The Cross & Salvation
What are the two distinct aspects of the Cross that Christians experience in their spiritual life?
Joy and Suffering (or Victory and Sacrifice)
Who is the author of the Book of Leviticus, and what term do the Jewish people use to refer to this book?
Prophet Moses; they call it the "Law of the Priests" (or Torah / Law)
To whom did Christ give Paradise, and what phrase did He say to fulfill this gift?
To the right-hand thief; "Today you will be with Me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43)
How many times a year does the Church celebrate the procession of the Cross?
3 times annually; during the 2 Feasts of the Cross (Thoout 17 / Sept 27 and Paremhotep 10 / March 19) and on Palm Sunday.
What special title was given to St. Shenouda, and what does the word "Archimandrite" mean?
Archimandrite; it means the head or abbot of a monastery / father of monks.
Explain the symbolism behind the sign of the cross (3 fingers from forehead to chest, left to right shoulder)
3 fingers from our forehead to our chest represents God the Son coming from heaven and being born of St. Mary on Earth
From our left to our right shoulder represents us being transferred from darkness to light through the work of salvation
Name 1 of each type of animal used in sacrifice (3 total)
Herd animals: bulls, cows/oxen
Flock animals: sheep, goats
Birds: turtledoves, young pigeons
How did Christ teach us about forgiveness on the Cross and what commandment of His does this fulfill?
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34) is a practical example of Christ's commandment “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you” (Luke 6:27–28)
What are the 3 main categories/groups that the 12 Stations of the Cross procession are divided into?
The Story of Salvation & Servants of Salvation
Icons of Salvation
Concerning the Sanctuary / Church
Which ecumenical council did St. Shenouda attend alongside Pope Cyril I, and what heresy did he fight against?
The Ecumenical Council of Ephesus (431 AD); he fought against Nestorius and his heresy regarding the nature of Christ.
Name 3 types of Christ
Abel, Melchizedek, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Job, and Jonah
Explain at least 2 of the 4 step-by-step spiritual realizations an individual experiences when bringing an innocent animal sacrifice to the Tabernacle door.
Recognizes and acknowledges his sin.
Acknowledges that because of sin, he deserves death ("wages of sin is death").
Realizes he grieved the heart of God.
Acknowledges the principle of redemption (transferring sin onto the innocent animal by laying hands on its head).
Which of the 7 words demonstrate Christ as a Shepherd?
“‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’” (John 19:26-27)
What does Station 10 (Before the Immersion Font / Baptismal Room) teach us about our connection to the Cross?
Through baptism, we die and rise with Christ, are cleansed from sin, and put on the new man through the work of salvation accomplished by the Cross.
How long did St. Shenouda live, and how many monks and nuns did he shepherd as an abbot?
He lived for 118 years; he was a spiritual father to 4,000 monks and 1,800 nuns.
How does the doctrine of the Cross demonstrate both God's justice and God's mercy simultaneously?
God's justice is achieved because the penalty for sin was paid, while His mercy is shown by offering His Son to take our place.
Name 3 of the 5 main Levitical sacrifices and state what each points to or symbolizes regarding Christ.
Burnt Offering: Obedience of the Son.
Grain Offering: Incarnation of the Son.
Peace Offering: Thanksgiving offering.
Sin Offering: Bearing our sins.
Trespass Offering: Sins directed towards God.
Name 3 of the 7 things Christ gave or revealed through His final words on the Cross.
To His crucifiers: Forgiveness.
To the right-hand thief: Paradise.
To St. Mary: A spiritual son, care, and concern.
To St. John the Beloved: A spiritual mother.
To the Father: Fulfillment of redemption and reconciliation.
To humanity: Atonement and redemption.
To us: Assurance that the work of salvation was accomplished.
What is spiritual significance of Station 1 (Before the Main Sanctuary) and Station 9 (Before the Northern Door)?
Station 1: Shows that the Cross is the key to the gate of heaven (represented by the Sanctuary).
Station 9: Reminds us that the Cross is the "narrow gate" requiring repentance, struggle, and self-denial to enter the Kingdom.
Name 3 major things St. Shenouda did in his life.
Attended the Council of Ephesus with Pope Cyril I and defended the faith against Nestorius.
Fought idol worshippers, destroyed their temples, and built new churches.
Served as abbot of monasteries/convents for 66 years, shepherding 4,000 monks and 1,800 nuns.
Cared for the needy, hungry, persecuted, and oppressed, defending their rights before leaders.
Placed great emphasis on Bible reading and study/memorization, and had a great love for the Coptic language.
Name one date of the feast of the Cross (this year)
1. On Thoout 17 (September 27): Consecration of the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem.
2. On Paremhotep 10 (March 19): Discovery of the Holy Cross by St. Queen Helen in 326 AD.
Why did Old Testament animal sacrifices need to be offered daily, and what did this daily repetition demonstrate according to Hebrews 10:4?
The daily shedding of blood demonstrated its futility—that the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sins—necessitating a Living Sacrifice offered once for all by Christ.
Name 5 of the 7 Words spoken by Christ on the Cross.
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34)
"Today you will be with Me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43)
"Woman, behold your son!" / "Behold your mother!" (John 19:26–27)
"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46)
"I thirst!" (John 19:28)
"It is finished!" (John 19:30)
"Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." (Luke 23:46)
Name 4 of the specific icons or locations where stops are made during the 12 Stations of the Procession.
Before the Main Sanctuary
Icon of St. Mary
Icon of Archangel Gabriel
Icon of Archangel Michael
Icon of St. Mark
Icon of the Apostles
Icon of Any Martyr (e.g., St. George)
Icon of Any Saint (e.g., St. Anthony)
Northern Door
Immersion Font (Baptismal Room)
Southern Door
Icon of St. John the Baptist
Name the date of one of the commemorations of St. Shenouda in the Coptic Church.
His departure: 7th day of the Coptic month of Epep (July 14).
Consecration of his church: 1st day of the Coptic month of Koiahk (December 10).