Great Vespers + All Night Vigil Service
What is the All Night Vigil service (Всенощное бдение)?
A.) Great Vespers
B.) Matins Service
C.) Great Vespers and Matins combined
D.) All of the above
C.) Great Vespers and Matins combined (Vechernia + Utrenia)
How many Odes are in the Canon during Matins?
Bonus 100 points: What else is sung during the Canon (with the Odes)?
A full Orthodox Matins canon typically consists of nine (9) odes (or canticles), which are based on biblical songs. However, in standard daily practice, Ode 2 is usually omitted, resulting in eight odes being sung (1, 3-9).
Bonus: Katavasia - Often a repeat of the irmos of the canon(s) or a special feast-day hymn sung at the end of each ode.
True or False:
The first Ecumenical Council of Nicea in 325 established the foundational rules for calculating Pascha and the liturgical calendar which was based on the Gregorian Calendar.
FALSE! It was based on the Julian Calendar.
The first Ecumenical Council of Nicea in 325 established the foundational rules for calculating Pascha and the liturgical calendar which was based on the Julian Calendar.
Which two saints are named after a Fast?
Apostle Peter and Apostle Paul (They are both Apostles and Saints).
The 4 themes in the evening services of the Church are:
A.) Creation, Heaven, Hell, Death
B.) Creation, Fall of Man, Redemption, Last Things
C.) Heaven, Hell, Death, Eternity
D.) None of the above
B.) Creation, Fall of Man, Redemption, Last Things
How many Liturgies do we serve in the Orthodox Church?
In the Orthodox Church we serve 3 main Liturgies:
1. The Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom‚ celebrated in most of the Sundays of the year exception being the Great Lent and few other Sundays and Great Feasts.
2. The Liturgy of St. Basil the Great‚ longer then the first one‚ but similar in structure‚ is served 10 times a year‚ in the first Sundays of Great Lent‚ in Great Thursday‚ Great Saturday‚ January 1st‚ and the Eve of Epiphany and Nativity.
3. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts or the Liturgy of St. Gregory the Dialogue‚ it is served only during Great Lent. It is not actually a proper Liturgy because there is no Eucharistic sacrifice‚ but it rather a solemn way to celebrate Communion with the Holy Gifts pre-sanctified at the Liturgy in the preceding Sunday.
Name the Prophet that was taken up to heaven on a chariot of fire.
Bonus for 200 points: When will he appear back on Earth?
Prophet Elijah - The prophet Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind and a chariot of fire.
Prophet Elijah is still alive and it is written Saint John's Revelation that he will come back to Earth to condemn the Antichrist. The Antichrist will kill both Prophets Elijah and Enoch.
What are Tones? How many Tones are there?
Bonus 100 points: What are their roles in the organization of the Church services?
Tones (or echoi) in the Orthodox Church are a system of eight (8) musical modes or melodic formulas used to chant liturgical hymns, rotating on an eight-week cycle starting from Pascha (Easter). These tones, rooted in Byzantine tradition, provide specific musical themes for daily, weekly, and seasonal services, often featuring a drone note (ison) and distinct melodic patterns.
Why do we call Saint Vladimir of Kiev equal to the Apostles?
The Apostles were commanded by Christ to go forth into the world, spreading His Word, and baptizing nations. Saint Vladimir is revered as an equal to the apostles because he baptized Kievan Rus' in 988 AD. His conversion from paganism to Christianity and his efforts to bring his entire nation into the Christian faith had a profound impact on the spiritual and cultural development of the region.
What is a Typicon? How and why do we use it in our church services?
A book of compiled rules and guidelines that regulates the order of the Divine Services worldwide in the Orthodox Church.
In the 6th Century, St. Savvas the Sanctified standardized the order of life and services in the Palestinian Monastary in Jerusalem.
Which Saint do we commemorate on the fifth (5th) week of Great Lent?
Bonus 100 Points: Why do we commemorate this Saint?
Saint Mary of Egypt
Bonus: Saint Mary of Egypt in her past life was a prostitute. Through repentance, God's mercy and grace she rose from a lowly sinner to heights of holiness as a Saint. She is one of the great examples of TRUE repentance, that anyone can repent, and achieve holiness.
Explain in detail what is the Preparations (The Proskomide or Proskomedia). Hint - 3 key points.
Preparations: The Proskomide (Proskomedia) is the service where the wine and bread are prepared for bringing to the altar later during the Great Entrance. During this preparation of the wine and bread, the clergy commemorate the ENTIRE CHURCH (this includes The Mother of God, All Angels, John the Baptist, Apostles, Saints, Martyrs, etc). Vesting - Prior to the start of the Divine Liturgy, the clergy will prayerfully clothe themselves with the vestments only used during the service.
There are two Typicons. Which one does our Church use and follow (it was compiled by a Saint)?
Bonus 100 points: Can you name the other Typicon?
There are 2 Typicons. One compiled by St. Savvas the Sanctified and the other called the Studite or Constantinopolitan Typicon which the Greek Church follows and has variations compared to the original book.
We follow St. Savvas the Sanctified Typicon.
Which Russian Saint is traditionally asked for help with schooling and why?
Saint Sergius of Radonezh. Because St. Sergius struggled with learning in his youth before receiving divine help (after praying to The Mother of God - The Theotokos), he is frequently petitioned by students, scientists, and those seeking mental clarity and intellectual improvement.