CRS T4 EXAMS

Explain the historical challenges Mar Benjamin Shimun faced during his leadership.

The challenges faced during his leadership include;

• Leadership during Persecution

  • The patriarch had led the ACOE though intense persecution and massacres.

• Sacrifice Of Personal Loss

  • He had allowed the death of his brother to save his people when he got kidnapped and executed by the Turkish government.

• Assyrian rights

  • During the period he had been active for, rights for Assyrians were non-existent.

How did his actions contribute to his sainthood?

This as a result contributed to his Sainthood though;

• Martyrdom for Faith and People.

  • His assassination by a Kurdish warlord while advocating for his people is seen as martyr due to the fact he died for his faith.

• Unwavering leadership Amid Criss

  • Leading the Church during genocide and persecution.

• Selfless Prioritisation of community

  • His decision to prioritise the safety of the Assyrian people over his own family, even when his brother was executed, showed an extraordinary level of selfness.

Describe the role Mar Benyamin Shimun played in protecting his people, and how this impacted his legacy within the ACOE.

• Role of Mar Benyamin Shimun.

  • Defender of the Assyrian community

  • Organised Defensive efforts

  • Sacrificial leadership

  • International advocacy for rights.

• Impact of Mar Benyamin Shimun

  • Martyrdom and Reverence

  • Symbol of Resilience

  • Inspirational figure

  • Pillar of Assyrian history.

Identify the values demonstrated by Mar Benjamin Shimun that are celebrated in the ACOE.

• Self Sacrifice

• Courage

• Resilience

• Commitment to justice.

• Faithfulness

• Advocacy for peace and unity

• Preservation of Heritage.

Discuss the significance of Mar Benyamin Shimun martyrdom in ACOE history and his veneration in the church today.

• Significance of Mar Benyamin Shimun martyrdom in ACOE history

  • Symbol of Resistance

  • Unifying Figure

  • Inspiration for future generations.

  • Legacy of leadership.

• How he is celebrated

  • Martyrs feast days

  • Liturgical Remembrance

  • Cultural education programs.

Explain the influence of St Rabban Hurmizd monastic life on the ACOE and his legacy with the community.

• Influence of St Rabban Hurmizd

  • Model of Spiritual Devotion.

  • Foundation of Monastic tradition

  • Healing and miracles

• Legacy

  • Pilgrimage site

  • Symbol of miraculous faith

  • Inspiration

Describe the miracles attributed to St. Rabban Hurmizd and their impact on his recognition as a Saint.

• The revival of the Ninevehs Major’s son.

  • The major of Ninevehs son fell ill, and doctors failed to cure him. He was advised to go to Rabban Hurmizd despite dying on the way. The prayers of St. Hurmizd had cured the son.

• Healing of the sick and cursed.

  • Those who asked to be cured and blessed (those of sick and cursed) had been cured.

Identify the practices and traditional that honour St. Rabban Hurmizd in the ACOE.

• Church named after him

• Remembrance Day

• Praying and Offering (Dukana)

Discuss the contributions of St. Rabban Hurmizd to monasticism and spiritual life.

• St Rabban Hurmzid had set a high standard to monasticism, which included;

  • Establishing the Rabban Hurmizd Monastery

    • Monastery severed as a model of monastic life, promoting denotation throughout prayer, solitude, and community worship.

    • Became a major spiritual centre and later influenced the Chatholic Church.

  • Promotion of Asection life

    • Living in 39 years in a cave in solitude, practising asceticism to strength spiritual discipline

    • His life of prayer, fasting, and solitude inspired other Monks.

  • Lasting impact on monastic and spiritual practice

    • Dedication to Monastic life influenced generations of Monks within the ACOE, promoting ideals of self-sacrifice

Explain the role of St Addai and St Mari in spreading Christianity and why they are honoured as Apostolic figures in the ACOE.

• St Addai were the many disciples sent out to spread the word of God.

  • Preached God’s word in Edessa

  • St Addai had healed King Abgar from a incurable disease.

  • Established a early Christian foothold in Edessa.

• St Addai and St Mari had founded the practices of ACOE.

  • Oldest Eucharistic liturgies still in use.

  • Allowed ACOE to operate indecently from Roman and Byzantine control.

Describe the missionary work of Saints Addai and Mari and its importance to the foundation of the ACOE.

• St Addai was sent to preach the word of Christ in Edessa.

  • St Addai receives a latter from King Abgar of Edessa, who sought healing from Jesus, and Jesus promised to send somebody to help.

  • Organised the Christian community by appointment rankings.

• St Addai had commissioned St Mari as his successor, continuing duties.

  • St Mari preached and spread the word of Christ

  • St Addai and St Mari are credited with creating the liturgy of the ACOE.

• The significance of their actions included;

  • Foundational in establishing the ACOE.

  • By setting up the foundation, it ensured growth despite prosecution.

Identify the symbols or teachings of St. Addai and St. Mari that continue to influence the ACOE.

• The liturgical of St Addai and Mari

  • Oldest Christian Eucharistic liturgies, forms the core of worship, and it’s symbol of its theological roots.

  • Emphasises communication with God and continuing of Apostle traditions.

• Apostolic Succession and independence

  • St Addai and St Mari are honoured as the Apostolic founders, establishing its spiritual authority.

  • Ecclesiastical independence continue to influence the ACOE church structure.

• Focus on Evangelion

  • The missionary work conducted by St Addai and Mari focused on the idea of spreading the word, no matter what.

Discuss the lasting impact of Saints Addai and Mari on the liturgy and traditions of the ACOE.

• Liturgy of Addai and St Mari

  • Ancient and central Eucharistic Rite: The Eucharistic rite forms the backbone of the Church liturgical practice and embodies the theological depth and apostle origins of the Church.

  • The liturgy structure is distinct from western Christian rites, containing unique prayers and expression that focuses on reverence, humility, and deep communication with God.

• Apostolic authority and tradition

  • Foundation of Apostolic identity, Saint Addai and Mari are revered as aplastic figures in the ACOE, symbolising the church connection to the early disciples. This lineage strengthens the Church identity as authentically apostle and independence from Roman and other Christian authority.

  • Model of worship, and clergy structure: Their influenced helped established not only the liturgy but also the structure of worship and ecclesiastical organisation.

Explain the significance of the Eucharist as a sacrament in the ACOE and it’s role in the faith life of the congregation.

• Sacred Representation of Christ Body and Blood

  • The Eucharist is seen as the true embodiment of Christ sacrifice. The bread and wine used become body of Christ though divine command.

• Connection with the Paschal Mystery.

  • This sacrament directly ties to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. By consuming the Body and Blood, congregants are reminded of Christ sacrifice and his love for humanity serving to renew their cognition with God.

• Communal bond and Unity.

  • The Eucharist fosters unity among the congregation, bringing them together as one body in Christ. This communal participation underscores the churches teachings in fellowship and shared belief, as members are united.

• Holy Leaven and it’s unique aspect.

  • A unique element in the ACOE eucharistic practice. This leaven, consecrated and passed down though generations, is mixed with the sacrament bread, symbolises the con-tiny and unbroken linkage of faith.

Describe the purpose of the Holy Leaven (Malka) in the celebration of the Eucharist.

• Historical and Apostolic origins.

  • The Holy Leaven is believed to have been handed down by apostles like St Thomas and St. Bartholomew, and later by Mar Addai and Mari

• Symbol of continuity and Unity

  • The Malka is renewed annually, symbolising both continuity and unity within the Church. the act of renewing it every year on Holy Thursday represents the churches continuous lineage from the apostles.

• Presentation of traditions

  • The Holy Leaven carries symbolic weight as it is kept carefully within the church and passed down through generations. it represents the preservation of sacred tradition and provide a tangible connection to the early church.

Identify the essential ingredients and the materials used in preparing the Eucharist, including the Holy Leaven (Malka)

• Wheat flour

• Water

• Salt

• Yeast

• Holy Leaven (Malka)

• Olive Oil

• Wine liturgical vessels

Outline the steps involved in the preparation of the Eucharist and the role of the priest in this sacrament.

1. Gathering and blessing of the ingredients

   • Priest begins by gathering the essential ingredients, such as wheat, flour, water, salt, yeast, and the Holy Leaven.

2. Mixing and treading the dough

3. Sealing and Marking the dough

4. covering and allowing time for rising

5. Baking the bread

6. Consecration of the bread/wine

7. Admission to the congregation

8. Post Eucharistic prayers and Rituals

Discuss why the Holy leaven (Malka) is seen as a symbol of continuity in the ACOE

• Apostolic Traditional and historical connection

  • ACOE teaches that the Holy Leaven was handed down by apostles, establishing a tangible link to the earliest days, This lineage makes Malka a physical embodiment of the church’s roots.

• Annual Renewal off the Leaven

  • The Holy Leaven is renewed every year on the Holy Thursday, A day commemorating the last supper, the institution of the Eucharist by Christ. In this renewal, the years provides Malka is mixed with fresh ingredients, symbolising the continuous faith in Christ

• Spiritual continuity and faithful dedication

  • Holy Leaven servers as a reminder that tier faith is deeply rooted in history and tradition.

Summarise the importance of receiving the Eucharist regularly for members of the ACOE.

• Spiritual nourishment and union with Christ

  • Eucharist is viewed as the true Body and Blood of Christ, enabling believers to partake in his presence. Taking it deepens the relationship between the person and God.

• Forgiveness of Sins and purification

  • Regular participation in the Eucharist is a means for the faithful to seek forgiveness and spiritual purification. the Eucharist is believed to cleanse believer from sins, helping them maintain a pure heart and soul.

  • Provides a renewed sense of spiritual clarity, allowing members to reflect on their actions, repent, and recommitment to the principles

• Strengthening the community and church unity

  • The Eucharist is important as it is central to building unity within the people.

Explain the connection between the Eucharist and the sacrament of the priesthood.

• Priesthood as the means of consecrating the Eucharist

  • Priesthood is essential for celebration of the Eucharist, as it is the priest who has the authority to consecrate the bread and wine, transforming them into the body of Christ. This consecration is seen as a sacred act that only ordinated priests can only do.

• Eucharist as the fulfilment of the priest role.

  • The priesthood exists primarily to facilitate the sacrament, with eucharist being the central and most sacred act. Celebrating the Eucharist fulfils the core purpose of the priesthood, as priests act in the person of christ to offer the sacrificial.

Describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the consecration of the Eucharist and the role of the priest invoting it.

• Holy Spirit transformative power in the Eucharist.

  • The Holy Spirt is believed to be Divine agent who sanctifies the bread and wine, marking the transformation from ordinary elements to the Body and Blood of Christ possible. This process is known as epiclesis (the calling down of the Holy Spirit)

  • This act underscores the Holy Spirt’s role as a source of Divine power and sanctification within the sacrament

• Priest as the invoker of the Holy Spirit

  • Ordinated through the sacrament of Holy orders, has the authority to invoke the Holy Spirit during the Eucharist prayer. His role is to call the Spirit on behalf of the congregation, acting as a mediation.

Explain the significance of the Eucharist as a sacrament in the ACOE and it’s role in the faith life of the congregation.

• Communal bond and unity

  • The Eucharist fosters unity among the congregation, bringing them together as one body in Christ. This communal participation underscores the churches teachings on fellowship and shared belief, as members are united.

• Holy Leaven and it’s unique aspect

  • A unique element in the Assyrian Eucharistic practice. This leaven, consecrated and passed down though generations, is mixed with the sacramental bread, symbolising the continuity and unbroken linage of faith.

Describe the purpose of the Holy Leaven (Malka) in the celebration of the Eucharist

• Historical and Apostolic origins

  • The Holy leaven is believed to have been handed down by apostles line such as St. Thomas and St. Bartholomew, and later by Mar Addai and Mari Mari. This lineage gives the Malka profound apostolic significance, symbolising a direct, sacred connection from Christ to present day.

• Symbol of continuity and unity

  • The Malka is renewed annually, symbolising both continuity and unity within the Church. The act of renewing it every year on Holy Thursday represents the churches continuous lineage from the apostles

• Preservation of tradition

  • The Holy Leaven carries symbolic weight as it is kept carefully within the church and passed down through generations. It represents the preservation of sacred tradition and provides a tangible correction to the Early Church

Discuss the lasting impacts of Saints Addai and Mari on the liturgy and traditions of the ACOE.

• The Liturgy of Addai and St Mari

  • Ancient and Central Eucharistic rite: The Eucharistic rite forms the backbone of the Church liturgical practice and embodies the theological depth and apostolic origins of the Church.

• Apostolic authority and tradition

  • Foundation of Apostolic identity: Saint Addai and Mari are revered as apostolic figures in the ACOE, symbolising the churches connection to the early disciples. This lineage strengthens the Church identity as authentically apostolic and independence from Roman or Byzantine Christian authority.

  • Model for worship and clergy structure: Their influenced helped established not only the liturgies but also the structure of worship and ecclesiastical organisation.

Explain the role of St. Addai and St. Mari in spreading Christianity and why they are honoured as Apostolic figures in the ACOE.

• St Addai had been the many disciples to spread the word of God

  • Preached God’s word in Edessa

  • St Addai had healed king Abgar from a incurable disease

  • Established a early Christian foothold in Edessa

• St Addai and St Mari had founded the practices of the ACOE.

  • Oldest Eucharistic liturgies still in use

  • Allowed ACOE to operated independently from Roman

Describe the missionary work of Saints Addai and Mari and its importance to the foundation of the ACOE.

• St Addai was sent to preach the aspect of Christ in Edessa

  • St Addai received a letter from king Abgar of Edessa, who sought healing from Jesus, and Jesus promised to send somebody to help.

  • Organised the Christian community by appointing rankings.

• St Addai had commissioned St Mari and Addai as his successor, continuing his duties.

  • St Mari preached and spread the word of Christ

  • St Addai and St Mari are credited with creating the liturgy of the ACOE

• The significance of their actions included:

  • Foundational in establishing the ACOE, with the own hierarchy and traditions.

  • By setting it up the community, ensured the growth despite challenges.

Identify the symbols or teachings of St. Addai and St. Mari that continue to influence the ACOE.

• The liturgical of St Addai and Mari

  • Oldest Christian Eucharistic liturgies, forms the core of worship.

  • Emphasises communication with god and continuy