Lesson 1: St Stephen
Why did the disciples choose 7 men?
It became necessary to have servants to help the disciples in the service and meet the needs of the growing number of believers.
What does each step of making the Orbana tell us about ?
Each step tells us something about Our Lord Jesus.
How did the king save the Jews?
The king made a new law. The new law said the Jews people can defend themselves.
What did everyone inherit from Adam and Eve?
Everyone inherited sin and its consequences.
How many servants did Saint Julius have? What did he order them to do?
He had about 300 servants. He ordered his servants to travel to every city where Christians were being martyred to take care of the bodies of the martyrs, bury them and write the life stories of each of the martyrs.
What lie did the Jews people spread about St. Stephen?
That Saint Stephen had said things that were not true about God.
What are the Orbana’s ingredients?
The Orbana is made from flour mixed with water and yeast
What did Queen Esther ask God for?
Esther prayed with strong faith, asking God to save them. She also asked God to give her favor in the king’s eyes and to give her the right words to speak when she sees him. She also asked God to make the king change his decision and not to kill all the Jews.
What qualities did St. Mary have for God to pick her to be the Mother of God?
She was a simple. She loved God with all her heart , and she loved everyone around her too.She was quiet and humble. She was also full of wisdom and loved to pray and to serve
Who persecuted the Christians during Saint Julius of Aqfahs?
Emperor Diocletian.
Who is the first deacon of the seven deacons and became the first martyr?
St Stephen
What does water added to make the Orbana symbolize?
The water symbolizes the Holy Spirit, who brings the entire Church together.
Why was Mordecai's request to Queen Esther to talk to the King for her people a difficult request?
Because there was a rule in the kingdom that no one could go talk to the king unless the king himself called for them. If anyone entered to the king without the king calling them, they could be killed.
Why did St. Mary went to Elizabeth her cousin?
She learned from Archangel Gabriel that Elizabeth was pregnant, St. Mary ran up the hills to her house to serve her
How did Saint Julius serve the saints who were getting martyred?
He visited them in prison to help and to encourage them.
Whenever they were brought to trial in front of the judge or the king, he would follow them.
If he saw any of them enduring torture, he would get them medical care.
How did St Stephen appear when he was brought to be judged by the Jews?
His face was shining like an angel’s face.
Why do we add yeast to the Orbana even though it reminds us of sin?
The Lord Jesus carried our sin instead of us in His Holy Body to redeem us through His sacrifice on the cross.
Describe Haman? What role did he have in the Kingdom? Was he a good person?
Haman was one of the king’s very special people. The king made him the chief of all the ministers in the kingdom. He ordered that everyone bow down to him. Haman was a wicked man, so he plotted a conspiracy and an evil plan not only to get rid of Mordechai but also to kill all of God’s people.
After the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ what did St. Mary do and when was her departure to Heaven?
She continued to help the disciples in their service until the day of her departure to heaven (the day she passed away). She departed to heaven on the 21st day of Toba.
Why did Saint Julius always want to be present at the places of martyrdom?
To take the bodies of the saints and honor them with great respect. He would then send their bodies to their home towns and keep them in a safe place so that people could get blessings from them.
St Stephen wanted everyone to love God just as he loved God. What did he do?
He spoke to the people about our Lord Jesus, His love for us, His death for us, His redemption, and His resurrection.
What is the square in the center of the Orbana with the large cross called? what does it means and remind us of?
The square in the center that has the large cross is called the "Spadikon", which is a Greek word meaning "The Lord’s". It reminds us that the Lord Jesus is always present in the midst of His church.
Describe Esther’s cousin Mordecai. Was he a good person?
Mordecai took care of Esther after her parents died. Mordecai loved God so much and always trusted Him. He taught Esther to trust God and love Him. He taught her to serve Him and obey His commandments.
What titles and attributes of Saint Mary did we learn?
1. The Theotokos (Mother of God)
2. The Ever-Virgin
3. The Second Heaven
4. The Queen
5. The Mother of the King of Kings.
Who are the new saints and martyrs added to the Synaxarium?
These are people who lived with us and bore witness to the Lord with their strong faith in front of everyone around them. They are our friends, and we ask for their intercessions through our prayers with them.