Church Teachings & Beliefs
What is the traditional language used during church services?
Ge'ez
Which feast celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus?
Fasika (Easter)
Who is the mother of Jesus and most honored saint?
St. Mary (Kidisti Mariam)
What is the first book of the Bible?
Genesis
What is the name of the Divine Liturgy or Holy Communion service?
Qidasse
What does “Tewahedo” mean in the church’s name?
United or one nature of Christ
What is the name of the fast before Easter?
Great Lent
Which saint is famous for slaying a dragon?
St. George (Kidus Giorgis)
What prayer begins with “Our Father who art in Heaven”?
The Lord’s Prayer
How many different Anaphoras (Eucharistic prayers) are used in the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church?
14
What is the sacred area inside the church where only the priest may enter?
Holy of Holies (Qeddest Qeddusan)
What feast commemorates the finding of the True Cross?
Meskel
Who composed the ancient church music used in Eritrea?
St. Yared
What is the name of the ancient book of hymns by St. Yared?
Deggua
Who am I? I am a metal rattle shaken by deacons during hymns to keep rhythm and praise God.
Tsenatsil (sistrum)
What role does a deacon have during church services?
Assists the priest, chants, serves at the altar
How many major fasts are there in the Orthodox calendar?
7
What group of saints helped spread Christianity in Eritrea?
+50 Extra Points per saint if your group can list names of the saint
The Nine Saints (T’se’atu Qidusat)
What is the name of the book that records stories of saints?
Synaxarium (Senkesar)
What object does the priest use to burn incense during the service?
Cencer (Tsinha)
What major council did the Eritrean Orthodox Church reject and why?
Hint:
A. Nicaea (325AD)
B. Constantinople (381AD)
C. Ephesus (431AD)
D. Chalcedon (451AD)
Council of Chalcedon; it taught two natures in Christ, which the Church rejects
Which fast honors the Assumption of the Virgin Mary?
Tsome Filseta
Who founded monasticism in Eritrea/Ethiopia?
Abune Aregawi (+The Nine Saints)
How many books are in the full Eritrean Orthodox Bible?
81 books
What are the three parts of an Eritrean Orthodox church building?
Qine Mahilet, Sanctuary (Qeddest), Holy of Holies (Qeddest Qeddusan)