The Faith
The faith was established by _________ and has been preserved through the teachings and liturgical practices passed on by His Apostles.
Jesus Christ
“This sacrament, often administered to infants on the eighth day after birth, involves full immersion in water as the individual enters the Christian faith.”
“What is Baptism?
this day is called Enkutatash/Nayrouz/etc, this holiday is marking the beginning of a new liturgical cycle.
What is New Years?
“Founded by St. Mark, this Egyptian Church is one of the earliest Christian communities and is part of the African Oriental Orthodox family.”
What is the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria?
“This Oriental Orthodox Church, part of the Tewahedo tradition, traces its roots to the Axumite Empire and venerates the Ark of the Covenant at St. Mary of Zion.”
What is the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church?
Unlike the Catholic Church, which has a single Pope, the Oriental Orthodox Churches are each ____
Autocephalous (self-governing)
Immediately follows Baptism in the Oriental Orthodox tradition, using holy oil to seal the newly baptized in the Holy Spirit. Which sacrament is described here?
What is Chrismation (Confirmation)?”
This particular feast is considered the most elaborate of the year in the Ethiopian tradition, preceded by extensive fasting and culminating in a liturgy that symbolizes Christ’s victory over death.
What is Easter (Fasika/Pascha)
“Tracing its roots to St. Peter in Antioch, this Church uses the West Syriac Rite and preserves Aramaic in its services.”
“What is the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch?”
“In the Oriental Orthodox Churches, this sacrament is viewed as a sacred covenant reflecting the union of Christ and His Church, uniting a man and woman in holy wedlock.”
“What is Matrimony?”
“How many faithful (followers) worldwide are estimated to belong to the Oriental Orthodox Churches?”
About 60-80 million
“In the Oriental Orthodox tradition, which sacrament involves a rigorous period of preparation, anointing with consecrated oil, and can even be administered to young boys as a preliminary step into the liturgical life?”
What is Ordination?
this vibrant feast, also called Timkat/Theophany/Denho, marks the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan and involves processions carrying a replica of the Ark of the Covenant.
What is Epiphany (Theophany)?
“Name the three Oriental Orthodox Churches based in Africa.”
What are the Coptic, Ethiopian, and Eritrean Orthodox Churches?
"Believed by many historians to rest in Axum, Ethiopia—the ancient heart of the Axumite Empire—this sacred object is tied to King Lalibela’s 12th-century rock-hewn 'New Jerusalem' churches, which were built for pilgrims unable to travel to the Holy Land."
What is the Ark of the Covenant?
Salvation in the Oriental Orthodox perspective is viewed as a transformative union with
God
What is the key difference in how Oriental Orthodoxy views the Anointing of the Sick?
they use it more widely for healing and daily blessing, not just as a final rite.
“Celebrated on January 7 by many Oriental Orthodox Churches, this feast—also known as (Genna/Christougenna/Nata/Surb Tsnund) and commemorates the birth of Christ.”
What is Christmas?
“Name the three Oriental Orthodox Churches traditionally grouped under ‘Asia.’”
What are the Armenian, Syriac (Antioch), and Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Churches?
“Which ancient language do the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Churches primarily use in their liturgical services?”
“What is Geʽez?"
This Church is rooted in the earliest traditions of Christianity, the Oriental Orthodox Churches preserve the faith as handed down from the Apostles and early Church Fathers. Because they believe in one God and the Holy Trinity, the Oriental Orthodox Churches are considered what type of religion?
Monotheistic
"In the Oriental Orthodox tradition, the ______ is considered the ‘_______’ of the Divine Liturgy. If a believer finds themselves in sin or ‘unclean,’ they must refrain from it until they have sought _______.
The feast emphasizes Christ's sacrifice and victory over sin, serving as one of the most important festivals in the liturgical calendar. Known as Meskel, Surb Khach, typically on September 27, Celebrated with large bonfires, singing, and communal gatherings, it underscores the central symbol of Christ’s sacrifice and victory over sin.
The Feast of the Cross
Name two of the liturgical languages used by any of these Oriental Orthodox Churches?
“Name one Old Testament book included in the Ethiopian Orthodox biblical canon that is not found in the standard 73-book Catholic canon.”
What is 1 Enoch (or the Book of Jubilees, etc.)?