CRS T4

What is the theory of evolution?

• The theory of evolution believes that all living things developed and changed over millions of years through natural selection.

What is the creation theory?

• The creation theory believes that God created the world and all life in their present form as described in religious texts.

What is the days of Holy Week?

• Palm Sunday

• Holy Monday

• Holy Tuesday

• Passover

• Good Friday

• Easter Sunday

• Monday of the thief

What is Palm Sunday?

• Jesus enters Jerusalem, and people greet him with palm branches.

What is Holy Monday?

• Jesus clears the Temple of the merchants and money changers.

What is Holy Tuesday?

• Jesus teaches the Temple and predicts his death.

What is Passover?

• Jesus shares the Last Supper with his disciples and washes their feet.

What is Good Friday?

• Jesus is crucified and dies on the cross.

What is Easter Sunday?

• Jesus rises from the dead, celebrating his resurrection.

What is the Monday of the thief?

• The Thief he went to heaven.

What is the correct ways to fast?

• Fast with a pure heart focusing on prayer, repentance, and self-control.

• Use fasting as a time to grow closer to God.

• Staying humble.

What are the incorrect ways to fast?

• Fasting only to look holy or impress others.

• Complaining, being angry, or continuing to sin while fasting.

• Treating fasting as just not eating, without prayer or spiritual reflection.

Who is St John Chrysostom?

• He teaches that;

  • True fasting is more than avoiding food; it involves avoiding sin.

  • Discipline should extend to eyes, ears, hands, and mouth.

  • Genuine fasting means being kind, pure, and turning away from evil.

  • Skipping meals alone does not constitute true fasting.

What is the categories of Sainthood?

• Miracles

• Contribution to the ACOE

• Martyrdom

How do you pray to Saints?

• One should ask them to pray to God on their behalf, not worship them.

• You honor the saints for their holy lives and seek then for prayers to God for you.

• Prayers to saints should be respectful and focused on God, asking for help, guidance, or strength through the saint’s examples and prayers.

Who is St Stephen?

• St. Stephen was the first Christian martyr.

• He was known for his strong faith, wisdom, and service as one of the first deacons of the Church.

• He boldly preached about Jesus, leading to his arrest.

• He was stoned to death for his faith.

• As he died, he forgave his enemies, demonstrating courage and compassion like Jesus.

What was St Stephens role within the church?

• St. Stephen was one of the first seven deacons in the church.

• His role was to assist the apostles by caring for the poor and distributing food.

• He also preached the Gospel with faith and wisdom.

• Through his preaching, he helped spread Christianity in it’s early days.

Who is St George and why was he martyred?

• St. George was a Christian solider renowned for his faith and bravery.

• He was martyred for refusing to renounce his Christian faith under the Roman Empire.

• He remained steadfast even when threatened with his death.

• His courage made him a symbol of faith and protection.

Who is Job and what was his life before the trials.

• Job lived in the land of Uz and was known for being blameless, upright, and deeply faithful to God.

• He was very wealthy, with large herds, extensive land, and many servants.

• Job had a large family of seven sons and three daughters.

• Before trials he lived a peaceful, prosperous, and blessed life devoted to God,

Outline the main trials and suffering Job faced.

• Job lost his wealth, livestock, and servants.

• All ten of his children were killed in a sudden disaster.

• He suffered painful sores over his entire body.

• His wife urged his to curse God and die.

• His friends falsely accused him of sinning against God.

• Despite immense pain, loss, and loneliness, Job maintained his faith.

What was God’s response to Job response to the trials?

• God spoke to Job from a storm, highlighting His power and wisdom.

• He reminded Job that humans cannot fully comprehend His plans or purposes.

• After Job humbled himself and repented for questioning God, God restored his fortunes.

• Job received twice as much as he had lost and was blessed with new children.

• He was granted a long, peaceful, and prosperous life.

Explain what Job’s story reveal about.

• Job’s story reveals that true faith involves trusting God even amid pain and confusion.

• Despite losing his family, health, and wealth, Job remained devoted to God.

• Faith is demonstrated not by a life without hardship, but by loyalty and perseverance during suffering.

• The story teaches that through patience, prayer, and trust, God can provide strength, understanding, and eventual blessings after trials.

Discuss what Christians today can learn form Jobs perseverance and trust?

• Christians today can learn from Job’s perseverance and trust the importance of remaining faithful to God during hardships.

• Job demonstrates that true faith is not based on comfort or success but on trusting God’s goodness and plan.

• His example encourages believers to continue praying, practicing patience, and maintaining hope when facing challenges.

• Job’s story shows that suffering can strengthen faith and that God rewards those who remain loyal.

• It teaches Christians to trust that God is always in control, even when life seems unfair or painful.

What are parables?

• Parables are stories that Jesus told to teach moral or spiritual lessons.

• They use everyday situations and symbols to convey deeper truths about God, faith, and how people should live.

• Parables illustrate spiritual principles in a way that is relatable and easy to understand.

What is the main message or lesson of the parable of the lost sheep?

• The main message of the Parable of the Lost Sheep is that God loves every individual.

• God actively seeks out those who are lost or have turned away from Him.

• The parable highlights God’s mercy, forgiveness, and the joy He experiences when a sinner repents and returns.

Explain how various parables guide Christians in the way they should live.

• Parables guide Christians by teaching them to live with love, forgiveness, kindness, and faithfulness.

• The Good Samaritan encourages believers to help and show compassion to all people, even strangers.

• The Lost Son emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, repentance, and reconciliation.

• Overall, parables remind Christians to live with compassion, follow Jesus’ example, and embody God’s values in daily life.

What can Christians learn form parables?

• Christians can learn from parables how to live according to God’s will.

• They provide guidance on developing strong faith and demonstrating love and mercy to others.

• Parables teach lessons about humility, repentance, and trust in God.

• Overall, they guide believers to lead a good, faithful, and morally upright life.

What are miracles that falls under physical, resurrection, and Nature?

• Physical healing;

  • Jesus healed a blind man by touching his eyes and restoring his sight.

• Resurrection;

  • Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead after he had been in the tomb for four days.

• Nature;

  • Jesus calmed a violent storm by commanding the wind and waves to be still.

What is the different epistles written by Paul?

• The epistles included;

  • Romans

  • 1 Corinthians

  • 2 Corinthians

  • Galatians

  • Ephesians

  • Philippians

  • Colossians

  • 1 Thessalonians

  • 2 Thessalonians

  • 1 Timothy

  • 2 Timothy

  • Titus

  • Philemon.

• These letters addressed matters of faith, conduct, and church organisation.

What happened on the Road to Damascus to Saul?

• While travelling to Damascus to persecute Christians, Saul was suddenly surrounded by a bright light from heaven.

• He fell to the ground and heard Jesus’ voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

• Saul was blinded by the light and remained unable to see for three days.

Identify who was Ananias and his role in Saul’s conversion.

• Ananias was a devoted disciple of Jesus living in Damascus.

• God instructed him to visit Saul despite his fear of him.

• Ananias obeyed, laid his hands on Saul, and restored his sight.

• He baptised Saul, initiating his transformation into a follower of Christ.

What is the definition of sacraments?

• Priesthood

• Holy Baptism

• Oil of Unction

• Oblation of the Body and Blood of Christ

• Absolution

• Holy Leaven

• Signs of the Cross.

Who can perform sacraments?

• Priest, as they have received the blessing of Christ.

• For a sacrament to be true, they all must;

  • A true Priest must be present at these sacraments.

  • The word and command of the Lord is to be evident in the sacraments.

  • Right intention and confirmed faith is shown by the recipient.

What does the Holy Cross Represent?

• The Holy Cross represents God’s power, renewal, and universal salvation.

• It is the central symbol of Christian faith and divine protection.

• It signifies redemption and eternal life for the faithful.

• The Cross is the only venerated symbol in the Assyrian Church of the East.

• It is honoured and kissed in churches and homes as a sign of deep reverence.

How is the Holy Cross linked to Jesus’s sacrifice and salvation?

• The Cross is the instrument through which Jesus offered His life for humanity’s salvation.

• It symbolises Christ’s victory over sin and death.

• Through His death on the Cross, Jesus redeemed the world and opened the way to eternal life.

• Mar Abdisho teaches that worship is directed not to the wood of the Cross, but to God, who sacrificed His Son upon it.

• The Cross embodies divine love and the fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan.

Outline why the Holy Cross is considered a sacred or important sacrament to the ACOE.

• The Sign of the Living Cross is unique to the Assyrian Church of the East.

• Mar Abdisho classifies it as a sacrament because all other sacraments are completed and sealed through it.

• The Apostles performed miracles and ordained the priesthood through the power of the Cross.

• The Cross is a sign of protection and renewal for all Christians.

• It is anticipated to appear in the heavens at the Lord’s Second Coming.

• The Cross symbolises both veneration and divine connection, representing the foundation of faith and salvation in the ACOE.

Why has St Helena travelled to Jerusalem?

• St Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, travelled to Jerusalem to find and locate the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified.

What did St Helena discovered when she arrived in Jerusalem?

• When she arrived, she found that the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, known as Golgotha, was buried under pagan temples and had become lost over time.

What did St Helena order to be done to uncover the site.

• She ordered to destroy the pagan temple and for excavations to be made at the site.

What was found at the excavation?

• During the excavation, three crosses were found, along with the nails used in crucifixions and other remnants from the crucifixion.

What St Helena identified which cross was the True Cross?

• A dying man was placed on top of each Cross, when it had touched the Ture Cross, the dead man came back to life. This miraculous event helped St Helena identify which cross was the True Cross of Jesus.

What St Helena did after discovering the True Cross.

• St Helena lit up a fire, as a sign that the True cross had been found.

What are disciples?

• followers or students of Christ, people who learn from Jesus and try to live by his teachings.

What are apostles?

• Apostles are disciples specially chosen by Jesus to spread the word of God and lead the early Church.

How did Jesus choose as his first disciples?

• Jesus chose ordinary people, such as fishermen like Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, as well as tax collectors.

• These first disciples were everyday working individuals who left their jobs to follow Jesus.

• Their calling shows that Jesus values faith and willingness over status or wealth

Why did Jesus choose people of a certain criteria?

• Jesus chose humble, ordinary individuals instead of the educated or religious elite.

• He sought people who were available, open-hearted, and willing to learn.

• By selecting relatable individuals, Jesus ensured His message could reach and connect with everyday people.

• This choice demonstrated that faith, humility, and willingness to serve are more important than status or knowledge

What is the origins of the ACOE?

• The ACOE developed in the 1st century AD in the Mesopotamian, Eastern Aramaic-speaking regions.

Who founded the ACOE?

• The church is Apostolic traditionally established by apostles such as St Thomas (Mar Toma), St Thaddeus (Mar Addai), Mar Mari, and St Bartholomew (Mar Bar Tulmay).

How did the ACOE developed in it’s early years?

• The Assyrian Church of the East (ACOE) developed independently from the Byzantine Empire.

• It established its own ecclesiastical structures and liturgical traditions while maintaining ties to its apostolic origins.

• Early Christian communities in regions such as Babylon and Mesopotamia formed dioceses with local bishops and clergy.

• This allowed the Church to grow and spread its faith across the East while preserving its distinct identity.

St. Peter’s Relation to the First Assyrian Church of the East (ACOE)

• St. Peter, also known as Mar Shimun or Keepa, is believed to have blessed the Christian community in Babylon.

• His blessing created a spiritual connection between the Assyrian Church of the East and the wider apostolic tradition.

• This connection granted the Church spiritual authority and legitimacy within early Christianity.

• Through St. Peter’s blessing, the ACOE traced its origins directly to the apostles and the foundations of the early Church.

What is Diocese?

• A diocese is a district or region placed under the pastoral care and authority of a bishop.

• It consists of multiple parishes that the bishop oversees spiritually and administratively.

  • The Diocese of Baghdad, led by Mar Elia Isaac.

  • The diocese of Victoria and New Zealand, Mar Benjamin Elya

What is Archdiocese, and how does Metropolitan influence with it?

• Archdiocese: A larger or more significant diocese that often has authority over several nearby dioceses. It holds greater administrative and spiritual importance within the Church.

• Metropolitan: A senior bishop who oversees an archdiocese and may supervise other dioceses within a particular region.

• Example: Mar Meelis Zaia, Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand, and Lebanon.

Who is the Patriarch of the ACOE?

• His Holiness Mar Awa III Royel.

What is the Patriarchs role?

• The Patriarch serves as the spiritual leader of the entire Church.

• He presides over the Holy Synod, guiding the Church’s teachings, governance, and spiritual direction.

• The Patriarch provides vision and pastoral leadership to clergy and believers.

• He represents the Assyrian Church of the East in meetings with other churches and religious leaders.

• Additionally, he participates in the appointment of bishops and metropolitans, ensuring the continuation of apostolic leadership.

How the Patriarch participates in the Holy Synod?

• The Patriarch presides over and directs the meetings of the Holy Synod.

• He determines the agenda by selecting the topics and issues to be discussed.

• During the sessions, he leads and moderates the conversations among the bishops.

• The Patriarch guides the decision-making process on matters concerning Church teachings, liturgical practices, leadership appointments, and canonical rules.

• His role ensures unity, order, and faithful adherence to the traditions of the Assyrian Church of the East.

How does the Patriarch influence the overall church?

• The Patriarch provides spiritual and administrative guidance for the entire Church, shaping its teachings and direction.

• He appoints and oversees church leaders, ensuring strong and faithful leadership throughout the dioceses.

• His leadership maintains unity within the Assyrian Church of the East and preserves its apostolic traditions.

• The Patriarch represents the Church in relations with other Christian denominations and global religious communities.

• His decisions and teachings profoundly influence the Church’s growth, spiritual focus, and role in the modern world.

What are the Patriarchs works and missions?

• Presiding over the Synod and shaping church decisions.

• Appointing bishops/metropolitans to lead dioceses and archdioceses.

• Providing pastoral leadership and a vision for growth, unity and response to modern challenges.

How can Christians contribute to the growth of the church?

• Inviting others to Church

• Volunteering in Church Activities

• Helping the wider community.