Block 1
Block 2
Block 3
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Block 6
100
Where did the Coptic Church start?
Alexandria, Egypt
100
Who is Jesus?
He is God the Son, incarnate, of one essence with the Father
100
What was the School of Alexandria?
The first Christian theological school in the world
100
Is fasting by itself enough? What else do you need with it?
No; you need prayer, repentance, and confession
100
How should we celebrate the feasts?
With joy, spiritual focus, and prayer
100
What book did St. Mark write?
The Gospel of St. Mark
200
Who started the Church?
St. Mark the Apostle
200
What do we believe in as Christians today?
We believe in one God, God the Father the Pantocrator.........
200
Who started the School of Alexandria?
St. Mark
200
Are there still Monks and Nuns today? Where are they?
Yes, in monasteries and convents in Egypt and abroad
200
What can we eat during the Apostles’ fast and St. Mary’s fast?
Yes, people can fast voluntarily (like St. Mary’s fast)
200
What did the Christians believe in 2000 years ago?
Same core beliefs as today (Creed content confirms this)
300
What happened to St. Mark’s sandal? What did the shoemaker say that started the conversation?
The sandal tore; the shoemaker said “O One God!” after injuring his finger
300
What did Arius teach about Jesus?
That Jesus was created and not equal to God
300
Who officially structured the school and made it thrive?
Pantaenus, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen
300
What is Cenobitic Monasticism and who started it?
Monks live in organized communities rather than in solitude.
St. Pachomius
300
What are some of the feasts we commemorate St. Mary in?
- The annunciation of her birth (Misra 7, c. August 13);
- her Nativity (Paschans 1, c. May 9);
- her Presentation into the Temple (Kyahk 3, c. December 12);
- her Dormant (Tobah 2 1, c. January 29);
- the Assumption of her body (Paoni 21, c. June 28);
- her apparition over the Church of Zeitoon (Baramhat 24, c. April 2);
- and the apparition of her body to the Apostles (Mesra 16, c. August 22).
300
What can we eat during the Apostles’ fast and St. Mary’s fast?
All vegan (no dairy, eggs, or meat)
400
Who was the first Bishop after St. Mark?
Ananias
400
What did St. Athanasius say in response to Arius?
Jesus is of one essence with the Father—fully God
400
How old was Origen when he became dean of the school?
17 years old
400
How long is the Nativity Fast? What is the significance of that number?
43 days
- Original 40 days: Symbolic of the 40-day fast of Moses before receiving the Ten Commandments—preparing to receive the Word of God.
- Additional 3 days: Added in the 10th century to commemorate the miracle of moving the Muqattam Mountain in Cairo. This miracle occurred after the Coptic community fasted and prayed for three days during the patriarchate of Pope Abraham.
400
What should our attitude be when we celebrate feasts?
Joy, prayer, and spiritual focus—not just social
400
How many major Lord feasts are there? Name two.
7
The Annunciation
The Nativity of Christ
The Epiphany or the Baptism of Christ o
Palm Sunday
Easter (The Feast of the Resurrection)
Ascension
Pentecost
500
What miracles did St. Mark perform in Alexandria?
He healed the shoemaker and many others, and cast out demons
500
What is the Nicene Creed and what truths does it affirm?
A statement of Christian faith affirming Christ’s divinity, the Trinity, and the Church
We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth............
500
How many minor Lord feasts are there? Name two.
7
- The Circumcision of the Lord
- The Entrance of the Lord into the Temple
- The Escape of the Holy Family to Egypt
- The First Miracle at Cana of Galilee
- The Transfiguration of Christ
- Maundy Thursday
- Thomas Sunday
500
Why are icons put in the church?
Icons are spiritual, not decorative; they teach faith and invite reflection
500
What is the purpose of fasting, and is fasting alone enough?
To discipline the body and soul; needs prayer and repentance too
500
What is the Council of Nicaea?
This first gathering of the bishops of the Church met (325 AD) against Arianism
600
How was the modern school a little different than the ancient school of Alexandria?
It had actual buildings and expanded infrastructure
Habib Guirguis translated religious texts into Arabic, published the El-Karma periodical, and accompanied the pope on pastoral visits.
600
Which well-known leader graduated from the Clerical School of Alexandria in modern times?
Archdeacon Habib Guirguis
600
What made the School of Alexandria unique in the ancient world?
It taught theology, philosophy, and sciences with Christian thought
600
Who was the first “Monk”?
St. Paul of Thebes
600
How many feasts of the cross are there?
2
The First Feast
The Second Feast
600
Which Archdeacon led the School of Alexandria in modern times?
Archdeacon Habib Guirguis