Birth/Baptism
Holy Matrimony
Ascencion
Tranfiguration
100
What does the name Jesus mean?
The name Jesus means Savior.
100
What does the "minnu" symbolize?
It represents that the groom is accepting the bride as their own and their lifelong inseparable bond.
100
How many days did Jesus spend with his Apostles after His Resurrection?
40 days
100
What is Transfiguration and when do we celebrate it?
The Feast of Transfiguration is celebrated on August 6th.
Transfiguration is one of the major feasts in our Church, that foretells the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ as God and His Ascension into heaven.
200
What Sacrament replaced circumcision for Christians?
Baptism - After Jesus's death and resurrection, God changed the way the covenant was made. Instead of circumcision, we are now baptized in His name and this becomes our first covenant with God.
200
What does the "manthrakodi" symbolize?
The Manthrakodi symbolizes the acceptance of the groom's responsibility to care for and cherish his bride.
200
What does the Ascension teach us to hope for?
The second coming
200
Why is Transfiguration also called Koodara Perunnal?
When the disciples Peter, James and John saw prophets Moses and Elijah along with Jesus's shining Glory, Peter declared how good it was for them to be there and then said he wanted to build three tabernacles or tents. In malayalam, tent is translated as Koodaram. This is why the feast is also known in the Malankara Orthodox Church as Koodara Perunnal or Festival of booths.
300
Why are names important for Orthodox Christians?
Through baptism, the baby also receives a new baptismal name to connect them to their Orthodox Christian faith. It's like being born again into the Orthodox Christian church, so that our body and soul are renewed.
300
Name the two parts of the Holy Matrimony.
The Blessing of the Rings.
The Blessing of the Crowns.
300
Who did Jesus Christ tell his Apostles to wait for in Jerusalem?
Holy Spirit
300
What is the significance of Moses and Elijah in the Transfiguration Icon?
Moses stood to the right in a gesture of intercession to Christ and represent the Law because Moses received the Law, or Ten Commandments, from God.
Elijah stood to the left of Christ with his right hand raise and represents the Prophets and all those who are alive in Christ because Elijah never died but was instead taken up into heaven by a chariot of fire.
400
Why was circumcision done on the eighth day?
Circumcision was the symbol of a covenant with God and a promise to walk in His ways. When Jesus Christ was born, Jewish parents would name their children on the eighth day. The eighth day was the first day of a new week after the seven days of creation. This is when babies in Jewish tradition would be given their names.
400
Summarize what happens during each part of the Holy Matrimony.
The Blessing of the Rings - The priest puts the ring on the fourth finger of the right hand of the bride and groom. Since a ring has no loose ends, it signifies the lifelong nature of the relationship expected of the couple.
The Blessing of the Crowns - is the center part of the marriage ceremony, as the couple are now king and queen of their own Kingdom on Earth (their household). The crown is usually replaced by a chain with a cross pendant placed around the neck of the bride and groom by the priest.
400
What does it mean to us as Orthodox Christians that Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven?
Christ ascended into heaven so that his believers would see him in raised glory and to witness promise fulfilled.
400
What is the significance of Transfiguration in our life?
The feast points us towards the glorious Second Coming and the promise of the Kingdom of God where all creation will be transfigured and filled with the Light. This Transfiguration of Christ proves to us that we are able to be transformed by the glory of God.