Our Faith and the Church
What verse teaches us to stay faithful to what we were taught from childhood?
“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of…” (2 Timothy 3:14)
Why did Jesus tell the parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son?
He wanted to show how much God rejoices over every sinner who repents.
What is a Sacrament in the Orthodox Church?
They are sacred actions where God gives grace through the Holy Spirit.
Who was Ezra and why is he important in the Bible?
He led the Israelites back from exile, taught them God’s Law, and helped rebuild their spiritual life.
Who was St. Macarius the Great?
A holy monk and priest known for his humility, prayer, and founding of monastic life in the desert.
What does Jesus say about the strength of His Church?
The Church is built by Christ and nothing can destroy it. (Matthew 16:18)
What does the Parable of the Lost Sheep teach us?
A shepherd leaves 99 sheep to find the one lost, showing God’s love for each soul.
Which four sacraments are essential for salvation?
Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, and Confession.
What does Ezra 7:10 teach us about spiritual leadership?
He was a priest and a scribe who prepared his heart to study, live, and teach God’s word. (Ezra 7:10)
How did St. Macarius show humility when he was falsely accused?
He was wrongly accused, but humbly accepted it and left the village without defending himself.
How was our Orthodox faith preserved throughout generations?
Jesus gave His teachings to the Apostles, who passed them down through the Church.
What lesson do we learn from the Parable of the Lost Coin?
The woman searches diligently for one lost coin, like how the Church seeks every lost soul.
What happens in Baptism and Confirmation?
Baptism washes away sin and unites us with Christ; Confirmation gives us the Holy Spirit.
Who helped the Israelites go back to Jerusalem and why?
King Cyrus allowed the Jews to return from exile and rebuild the temple.
How did St. Macarius begin his life in the desert?
An angel led him to the desert of Scetis, where he lived a life of deep prayer and fasting
How do we grow and stay strong in our Orthodox faith?
Through reading the Bible, following Church Tradition, and participating in the Liturgy.
What is the message of the Parable of the Lost Son?
The prodigal son returns after wasting everything, and his father receives him with love.
How do the sacraments of Confession and Eucharist help us grow in our spiritual life?
In Confession, we repent and are forgiven; in Communion, we receive Christ Himself.
Why was the Council of Nicaea held?
The Council of Nicaea was called in 325 A.D. to fight the heresy of Arius, who denied Christ’s divinity.
What role did St. Macarius play in the lives of other monks?
He became a spiritual father to many monks and was known for his wisdom and love.
How can we protect our faith from modern-day false teachings?
By staying close to the Church’s teachings and being careful not to follow false doctrines.
What do the symbols in the Prodigal Son story represent for us spiritually?
The gifts given to the son, robe, ring, sandals, symbolize restoration through Baptism, Communion, and being a child of God.
What are the three other sacraments, and what is their purpose?
The other sacraments are Unction of the Sick (healing), Matrimony (marriage), and Priesthood (ordination).
Who stood against Arius at the Council of Nicaea and what did he teach?
St. Athanasius defended the faith, using Scripture to prove that Jesus is truly God.
What can we learn from the life of St. Macarius today?
He shows us the power of repentance, humility, and constant connection with God.