Lesson 1
This is what the younger son asked his father for before leaving home.
What is "his inheritance"
This word means “missing the mark,” the Orthodox understanding of sin.
Which event in Christ’s life destroys the power of death?
What is "the Resurrection"
This sacrament gives us an opportunity for self-reflection, so we can see how our sins have affected our physical and spiritual well-being.
What is the "Sacrament of Holy Confession"
Why is the whole community present at a Baptism?
Because Baptism incorporates the person into the Body of Christ, and the community bears spiritual responsibility for the newly baptized.
In the parable, the son “came to himself.” This moment represents the beginning of ______.
What is "repentance"
This action was taken by God not as punishment, but as protection, so humans wouldn’t live forever in separation.
What is "expelling them from the Garden"
Salvation is not a one-time event but a ________.
In early Christian interpretation, who does the “innkeeper” represent?
Who is "bishops and priests entrusted by Christ to care for the faithful until His return"
Types of oil that the baby is anointed with during the Service of Baptism
What is the "Oil of Gladness" and "Holy Chrism"
The father’s response when he sees his son returning — running, embracing, and kissing him — symbolizes this about God.
What is God’s unconditional love and mercy?
This term describes the fallen condition we inherit from Adam and Eve, but not their personal guilt.
What is "ancestral sin"
Describe "incarnation" to us as Christians and what the word itself means.
What is to "take flesh", then explain about Christ taking flesh...
What does the “inn” in the parable symbolize in Orthodox tradition?
What is "the Church"
Why is Baptism necessary even for those who have not “committed” personal sins, such as infants?
Because Baptism heals the corruption of ancestral sin and brings the child into communion with God, independent of personal fault.
This word means “to turn around,” like turning away from sin and returning to God.
What is "metanoia"
This happened immediately after the fall—a sign that their relationship with God had changed.
What is "hiding from God"
What specific part of the Nativity Icon shows us that Christ was born to die for us?
What is the "burial shrouds" and the "manger shaped like a tomb".
In the Orthodox understanding, who does the “traveler” represent spiritually?
Who is "all of humanity" (wounded by sin and unable to save itself)
What is the theological significance of facing west to renounce Satan and east to unite to Christ?
West symbolizes darkness; east symbolizes the rising Light. The physical turning manifests an inner spiritual transformation
In the story, the father says, “This my son was dead and is alive again.” Explain what “dead” and “alive” symbolize.
“Dead” symbolizes spiritual separation from God; “alive” symbolizes restored relationship and reconciliation.
Describe the difference between Image and Likeness
Image is the potential to be like God
Likeness is how much we grow in that potential
How does this parable critique narrow interpretations of holiness?
It shows that holiness is not found in strict rule-following but in compassionate action guided by love. (The priest and Levite passed by because contact with blood or a corpse would make them ritually unclean, revealing how legalism can obstruct compassion.)
Why is the Baptismal font often shaped as a tomb or womb in Orthodox tradition?
It signifies both dying with Christ (tomb) and being born anew in the Spirit (womb).