Nature
What book in the Bible do we learn that God created the world?
Genesis!
How we see and know God the Father?
Through the Son and Holy Spirit
What are the two parts of the Bible?
Old and New Testament
What does the direction of the Church reveal to us about God?
- The church is built facing the east (the sun, or our Christ, shines from the east, star appearing to the wise men from the east, Christ ascended towards the East, and will return from the East)
- We even bury the dead with their feet towards the east. So when they stand, they’re facing the east at Christ’s coming at the general resurrection
- East represents life and light
What does eternal life mean?
living with God for the rest of eternity
What part of creation reminds us of God’s promise to always care for His people?
A Rainbow
How do we know the Son?
1. Confession
2. Eucharist
3. Unction of the Sick
What does Covenant mean?
a binding agreement between two parties (God and humanity)
How are churches named?
after a saint or an archangel - we honor the namesake of those who honored God
Sin makes our souls weak but what does Jesus do for us?
Jesus’ Body & Blood makes us strong
“Then ______ saw everything that He had ______, and indeed it was very _______.” (Genesis 1:31)
God; made; good
“And he who _____ Me _____ Him who sent ____.” (John 12:45)
Sees; Sees; Me
How does the Church venerate the Bible?
- Liturgy of the word - 4 readings from the Bible!!
- The candles represent that the bible is our light and guidance
- The holiest times in the Liturgy is when God reveals himself in the Gospel reading and during Communion
What does the shape of the Church reveal to us?
The Church can be built in 1 of 3 different designs.
1. Shape like the Ark: Sign of salvation – shows that God is going to save us.
2. Round buildings (Circle): because God is eternal. He has no beginning or end
3. Shape like the Cross: we’re saved by the Cross.
“Whoever _____ My _____ and drinks My ________ has _________
life, and I will _________ him up at the last _____.” (John 6:54)
Eats; Flesh; Blood; Eternal; Raise; Day
What is contemplation?
When we quietly look at nature and think about God, we are practicing this special kind of prayer.
How do we know the Holy Spirit?
Through Baptism we are filled with the Holy Spiirt.
How do we hear God?
1. He speaks to us directly
2. He appears to us
3. We hear Him through the Bible
What does the ostrich egg tell us about the church?
Ostrich egg (symbolize steadfast watchfulness. They bring to mind the way the ostrich buries her eggs in the sand and keeps her eyes fixed on the spot) Heaven & God is looking at us – WE’RE the egg.
- Hung always just in front of the iconostasis: one of the symbols in the church. The saints on the iconostasis are looking at the egg. When a bird comes out of an egg, it flies towards heaven.
How do we receive eternal life on earth?
1. Knowing God personally
2. Loving Him and Others
3. Receiving His Grace in the Eucharist
How does God reveal Himself through Nature?
1. He takes care of His Creation
2. He speaks to His Children through Nature (burning bush)
What are the 2 actions that show the Son's love and power?
Crucifixion and Ressurection
What does the Bible reveal to us?
1. Who God is
2. Who we are
3. Our relationship with God
Hierarchy in the Church
1. Holy Synod (is the highest authority in the church and it formulates the rules and regulations regarding matters of church organization, faith, and order of service.)
2. The patriarch (Pope)
3. The patriarchal secretary
4. Metropolitans
5. Bishops
6. Priests
7. Deacons (Archdeacon, Deacon, Sub Deacon, Reader and Psalter).
Whats the difference between knowing God and knowing about God?
Knowing about God:
- You have information about God but you don't have a relationship with Him.
Knowing God:
- He is your best friend, you have a relationship with Him.