New Testament
In which epistle is the main subject the universality of sin and how salvation is gained through God’s grace rather than our own merits?
Epistle to Romans
What are sacraments?
The Holy Sacraments are the visible form of these invisible blessings. Sacraments are also called 'secrets'. Sacrament means ' that which purifies'.
What are the four features of the church?
One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic
(Please expand on the exam: Lesson 33)
What are the two orders of Thuyobo (Preparation)?
Order of Malchizedek & Order of Aaron
(Please expand more on the exam: Holy Qurbana Book page 21-23)
In which epistle does St. Paul warn people about heresies stating: "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed"? We repeat this during the Holy Qurbono in the song “Paul the Blessed/"Paulose Sleeha”.
Epistle to Galatians
Why is Holy Qurbana is called 'The Queen of all Sacraments'?
The Holy Qurbana is the sacrament which gives completeness to all other sacraments. So the Holy Qurbana is called 'The Queen of all Sacraments' .
What does the nature apostolic show? Prove that the Syriac Orthodox Church is apostolic.
Apostolic inheritance, and proper ordination of priests and the apostolic faith.
The Syriac Orthodox Jacobite church under the throne of St. Peter in Antioch has carried on the right ordination. It has kept the faith pure, follows and spreads the message, which Jesus Christ gave his Apostles, carries out the sacraments and ordains priests. So our church is apostolic. If anybody breaks away from the throne, which is the apostolic source for ordination, they lose their identity of being apostolic. For apostolic nature to be complete apostolic ordination is necessary. Only apostolic nature can bring heavenly grace.
Explain how all the senses are involved in the Holy Qurbono.
In the Holy Services of our Church all the senses are involved. Seeing the divine experience unfolding in the altar, hearing the melodious chants and hymns of the celebrant and congregation, smelling the fragrant aroma of incense which purifies the body and spirit, the gentle touch of our fellow brethren during the kiss of peace, and the pleasant taste of the body and blood of our dear Lord Jesus Christ emulates the most breathtaking heavenly experience.
In which epistle was the receiving church not criticized but rather praised for their fellowship and good faith?
Epistle to Philippians
What are the main goals of the Holy Church?
The main goals of the church are ( 1) Spread the good news about Jesus to all nations of the world, (2) talk about repentance and forgiveness of sins and (3) become witnesses for Jesus Christ.
What are the seven rules of the Holy Church?
1. Must participate in Holy Qurbana on Sundays and other Maranaya days.
2. All the Lents decided by the church should be observed.
3. Should observe Wednesdays and Fridays as lent days.
4. Confess sins before the priest.
5. Have Holy Communion regularly.
6. During lent and on Sundays married people should refrain from contact.
7. Offerings, risisas and one tenth of income should be given to the church.
What are the sacramental items and their uses>
Holy Qurbana Book page 12-17
In which epistle is the importance of maintaining union and harmony between converted Jews and Gentiles as one body in Christ discussed?
Epistle to Ephesians
The church is compared to the body of Jesus, why?
Christ is the head and church is the body of Christ. Church, the body, fulfills the wish of the head, which is Christ. The body has different organs. Different organs have different functions. Each part carries out its functions as instructed by the head. All the organs work in coordination. One organ cannot do the function of the other. All the organs together constitute the body. The body is totally submissive to the head. So church, the body should be totally submissive to Christ the head.
What do the holy fathers teach us about the death of Mother Mary?
When Mother Mary died, the news reached all the Apostles in various parts of the world by the action of the Holy Spirit. They all gathered together in Jerusalem. Jesus Christ came with his angels and carried her body to heaven as witnessed by the holy fathers. Feast of mother Mary starts with the lent for five days. This lent is known as Shunoyo lent. The feast is on the day lent finishes. That day one should participate in the Qurbana, stay away from ordinary activities and spend time in good deeds.
Prayers
Lesson 1
In which epistle is there comparisons made between Jesus and the Prophets of the Old Testament? It also proves that Jesus sacrificed himself, died, was resurrected and became High Priest. This epistle teaches the meaning of faith.
Epistle to Hebrews
The church is the kingdom of God, why?
Worship is carried out in the church as described in Revelations chapter 4. Like the angels, members of the church say, "The Lord God is holy holy holy". They continuously sing and praise the Lord saying 'Halleluiah' and kneel down and worship him. The gospel is glorified in the church. The holy sacraments are given to the church members so that they continue to grow in Spirit. So the church is the kingdom of God.
Prove that observing lent is biblical.
God put restrictions on food for Adam (Genesis 2: 17). So for spiritual growth, God himself imposed fasting. Great importance is given to fasting in both New and Old Testaments. Moses fasted for 40 days and forty nights (Exodus 34:28) David fasted for his child (2 Samuel 12: 16) Prophet Elijah fasted for 40 days (1 Kings 19:8) In the Old Testament there are examples when people were fasting to avert God's wrath and also as penance. We have learnt about the story of people of Nineveh-about the judgment passed on them and how God forgave them when they regretted and fasted. Our Lord fasted for forty days (Matthew 4:2) Jesus taught us that only with fasting and prayer we can overcome Satan (Mathew 17:21). Apostles also used to fast and pray. (Acts13: 2, 27:10). So Fasting is a practice which Jesus himself followed and entrusted to us.
Songs
Lesson 36