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The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is recognized as the preeminent Oriental Orthodox Church worldwide.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church stands as the largest Oriental Orthodox Church and one of the most ancient Christian communities globally. Its historical roots extend to the Christianization of the Kingdom of Aksum in the 4th century AD, and it maintains a significant presence both within Ethiopia and the diaspora.
Christianity was established as the state religion of the Kingdom of Aksum during the 2nd century AD.
Answer: False
Explanation: Christianity was established as the state religion of the Kingdom of Aksum in the 4th century AD, not the 2nd century, primarily through the efforts of Frumentius.
The biblical narrative detailing Philip the Evangelist's baptism of an Ethiopian eunuch is regarded as an early connection between Ethiopia and Christianity.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Acts of the Apostles recounts Philip baptizing an Ethiopian eunuch, a high official, which is widely interpreted as evidence of an early Christian presence or mission in Ethiopia.
The Nine Saints arrived in Ethiopia during the 5th century, fleeing Nestorian persecution.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Nine Saints are believed to have arrived in the 5th century, not the 7th, and their flight was related to post-Chalcedonian controversies, not specifically Nestorian persecution.
The Nine Saints were instrumental in translating the Bible into Amharic.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Nine Saints are credited with translating the Bible into Ge'ez, the ancient liturgical language, not Amharic.
Frumentius, the first bishop of Ethiopia, was an Ethiopian native who converted King Ezana.
Answer: False
Explanation: Frumentius was a Syrian Greek missionary, not an Ethiopian native, who played a key role in converting King Ezana and establishing Christianity.
Who is credited with introducing Christianity to the Kingdom of Aksum and baptizing King Ezana in the 4th century?
Answer: Frumentius (Selama, Kesaté Birhan)
Explanation: Frumentius (Selama, Kesaté Birhan), a Syrian Greek missionary, is credited with these pivotal roles in the Christianization of Aksum.
The Nine Saints, arriving in the 5th century, are credited with establishing which key aspect of Ethiopian Christianity?
Answer: The translation of scriptures into Ge'ez and establishing monasticism
Explanation: They are credited with translating scriptures into Ge'ez and establishing monasticism.
The term 'Tewahedo' signifies the belief that Jesus Christ possesses two distinct natures, divine and human, without confusion.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Ge'ez term 'Tewahedo,' signifying 'united as one,' refers to the Church's adherence to Miaphysitism, the doctrine that in Jesus Christ, the divine and human natures are united into one single, composite nature, not two distinct ones.
The Ethiopian Church adheres to the Dyophysite doctrine, which was rejected at the Council of Chalcedon.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Ethiopian Church adheres to Miaphysitism, not Dyophysitism. The Dyophysite doctrine was indeed rejected by the non-Chalcedonian churches, including the Ethiopian Church.
Miaphysitism, represented by the term 'Tewahedo,' asserts that Christ possesses two distinct, unconfused natures.
Answer: False
Explanation: Miaphysitism, embodied by 'Tewahedo,' asserts that Christ has one unified nature, integrating the divine and human, rather than affirming two distinct natures.
Miaphysitism affirms that Christ possesses two distinct, unconfused natures, divine and human.
Answer: False
Explanation: Miaphysitism asserts one unified nature in Christ, integrating the divine and human, rather than affirming two distinct natures.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church views the Trinity as one God in essence, eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement accurately reflects the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's Trinitarian doctrine, consistent with the Nicene Creed.
The term 'Tewahedo' emphasizes the Miaphysite doctrine that Jesus Christ possesses one unified nature.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement accurately reflects the meaning of 'Tewahedo' in relation to Miaphysite Christology.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church's theological stance, Miaphysitism, is identical to the Dyophysitism held by Chalcedonian churches.
Answer: False
Explanation: Miaphysitism and Dyophysitism represent distinct Christological positions and are not identical.
What does the Ge'ez term 'Tewahedo' signify within the theological framework of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church?
Answer: The union of divine and human natures in Christ as one
Explanation: The Ge'ez term 'Tewahedo' signifies the union of divine and human natures in Christ as one, reflecting the Miaphysite doctrine.
The Miaphysite doctrine, central to the Ethiopian Church, posits that Christ has:
Answer: One unified nature, divine-human
Explanation: It states that Christ has one unified nature, integrating the divine and human.
What theological concept does the term 'Tewahedo' represent?
Answer: The Incarnation (one unified nature of Christ)
Explanation: It represents the Incarnation, specifically the doctrine of one unified nature of Christ.
A 'tabot' serves as a replica of the Ark of the Covenant and is essential for the consecration of a church.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'tabot,' a sacred replica of the Ark of the Covenant, is indeed essential for the consecration of an Ethiopian Orthodox church, signifying its holiness.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church observes the seventh-day Sabbath but does not observe the Lord's Day (Sunday).
Answer: False
Explanation: The Church observes both the seventh-day Sabbath and the Lord's Day (Sunday), with Sunday receiving greater emphasis due to the Resurrection.
A 'debtera' is a member of the ordained clergy, specifically a bishop.
Answer: False
Explanation: A 'debtera' is a trained layperson, functioning as a scribe or cantor, not an ordained bishop or member of the higher clergy.
Saint Yared is credited with the composition of the Church's liturgical music, known as 'Zema'.
Answer: True
Explanation: Saint Yared is traditionally recognized for composing 'Zema,' the distinctive liturgical music of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church observes approximately 180 fasting days annually, and these are obligatory for all adherents.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Church observes around 250 fasting days annually, with approximately 180 being obligatory for laypeople, not necessarily all adherents.
The Fast of Nineveh commemorates the finding of the True Cross by Empress Helena.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Fast of Nineveh commemorates the repentance of the people of Nineveh following the preaching of Jonah, not the finding of the True Cross.
Male circumcision is practiced as a religious obligation within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Answer: False
Explanation: While male circumcision is a cultural practice, the Church's liturgy clarifies it is not a religious obligation but a tradition.
The Fast of the Apostles occurs subsequent to Pentecost in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Fast of the Apostles is indeed observed following the Feast of Pentecost.
Debteras primarily function as ordained priests responsible for administering sacraments.
Answer: False
Explanation: Debteras are lay assistants, not ordained priests, and do not administer sacraments.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrates Meskel in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Answer: False
Explanation: Meskel commemorates the finding of the True Cross by Empress Helena, not the birth of Jesus Christ.
During processions, the tabot is carried openly on a priest's head.
Answer: False
Explanation: The tabot is carried veiled on a priest's head, not openly.
Debteras are associated with magical practices within popular folklore pertaining to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Answer: True
Explanation: In popular folklore, debteras are sometimes linked to magical practices, alongside their roles as scribes and cantors.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church observes the Great Lent for 40 days preceding Easter.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Great Lent (Abiy Tsome) observed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church lasts for 55 days, not 40.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church's liturgical practices exhibit similarities to Judaism, including the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Church's observance of the seventh-day Sabbath is one of several practices that demonstrate similarities with Judaism.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church's music, 'Zema,' is organized into twelve Anaphoras.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Zema' is organized into fourteen Anaphoras, not twelve.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church observes the Lord's Day (Sunday) with greater emphasis than the seventh-day Sabbath.
Answer: True
Explanation: While both days are observed, Sunday receives greater emphasis due to its association with the Resurrection of Christ.
What sacred object, considered a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, is housed within the inner sanctuary of Ethiopian Orthodox churches?
Answer: The Tabot
Explanation: This sacred object is the 'tabot'.
What practice is shared between the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Judaism?
Answer: Observance of the seventh-day Sabbath
Explanation: The observance of the seventh-day Sabbath is a shared practice.
What is the role of a 'debtera' within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church?
Answer: Lay cantor and scribe, sometimes exorcist
Explanation: A 'debtera' serves as a lay cantor and scribe, sometimes functioning as an exorcist.
The church's music, known as 'Zema,' is attributed to Saint Yared and is divided into how many modes?
Answer: Three
Explanation: 'Zema' is divided into three modes: Ge'ez, Ezel, and Araray.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church observes approximately how many fasting days annually, with a significant portion being obligatory for laypeople?
Answer: 250
Explanation: The Church observes approximately 250 fasting days annually, with about 180 being obligatory for lay adherents.
Who performs exorcisms within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church for individuals believed to be afflicted by demons?
Answer: Priests
Explanation: Priests perform exorcisms for individuals believed to be afflicted by demons.
The Fast of Nineveh, observed for three days, commemorates what event?
Answer: The preaching of Jonah to Nineveh
Explanation: It commemorates the repentance of the people of Nineveh following the preaching of Jonah to the city of Nineveh and their subsequent repentance.
What is the significance of the 'Meskel' celebration?
Answer: Celebrating the finding of the True Cross
Explanation: It commemorates the finding of the True Cross by Empress Helena.
What is the significance of the 'tabot' during church processions?
Answer: It is carried veiled on a priest's head, shaded by umbrellas.
Explanation: It is carried veiled on a priest's head, symbolizing its sacredness and connection to the Ark of the Covenant.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church observes both Saturday and Sunday as holy days. Which of these days receives greater emphasis?
Answer: Sunday, due to the Resurrection of Christ
Explanation: While both days are observed, Sunday receives greater emphasis due to its association with the Resurrection of Christ.
Ge'ez is the exclusive liturgical language employed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Ge'ez is the primary ancient liturgical language, modern vernacular languages like Amharic are also used in services.
The Ethiopian Orthodox biblical canon incorporates books such as Jubilees and Enoch within its Old Testament collection.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Ethiopian Orthodox biblical canon indeed includes apocryphal books like Jubilees and Enoch in its Old Testament, alongside the standard books.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church's canon includes the standard Old and New Testament books but excludes texts such as Enoch.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Ethiopian Orthodox canon includes texts like Enoch and Jubilees, in addition to the standard biblical books.
Which ancient Semitic language functions as the primary liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church?
Answer: Ge'ez
Explanation: Ge'ez, an ancient Semitic language, serves as the primary liturgical language.
Which of the following texts is NOT included in the Ethiopian Orthodox Old Testament canon, according to the provided information?
Answer: Book of Revelation
Explanation: The Book of Revelation is part of the New Testament canon in many traditions but is not included in the Ethiopian Orthodox Old Testament canon; texts like Enoch and Jubilees are included.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church's biblical canon includes additional texts in the New Testament, such as:
Answer: Ethiopic Clement and Didascalia
Explanation: Additional texts include Ethiopic Clement and Didascalia.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church achieved administrative independence from the Coptic Orthodox Church in 1959.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church gained autocephaly, or administrative independence, from the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria in 1959.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church officially achieved autocephaly in 1948, consecrating Abuna Basilios as its first Patriarch.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Ethiopian bishops were consecrated in 1948, the Church officially achieved autocephaly and Abuna Basilios was crowned its first Patriarch in 1959.
The title 'Abuna' designates the head bishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Abuna' is indeed the title for the Patriarch, the supreme head bishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
Until 1959, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church maintained an administrative link with which other church?
Answer: The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria
Explanation: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church was administratively linked to the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria until 1959.
In what year was the Ethiopian Orthodox Church officially granted autocephaly, and who was consecrated as its first Patriarch?
Answer: 1959, Abuna Basilios
Explanation: The Church achieved autocephaly in 1959, with Abuna Basilios consecrated as its first Patriarch.
What is the official title of the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church?
Answer: Patriarch and Catholicos of Ethiopia, Archbishop of Axum and Ichege of the See of Saint Taklahaimanot
Explanation: The official title is Patriarch and Catholicos of Ethiopia, Archbishop of Axum and Ichege of the See of Saint Taklahaimanot.
Jesuit missions initiated in the 16th century aimed to subordinate the Ethiopian Church to the authority of the Pope in Rome, not the Patriarch of Alexandria.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Jesuit missions sought to bring the Ethiopian Church under papal authority in Rome, a goal contrary to maintaining ties with the Patriarch of Alexandria.
Martin Luther viewed the Ethiopian Orthodox Church as a 'forerunner of Protestantism' owing to certain shared ecclesiastical practices.
Answer: True
Explanation: Martin Luther recognized the Ethiopian Orthodox Church as an ancient, apostolic church and considered it a 'forerunner of Protestantism' due to practices like vernacular scriptures and married clergy.
Emperor Haile Selassie established the Theological College of the Holy Trinity Church with the objective of enhancing clerical education.
Answer: True
Explanation: Emperor Haile Selassie implemented reforms, including the founding of the Theological College of the Holy Trinity Church in 1944, to elevate the educational standards of the clergy.
Following the 1974 revolution, the Marxist Derg regime nationalized church property and apprehended Patriarch Tewophilos.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Derg regime, which came to power after the 1974 revolution, nationalized church assets and arrested Patriarch Tewophilos, who was later executed.
The Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church obtained autocephaly from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in 1993.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church was granted autocephaly in 1993, subsequent to Eritrea's independence from Ethiopia.
The secession of the Tigrayan Orthodox Tewahedo Church in 2021 stemmed from grievances concerning the main synod's alignment with the federal government during the Tigray War.
Answer: True
Explanation: The secession was indeed motivated by perceived alignment of the main synod with the federal government during the Tigray War, among other grievances.
The Ethiopian Catholic Church acknowledges the authority of the Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarch.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Ethiopian Catholic Church is in communion with the Pope in Rome and does not acknowledge the authority of the Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarch.
The internal church conflict in early 2023 involved an attempt to depose Patriarch Abune Mathias, resulting in the excommunication of three archbishops.
Answer: True
Explanation: This statement accurately describes the events of early 2023, including the attempted deposition and subsequent excommunications.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church was disestablished as the state church subsequent to the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the 1974 revolution and the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie, the Church lost its status as the state church.
Emperor Susenyos I's submission to Roman Catholic authority temporarily severed the administrative connection between the Ethiopian Church and Alexandria.
Answer: True
Explanation: Susenyos I's brief submission to Roman Catholic authority did indeed temporarily disrupt the Church's administrative link with the Coptic Patriarchate of Alexandria.
The Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD resulted in a schism due to divergent Christological views. Which specific view did the Ethiopian Church reject?
Answer: Dyophysitism
Explanation: The Ethiopian Church rejected the Dyophysite view, which affirmed two distinct natures in Christ, adhering instead to Miaphysitism.
Which historical period temporarily severed the administrative ties between the Ethiopian Church and the Coptic Church?
Answer: The period of Jesuit influence and mission
Explanation: The period of Jesuit influence and mission activities in the 16th century temporarily severed these administrative ties.
Martin Luther regarded the Ethiopian Orthodox Church favorably, viewing it as a precursor to his own movement, partly due to its practice of:
Answer: Vernacular scriptures and married clergy
Explanation: Luther cited practices such as vernacular scriptures and married clergy as reasons for his favorable view.
Emperor Haile Selassie implemented reforms to enhance clergy education by establishing which institution?
Answer: The Theological College of the Holy Trinity Church
Explanation: He established the Theological College of the Holy Trinity Church to improve clergy education.
What significant political event in 1974 resulted in the disestablishment of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church as the state church?
Answer: The Marxist revolution and overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie
Explanation: The Marxist revolution and the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974 led to this disestablishment.
The Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church gained autocephaly subsequent to which event?
Answer: Eritrea's independence
Explanation: It gained autocephaly following Eritrea's independence.
Which of the following represents a key difference between the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Ethiopian Catholic Church?
Answer: The Ethiopian Catholic Church is in communion with Rome and acknowledges papal authority.
Explanation: The Ethiopian Catholic Church is in communion with Rome and acknowledges papal authority, unlike the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
The secession of the Tigrayan Orthodox Tewahedo Church in 2021 stemmed from grievances related to:
Answer: The main synod's perceived alignment with the federal government during the Tigray War
Explanation: Grievances related to the main synod's perceived alignment with the federal government during the Tigray War were a primary cause.
What was Martin Luther's perspective on the Ethiopian Orthodox Church?
Answer: He saw it as a legitimate ancient church and a 'forerunner of Protestantism'.
Explanation: He viewed it favorably, considering it a legitimate ancient church and a 'forerunner of Protestantism'.
What was the primary objective of the Jesuit missions in Ethiopia commencing in the 16th century?
Answer: To bring the Ethiopian Church under the authority of the Pope in Rome
Explanation: Their primary goal was to bring the Ethiopian Church under the authority of the Pope in Rome.
Monolithic churches, exemplified by the structures in Lalibela, represent a unique architectural style indigenous to Ethiopia.
Answer: True
Explanation: The monolithic architectural style, characterized by churches carved directly from rock, is indeed a distinctive feature of Ethiopian ecclesiastical architecture, most famously demonstrated in Lalibela.
The Ethiopian Church claims that the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Axum houses the original Ark of the Covenant.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Ethiopian Church asserts that the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Axum is the repository of the original Ark of the Covenant.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church's claim to possess the Ark of the Covenant is based on the tradition that Menelik I transported it from King Solomon.
Answer: True
Explanation: This tradition, linking Menelik I, son of Solomon and Sheba, to the Ark's arrival in Ethiopia, forms the basis of the Church's claim.
What is the architectural style of churches such as those in Lalibela, characterized by being carved directly from solid rock?
Answer: Monolithic
Explanation: This style is known as monolithic architecture.
What is the historical basis for the Ethiopian Church's claim to possess the Ark of the Covenant?
Answer: It was brought to Ethiopia by Menelik I, son of Solomon and Sheba.
Explanation: The tradition states it was brought to Ethiopia by Menelik I, son of Solomon and Sheba.