Lesson 4
What is theosis?
BONUS: Who is the Theotokos?
becoming like God
What are the literal meanings of the Greek root word Moorōn from which "Holy Mooron" is derived?
"Unguent, ointment, perfume, sweet oil, and chrism."
In the Old Testament, what covenantal rite performed on the eighth day after birth prefigured the New Testament practice of infant baptism?
Circumcision (the Old Covenant sign given to Abraham)
Which parable occurs only in St. Mark?
St. Mark 4:26-30
Which diocese do we belong too?
Northeast American Diocese (NEAD)
When we partake in the Holy Eucharist, what are we remembering?
The Last Supper
In the Malankara Orthodox Church, who leads the Mooron Koodasha (Sanctification of Holy Mooron), and who specifically assists him during this solemn ceremony?
His Holiness the Catholicos leads the service, assisted by the entire Holy Episcopal Synod, along with 12 priests, 12 deacons (Shemmashans), and 12 subdeacons.
What theological term refers to the washing away of the spiritual corruption inherited from ancestral sin and being made a new creation in Baptism?
Spiritual regeneration (or rebirth).
According to St. Mark chapter 5, where was the Gadarenes?
Galilee
Which are the two major seminaries that teach theology?
Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam
St. Thomas Orthodox Theological Seminary, Nagpur
According to the lesson, St. Paul teaches (in 1 Corinthians 11:27) that restricting Holy Qurbana to baptized believers is not a rule of exclusion. What is the true pastoral reason for this boundary?
It is to protect anyone who is unprepared from receiving the Eucharist in an unworthy manner.
At what specific liturgical hour is Holy Mooron consecrated, and what Trinitarian theology does this timing signify according to the patristic quotation in the lesson?
It is consecrated at the third hour because it indicates Christ, who indicates the Trinity: the Father who anoints, the Son who is anointed, and the Holy Spirit who fulfills the role of oil.
What does the white Baptismal Garment specifically symbolize regarding the newly baptized person's spiritual state upon emerging from the font?
It symbolizes purity, the cleansing of sin, the illumination of the soul, and being clothed in the righteousness and radiant light of Jesus Christ.
In the story about the woman with the flow of blood, what does it mean when they say, "and had suffered many things from many physicians?"
Many religions tried to heal her, but it didn't work
What is the Order of St. Thomas?
church's highest award is presented to heads of state and churches by the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan.
In what physical location and during which biblical event did our Lord Jesus Christ first establish the Holy Eucharist with His disciples?
In the upper room on the eve of His Passion during the Mystical Supper (Last Supper).
What are the only two occasions in Church life when the Holy Mooron is used?
(1) During the post-baptismal anointing of a human being in Holy Chrismation, and (2) during the Consecration of the Church (anointing the Holy Altar, altar stone/tablito, vessels, and church building).
Why does the Orthodox baptismal rite require triple immersion into the water in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit?
The triple immersion signifies our participation in Christ’s three-day burial and resurrection, while sealing our faith in the Holy Trinity.
Who was the King who feared St. John (the Baptist)?
Herod
Who was the first bishop of the NEAD?
H.G. Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios
What is the critical difference between treating Holy Communion as a "reenactment or symbolic memorial" of the Last Supper versus the Orthodox understanding of Anamnesis (liturgical actualization)? How does this relate to participating in the Kingdom of God?
A symbolic memorial looks backward at a past event that is over. Orthodox Anamnesis mystically makes the reality of Christ's sacrifice, resurrection, and second coming present here and now. When the children receive Holy Qurbana, they are partaking of the very same Body and Blood of Christ offered in the eternal Kingdom, uniting their entire lives to Him.
In the analogy from St. Maximus the Confessor cited in the chapter, how does the same sun affect wax versus mud, and what spiritual truth does this illustrate about our souls?
The sun dries out and hardens mud (representing souls that love worldly matter and harden their hearts), but automatically softens wax (representing souls that love God and become receptive dwelling places of the Holy Spirit).
In Orthodox theology, why does the Church administer Holy Baptism, Holy Chrismation, and Holy Communion together in infancy, rather than separating them by years?
Because salvation and divine grace are complete, unearned gifts of God. The infant is immediately made a full, living member of the Body of Christ and given the spiritual nourishment needed to grow into the fullness of Christ (theosis).
When is the Feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist?
August 29