8TH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW
(Mt. 14:14-22)
BREAD IN THE BIBLE
FOOD FOR THE SOUL
FEW KINDS OF ORTHODOX BREADS
CHURCH TEACHINGS
100
It seems that the multitudes followed our Lord a great distance. They were not able to find food because that place was like this.
What is "deserted "
100
After Adam and Eve disobeyed God, He tells Adam that “in the sweat of your brow you shall eat ___”. (Gen. 3:18)
What is bread.
100
Paradoxically, we may feed our souls abstaining from certain foods or not eating at all for short periods of time.
What is fasting.
100
This is a sweet bread that has a “surprise” in one of the slices!
What is vasilopita
100
In this Sacrament the gifts of bread (prosphoro) and wine become the most precious Body and Blood of the sacrificed Christ.
What is the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
200
They accompanied the five loves of bread
What are two fish.
200
Isaac and Rebecca had twins. Esau the first born sold his “first born right” to his younger brother in exchange for this food.
What is bread and stew of lentils (Gen.25:34)
200
We do it for each other. When all goes well we may forget about it but, in tribulations we surely remember to use it.
What is prayer.
200
It is required that the priests use this bread during the Divine Liturgies.
What is prosphoro (the offering bread)
200
In the Orthodox Church the priest alone cannot officiate the Divine Liturgy. He needs to have at least this number of people with him.
What is at least another person (usually a psalti-reader and maybe an acolyte).
300
Everyone was fed and they collected the fragments left over filling this many baskets.
What is twelve baskets.
300
After they got out of the Egyptian slavery, the Israelis could not find food. God decided to feed them in a special way. Because they did not know what kind of bread it was, they called it with this name.
What is manna. (Ex. 16:31)
300
Like little children, the angels want to hear it over and over again. We should have it as a daily habit reading at least a chapter.
What is the Gospel (Bible reading).
300
When a family receives a blessing, or they celebrate a name day, they bring this number of sweet breads to be blessed in church and shared with the people.
What is five loves (arthoklasia)
300
The consecration of the Holy Gifts occurs during the Divine Liturgy. As a sign of our unity in faith we recite it aloud and collectively.
What is the Creed.
400
The multitudes followed Him and because He felt like_that_, He healed their sick.
What is He was “moved with compassion”
400
After Christ’s Crucifixion, Luke and Cleopas walked to Emaus (a village close to Jerusalem) . On the way, someone joined them and explained to them the Scriptures. They recognized the Lord when He did this during dinner.
What is “breaking of the bread” (Lk. 24:35)
400
The ears enjoy the sounds of choir/chanters. Mystically, the light shines through stained glass windows. The eyes are delighted by the blend of the colors in the icons. Decoration and art satisfy this need of the soul.
What is the beauty.
400
He is known to be a saint that helps the believers find lost things or even lost people. Honoring his name people bake him a sweet bread.
What is St. Phanourios (phanuropita)
400
Although only an ordained canonical bishop or priest can officiate the Divine Liturgy, someone else sanctifies and transforms the Gifts.
What is the Holy Spirit.
500
Before feeding the multitude our Lord challenges His disciples asking them to do this.
What is “You give them something to eat”.
500
St. John the Evangelist gives us an account of the feeding of the five thousand. He adds to his reporting Christ’s words. In relation to manna and bread, Jesus says this about Himself.
What is “I am the bread of life.” (Jn.6:35,48)
500
It is given to us in a material form. We consume it as food for life eternal.
What is Holy Communion.
500
Everyone who bakes prosphora uses a seal (sfragida) that has this inscription on it.
What is IC, XC, NI, KA (Jesus Christ Triumphs or Conquers)
500
Besides bread and wine that are offered in the Divine Liturgy this element is present also. As it was witnessed on Golgotha when our Lord was crucified.
What is water.
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