his sanctity.

Which three members were selected to word the Nicene Creed?

The council selected Pope Alexandros, his deacon Athanasius, and Leontius.

What heresy was addressed at the second Ecumenical Council in Constantinople in 381 A.D.?

The council dealt with the Macedonian heresy, which denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit.

Who presided over the Council of Constantinople?

Pope Timothaous of Alexandria presided over this council.

How many bishops attended the Council of Constantinople?

Emperor Theodosius the Great invited about 150 bishops to this council.

What heresy was addressed at the third Ecumenical Council in Ephesus in 431 A.D.?

The council dealt with the Nestorian heresy, which claimed Christ had two separate persons and denied Mary the title 'Mother of God'.

Who presided over the Council of Ephesus?

St. Cyril the Great presided over the council and was called the 'Pillar of Religion'.

How many bishops attended the Council of Ephesus?

Two hundred bishops attended the council.

Why was St. Athanasius called 'The Apostolic'?

He was given this name because he kept the faith safe and spared no effort to accomplish a significant mission.

How many times was St. Athanasius exiled for defending the faith?

He was exiled five times from his seat.

What does the name 'Chrysostom' mean?

The name means the 'Golden Mouth'.

Why was St. John Chrysostom exiled?

He was exiled for his outspoken criticism of the Royal court and for stopping Queen Eudoxia (Ozeksia) from taking communion.

What was the result of the Chalcedonian Assembly in 451 A.D.?

It caused a division in the church because it accepted the two natures of Christ and was held without Pope Dioscorus to destroy Alexandrian leadership.

Who is considered the first monk in the world?

St. Anthony the Great is widely regarded as the first monk and founder of monasticism.

Who composed the first rules of the monastic life and established community monasteries?

St. Pachomius was the first Abbot in the world who established cenobitic monasteries and rules.

Who wrote the 'Life of Antony'?

Saint Athanasius the Apostolic authored the work based on encounters with Abba Antony.

What is the Greek word for fellowship used to describe Abba Pachomius's federation of monasteries?

The word is 'Koinonia'.

Who established the monastic settlement of Scetis?

Abba Macarius the Egyptian established this settlement.

Who were the two Roman princes that became monks in Wadi El-Natroun?

They were St. Maximus and Domadius, sons of the Roman emperor Valentinian.

How is the Coptic Orthodox Church's worship system described?

It is described as a system that lifts the heart towards heaven without ignoring human reality, and it brings the apostolic life to modern man.

What are the seven sacraments of the Coptic Orthodox Church?

They are Baptism, Anointment with Holy Chrism, Holy Communion, Repentance and confession, Priesthood, Marriage, and Anointment of the sick.

What does the Greek word 'Baptismos' signify in the sacrament of Baptism?

It means 'dye,' which is the reason for complete immersion during Baptism.

How was the Holy Chrism first prepared?

It was first made by the Apostles from the scents that were prepared for the body of Christ after His burial.

Why is the Eucharist called the sacrament of sacraments?

It is called this because the bread and wine are changed into the true body and the true blood of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Which three liturgies are prayed in the Coptic Church?

The Church uses the Basilian liturgy, the Gregorian liturgy, and the Cyrillian liturgy.

How is the Coptic language connected to ancient Egypt and Greece?

The Copts used the Greek alphabet and added 7 characters from the old Egyptian language.

Why does Coptic music lack many musical instruments?

It is an extension of Old Egyptian music and depends primarily on vocal music.

What three positions are granted in the Sacrament of Priesthood?

The Holy Spirit grants the Episcopal position, the Ministry position, and the Deaconship position.

What is the understanding of fasting in the Coptic Church?

Fasting is understood as repressing the body and enslaving it so that the spirit can rise without bodily demands.

What is the Greek meaning of the word 'tradition' (Paradosis) in the New Testament?

It does not mean imitation, but carries the sense of forwarding something to another person, specifically receiving the life that the disciples experienced.