Numbers & Dates
How many days after Jesus is born does the Virgin Mary bring him to the temple to see St. Simeon?
40
Jesus Christ was born to Mary in a cave in the town of Bethlehem. A star shone above the place where He was born. Shepherds heard angels proclaim the birth. Wisemen came to honor Him. The animals show us that all of creation rejoices in the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Nativity of Christ
What sacrament do we have the opportunity to experience every Divine Liturgy?
Holy Communion
Pascha is the day we celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Christ stands on the broken doors of Hades, the place of the dead. Christ broke the bonds of evil, sin and death (shown in some versions as the devil now in bondage). Christ is the victor! He has opened the gates of heaven to us. Jesus is raising Adam and Eve, teaching us that all people have the chance to enter the Kingdom of God.
How many times does a family walk around the baptismal font during a baptism & husband and wife during the Dance of Isaiah during holy matrimony? & WHY?
THREE
When is Pentecost?
50 days after Pascha
The feast where we remember the death of the Theotokos, the Mother of God. In the icon you see the Theotokos surrounded by the Apostles, and Jesus holding her soul (symbolized by the child) to be with Him in His Kingdom.
The Dormition of the Theotokos
What sacraments are when a person can become an Orthodox Christian?
Baptism & Chrismation
Palm Sunday
After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead Jesus entered Jerusalem fulfilling the prophecy that reads, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.” The people there greeted him with palm branches crying out, “Hosanna!”
When we get sick in our souls due to our sins, we go to our priest to help us become spiritually healthy in which holy sacrament?
Holy Confession
When is Ascension?
40 days after Pascha
This feast celebrates Jesus being presented to the Temple in Jerusalem. In the icon Jesus is held by St. Simeon who said,“Now, Master, You can dismiss Your servant in peace; You have fulfilled Your word. For my eyes have witnessed Your saving deed, displayed for all peoples to see; A revealing Light to the Gentiles, the Glory of Your people, Israel.”
Presentation of Christ
What sacrament is for the healing of our soul & bodies? When is the most common day this sacrament takes place each year?
Holy Unction
Holy Wednesday
Theophany / Epiphany
Theophany celebrates the baptism of our Lord. Before Jesus started teaching He first went to John the Baptist to be baptized in the Jordan River. As Jesus was being baptized the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove and the voice of the Father could be heard saying, “You are My beloved Son;
What is Pentecost & why is it important?
While the Apostles were gathered together, the Holy Spirit descended upon them, as Jesus had promised. Tongues of fire came upon them and they were able to speak different languages and bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the world, understood as the personification, “Kosmos.”
When do we celebrate the Dormition of the Theotokos?
August 15th
St. Joachim and St. Anna were quite old, and had no children. They prayed and prayed asking God for a child. Finally, their prayers were answered and they had a daughter who they named Mary. This feast celebrates the birth of the Mother of God and reminds us to trust God’s plan.
The Nativity of the Theotokos
“The sacramental act setting a man apart for the ministry of the church by the laying on of hands of a bishop.”
Holy Orders or Holy Ordination
Transfiguration
Christ took Peter, James, and John to Mt. Tabor where he was transfigured before their eyes. His face dazzled like the sun. His clothing became radiant with light. In the icon Jesus stands with Moses on His left and the Prophet Elias on His right, while the three apostles are at His feet.
The feast day celebrates Christ’s rising into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. He was lifted up before their eyes in a cloud. In the icon you can see angels carrying the seated Christ, and the Apostles with the Theotokos. Christ promised the Apostles that He would not leave them; He would send the Holy Spirit to them.
Ascension
March 25th
God had chosen Mary to be the Mother of God. However, she needed to prepare. Her parents took her to the Temple to live and learn about God. In the icon you see Mary being greeted at the Temple as a young girl. This feast celebrates this important day in the life of the Theotokos.
the Presentation of the Theotokos
What are the 4 symbols in the Holy Sacrament of Marriage? & What do they represent?
Candles, Rings, Crowns & Wine
Elevation of the Holy Cross
St. Helen, the mother of St. Constantine, wanted to find the true cross of Christ. When she found the cross she took it to the Bishop of Jerusalem, St. Macarius, where he showed it to all of the people. In the icon you can see St. Macarius displaying the cross and St. Helen on his right side.
When is YOUR Feast day?
If you don't know, we will look it up!