Early Persecutions
Who was the first Roman emperor to persecute Christians after the Great Fire of Rome?
Emperor Nero
Where did Christians secretly worship during times of persecution?
In the catacombs.
Which Roman emperor made Christianity legal in 313 A.D.?
Emperor Constantine.
What is a heresy?
A false teaching that goes against the Church’s official teachings.
Who was a young girl martyred for her purity and faith in Rome?
St. Agnes.
What does the word “martyr” mean?
Witness.
What symbols did early Christians use to mark their faith?
The fish (Ichthys) or the Chi-Rho symbol.
What was the name of the law that granted religious freedom to Christians?
The Edict of Milan.
The word heresy comes from a Greek word meaning what?
“Choice” — choosing to believe something different from the truth.
Which deacon was roasted alive and joked, “Turn me over, I’m done on this side”?
St. Lawrence.
Under which Roman emperor did the first Christian persecution begin after the Great Fire of Rome?
Emperor Nero.
What risk did early Christians take by worshiping in secret?
Arrest, torture, or death for practicing their faith.
What sign did Constantine see in the sky before battle, with the words “In this sign, conquer”?
The Chi-Rho (☧), a symbol for Christ.
What is an ecumenical council?
A worldwide gathering of bishops, led by the Pope, to discuss important Church matters.
Who strongly defended the divinity of Jesus against Arianism?
St. Athanasius.
Name the two women martyred together in Carthage for refusing to sacrifice to the emperor.
St. Perpetua and St. Felicity
Why were Christians accused of “cannibalism” by outsiders?
Because people misunderstood the Eucharist—“eating the body and drinking the blood” of Christ.
After Christianity was legalized, where did Christians begin to worship publicly?
In basilicas.
What did the heresy called Arianism claim about Jesus?
That Jesus was not truly God, but a created being.
Why is St. Athanasius called a “Defender of the Faith”?
Because he stood firm for the truth of Christ’s divinity, even when many opposed him.
Why did Romans think Christians were “disloyal” to the empire?
Because Christians refused to worship Roman gods or the emperor.
How did the courage of martyrs strengthen the Church?
Their witness inspired others to remain faithful even in persecution.
Why did early Christians begin using basilicas for worship instead of pagan temples after Christianity was legalized?
Pagan temples were small and built for sacrifices, not for community gatherings—while basilicas were large public halls that could hold the faithful for prayer, preaching, and the Eucharist.
What major decision was made at the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.?
The Church declared Jesus is fully God and fully man, and created the Nicene Creed.
How do martyrs and saints remind us of Christ’s example?
They gave their lives or suffered for truth and love of God, just as Jesus did.