Lesson 6
In the Old Testament, from which specific tribe of Israel were priests chosen, and who was appointed as the very first High Priest?
tribe of Levi, Aaron
In what way does an Orthodox Christian home function as a "Little Church" (ecclesiola)?
It is a consecrated domestic space where daily prayer, fasting, forgiveness, hospitality, and Christ-like love are lived out, raising children to become true disciples (Talmido) of Christ.
According to St. Matthew 26:27-28, what exact reason did Christ give when offering the cup of His blood of the new covenant to the disciples?
"For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."
What are the literal meanings of the Greek root word Moorōn from which "Holy Mooron" is derived?
Unguent, ointment, perfume, sweet oil, and chrism.
Majority of the Oriental orthodox communities use leavened bread as the Body of Christ. What is this bread made of?
Bonus: Which OO community uses leavened bread?
Simple yeast dough made of flour, water yeast
Bonus: Armenian Orthodox
In the Epistle to the Hebrews, who is identified as the True, Eternal High Priest, and according to whose mysterious "order" is His priesthood established rather than the Levitical order?
Jesus Christ is the Eternal High Priest, established according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:6, 7:17).
What is the theological significance of the Manthrakodi (wedding sari) being placed over the head of the bride during the service?
It symbolizes the husband’s pledge to protect, care for, and cherish his wife, mirroring Christ clothing and protecting His bride, the Church.
Beyond uniting the Creator with living believers on earth, who else does the Holy Qurbana bring together in communion?
It brings both the living and the departed together in heavenly communion.
What are the only two occasions in Church life when the Holy Mooron is used?
(1) During the post-baptismal anointing of a human being in Holy Chrismation, and (2) during the Consecration of the Church (anointing the Holy Altar, altar stone/tablito, vessels, and church building).
What event/council lead to the permanent split between the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox communities?
Bonus: What happened during that event?
Council of Chalcedon
Bonus: explain council of Chalcedon
What theological term refers to the unbroken chain of the laying on of hands (cheirotonia) from the Holy Apostles down to the bishops and priests of the Church today?
Apostolic Succession
What does the cross made of small beads on the Malankara Minnu signify for the bride and the home?
It signifies that Christ and His Holy Cross are the foundation, protection, and center of their marriage and family life.
How does the Orthodox understanding of the bread and wine during Holy Qurbana differ from views that treat them merely as symbolic reminders?
The Orthodox Church teaches that the bread and wine become the real, actual, and life-giving Body and Blood of Christ—it is not a mere symbol, but a true divine reality.
In the analogy from St. Maximus the Confessor cited in the chapter, how does the same sun affect wax versus mud, and what spiritual truth does this illustrate about our souls?
The sun dries out and hardens mud (representing souls that love worldly matter and harden their hearts), but automatically softens wax (representing souls that love God and become receptive dwelling places of the Holy Spirit).
What are the three (3) ecumenical synods OO churches recognize?
Nicea, Constantinople, Ephesus
In the West Syrian / Malankara Orthodox tradition, how many major liturgical orders of the priesthood exist, and what are their names from lowest to highest?
The three major orders: (1) Deacon (Mshamshono), (2) Priest (Kashisho / Qasheeso), and (3) Bishop (Episcopos).
How does the communion between a husband and wife in Holy Matrimony reflect the perfect communion of the Holy Trinity (G6.LO13)?
Just as the Three Persons of the Holy Trinity are distinct Persons united in perfect, selfless love and oneness of essence without losing their individuality, Christian marriage unites two distinct persons into "one flesh" bound by sacrificial, mutual love.
Why is the Holy Qurbana titled "The Sacrament of the Kingdom" in our curriculum?
Because the Divine Liturgy is not merely an earthly service, but an entrance into heavenly reality where the altar is God's Throne and we participate in the eternal worship of the Kingdom of God.
On which specific liturgical day of the Church calendar is the rite of preparing the Holy Mooron conducted, and approximately how many hours does this service take?
BONUS: Approximately how long does the process take?
On the 40th Friday of Great Lent
BONUS: 7 hours
Who is the currently Malankara Metropolitan of NEAD?
H.G. Zachariah Mor Nicholovos
What is the distinction between the "royal priesthood of all believers" (1 Peter 2:9) and the "ordained sacramental priesthood" (Holy Orders)?
All baptized and chrismated Christians share in the royal/general priesthood by offering their lives, prayers, and good deeds as living sacrifices to God; the ordained priesthood is a specific sacramental calling set apart by apostolic succession to celebrate the Holy Mysteries (Holy Qurbana, Baptism, Absolution) and shepherd the flock.
In Orthodox theology, why are crowns placed on the heads of the bride and groom during the Crowning service?
The crowns symbolize two things: (1) royalty and honor, as the king and queen of their new Christian home/kingdom, and (2) the crowns of martyrdom, signifying the sacrificial, self-dying love required to live for one another and for Christ.
How does Lesson 4 define the central "deeper meaning" or core definition of the Holy Qurbana in relation to God and the faithful?
Holy Qurbana is the union of the Creator (God) with His creation (the faithful believers).
What is the profound reciprocal connection established in the lesson between a person's initiation and the consecration of a church building?
The consecration service is the baptism and chrismation of the church building; conversely, Holy Baptism and Holy Chrismation is the consecration of a human being as a living temple of God.
Who is the current Catholicose?
His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III