Four Marks & Themes
The four essential characteristics recited in the Creed: One, Holy, Catholic, and _____
What is Apostolic?
This defender of the faith wrote two famous "Apologies" to Roman Emperors explaining Christian worship.
Who is St. Justin Martyr?
Roman Emperor who initiated the first major state persecution after blaming Christians for the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64.
Who is Emperor Nero?
The ancient document known as the Didache translates from Greek as "The ____ of the Twelve Apostles."
What is the Teaching?
Major historic event in AD 70 when the Roman army destroyed the Holy City and this central sacred building.
What is the Temple of Jerusalem?
The biblical parable used in early Church teaching to describe the small, miraculous growth of the Church worldwide.
What is the Mustard Seed?
Famous North African writer who coined the term Trinitas (Trinity) in Latin before later falling into heresy.
Who is Tertullian?
Roman deacon roasted alive on a gridiron who presented the poor as the "true treasures of the Church".
Who is St. Lawrence?
The opening chapter of the Didache contrasts two moral paths: The Way of Life and the Way of ____.
What is Death?
Underground burial networks where early Christians gathered, prayed, and buried their martyrs.
What are the Catacombs?
The Greek word Katholikos from which we get "Catholic" literally translates to this.
What is Universal (or Whole)?
Bishop of Antioch who wrote seven letters on his way to be thrown to the beasts in Rome.
Who is St. Ignatius of Antioch?
Roman soldier martyred by being crushed under a millstone after kicking over a pagan idol.
Who is St. Victor?
Early Christian practice of giving money or aid to the poor, strongly emphasized as a serious obligation in the Didache.
What is Almsgiving?
Secret Greek symbol (Ichthys) used by early Christians to identify each other under persecution.
What is the Fish?
This Early Father stated: "Where there is Christ Jesus, there is the Catholic Church."
Who is St. Ignatius of Antioch?
Bishop of Smyrna who was a direct disciple of St. John the Evangelist.
Who is St. Polycarp?
Noblewoman and her slave companion who kept a diary while awaiting martyrdom in Carthage.
Who are Saints Perpetua and Felicity?
Preferred method of Baptism according to the Didache: running water or immersion in ____ water.
What is Living Water?
Three distinct orders in the early Church hierarchy: Bishops, Deacons, and these ordained leaders.
Who are Presbyters (or Priests)?
The CCC 771 description of the Church highlights three virtues: Faith, Hope, and this.
What is Charity (or Love)?
The pagan philosopher who wrote The True Word attacking Christianity on multiple theological fronts.
Who is Celsus?
Famous line by Tertullian: "The blood of martyrs is the ____ of Christians".
What is the Seed?
The central Christian act of worship described in early texts as the "Thanksgiving" ritual.
What is the Eucharist?
The three theological virtues identified in Catholic teaching: Faith, ______, and Charity.
What is Hope?