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Study Guide: The Patriarchate of Alexandria: History, Titles, and Succession

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The Patriarchate of Alexandria: History, Titles, and Succession Study Guide

Origins and Early Authority of the See of Alexandria

Prior to the elevation of Constantinople and Jerusalem, the Alexandrian episcopate was historically considered one of the preeminent sees, ranking alongside Rome and Antioch in significance.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Alexandrian episcopate was historically considered one of the three major episcopal sees, alongside Rome and Antioch, thus it was not less significant.

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Prior to the fifth century, the Bishop of Alexandria held the designation of Arch-metropolitan, governing multiple episcopal provinces, and the title 'Pope' began to be associated with the see later.

Answer: False

Explanation: Prior to the fifth century, the Bishop of Alexandria held the designation of Arch-metropolitan, governing multiple episcopal provinces. The title 'Pope' began to be associated with the see later.

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Prior to the First Council of Constantinople in 381 AD, the Patriarch of Alexandria held a rank second only to the Bishop of Rome, not higher.

Answer: False

Explanation: Prior to the First Council of Constantinople in 381 AD, the Patriarch of Alexandria held a rank second only to the Bishop of Rome.

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According to church tradition, Saint Mark the Evangelist is credited with founding the Patriarchate of Alexandria in 42 AD.

Answer: True

Explanation: Church tradition holds that Saint Mark the Evangelist founded the Patriarchate of Alexandria in 42 AD.

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The Coptic icon of Saint Mark the Evangelist depicts him as the founder of the Church of Antioch.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Coptic icon of Saint Mark the Evangelist depicts him as the apostolic founder of the Church of Alexandria and the first Primate of Alexandria, not the founder of the Church of Antioch.

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Pope Heraclas was the 13th Bishop of Alexandria, serving from 227 to 248 AD, and was the first to be associated with the title 'Pope'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pope Heraclas was the 13th Bishop of Alexandria, serving from 227 to 248 AD, and was the first to be associated with the title 'Pope'.

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The Patriarchate of Alexandria was founded in 42 AD, but the title 'patriarch' was not formally recognized until the Council of Nicaea.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Patriarchate of Alexandria is traditionally founded in 42 AD. While the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) recognized its archiepiscopal status, the formal title 'patriarch' for the major sees, including Alexandria, was more definitively established later, particularly around the fifth and sixth centuries.

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The title 'Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark' is a specific designation for the Patriarch of Venice.

Answer: False

Explanation: The title 'Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark' is a designation historically associated with the Patriarch of Alexandria, not the Patriarch of Venice.

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Saint Mark the Evangelist is considered the founder and first Patriarch of the Church of Alexandria, establishing apostolic succession.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to tradition, Saint Mark the Evangelist founded the Church of Alexandria and served as its first Patriarch, thereby establishing the apostolic succession for the see.

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The Patriarchate of Alexandria is considered an apostolic see due to its founding by Saint Mark the Evangelist.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Patriarchate of Alexandria is recognized as an apostolic see because it was founded by Saint Mark the Evangelist, an apostle.

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Which of the following was historically considered one of the three major episcopal sees alongside Rome and Antioch?

Answer: Alexandria

Explanation: Historically, the Alexandrian episcopate was revered as one of the three major episcopal sees, alongside Rome and Antioch, before Constantinople and Jerusalem were granted similar status.

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Before the fifth century, what title was held by the successor to Saint Mark governing Egypt, prior to the adoption of the title 'Patriarch'?

Answer: Arch-metropolitan

Explanation: Before the fifth century, the successor to Saint Mark governing Egypt was known as the Arch-metropolitan, holding authority over multiple episcopal provinces.

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What was the rank of the Patriarch of Alexandria relative to the Bishop of Rome before the First Council of Constantinople (381 AD)?

Answer: Second only to Rome

Explanation: Prior to the First Council of Constantinople in 381 AD, the Patriarch of Alexandria held a rank second only to the Bishop of Rome.

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According to church tradition, who founded the Patriarchate of Alexandria and in what year?

Answer: Saint Mark the Evangelist, 42 AD

Explanation: According to church tradition, Saint Mark the Evangelist founded the Patriarchate of Alexandria in 42 AD.

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What is the primary reason the Patriarchate of Alexandria is considered an 'apostolic see'?

Answer: It was founded by an apostle, Saint Mark the Evangelist.

Explanation: The Patriarchate of Alexandria is considered an apostolic see because it was founded by Saint Mark the Evangelist, an apostle.

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Ecclesiastical Councils and the Pentarchy

Canon Six of the First Council of Nicaea formally recognized Alexandria's status as an archiepiscopal see, subjecting all Egyptian provinces to its metropolitan authority.

Answer: True

Explanation: Canon Six of the First Council of Nicaea ratified the metropolitan authority of Alexandria over the Egyptian provinces, formally recognizing its archiepiscopal status.

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The Pentarchy, comprising five major sees, was formally established in the fourth century, with Alexandria being one of the original major sees.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Alexandria was one of the original major sees, the Pentarchy was formally established and recognized in the sixth century, not the fourth.

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The Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) did not confirm the precedence of the Patriarch of Alexandria over Constantinople; rather, the Council of Constantinople (381 AD) had granted precedence to Constantinople, a decision later confirmed by Chalcedon.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Council of Constantinople (381 AD) granted precedence to Constantinople over Alexandria, a decision later confirmed by the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD), rather than confirming Alexandria's precedence.

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The schism that divided the Church in Alexandria into the Coptic Orthodox and Greek Orthodox branches was primarily precipitated by the doctrinal disputes and decisions of the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, following earlier tensions at Ephesus.

Answer: True

Explanation: The schism that divided the Church in Alexandria into the Coptic Orthodox and Greek Orthodox branches was primarily precipitated by the doctrinal disputes and decisions of the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, following earlier tensions at Ephesus.

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The Pentarchy refers to the five major ecclesiastical jurisdictions established by the Council of Chalcedon.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Pentarchy refers to the five major ecclesiastical jurisdictions (sees) of Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem, which were recognized over time, with formalization occurring later, not solely established by the Council of Chalcedon.

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The Councils of Alexandria were instrumental in establishing the archiepiscopal status of the Alexandrian see.

Answer: True

Explanation: Local Councils of Alexandria played a significant role in elevating the Alexandrian episcopate to archiepiscopal status, a position later formally ratified by the First Council of Nicaea.

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The Pentarchy included the sees of Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Pentarchy, representing the five major ecclesiastical jurisdictions in early Christianity, comprised the sees of Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem.

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Canon Six of which council ratified the status of Alexandria as an archiepiscopal see governing all Egyptian provinces?

Answer: First Council of Nicaea

Explanation: Canon Six of the First Council of Nicaea (325 AD) formally recognized Alexandria's status as an archiepiscopal see, subjecting all Egyptian episcopal provinces to its metropolitan authority.

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In which century were the five major archbishops formally granted the title of patriarch, becoming known as the Pentarchy?

Answer: Sixth Century

Explanation: In the sixth century, the five major archbishops were formally granted the title of patriarch, leading to the designation of the Pentarchy.

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Which council's third canon granted the Patriarch of Constantinople precedence over the Patriarch of Alexandria?

Answer: First Council of Constantinople (381 AD)

Explanation: The third canon of the First Council of Constantinople (381 AD) granted the Patriarch of Constantinople precedence over the Patriarch of Alexandria.

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The schism that divided the Church in Alexandria into Coptic Orthodox and Greek Orthodox branches was primarily caused by which two councils?

Answer: Ephesus and Chalcedon

Explanation: The schism that divided the Church in Alexandria was primarily caused by the doctrinal disputes and decisions of the Council of Ephesus (449 AD) and the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD).

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The Pentarchy refers to the five major what in early Christianity?

Answer: Ecclesiastical Jurisdictions (Sees)

Explanation: The Pentarchy refers to the five major ecclesiastical jurisdictions (sees) in early Christianity: Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem.

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Titles, Terminology, and Significance

The office of the Patriarch of Alexandria is an archiepiscopal see located in Alexandria, Egypt, with the title 'Pope,' derived from the Greek 'papas' meaning 'Father,' historically associated with its occupant.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Patriarch of Alexandria holds an archiepiscopal position based in Alexandria, Egypt. The title 'Pope,' signifying 'Father,' has been historically associated with this office.

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The title 'Pope' began to be associated with the Bishop of Alexandria starting with Pope Heraclas of Alexandria, the 13th Alexandrine Bishop, who served from 227 to 248 AD.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pope Heraclas, the 13th Bishop of Alexandria, serving from 227 to 248 AD, was the first to be associated with the title 'Pope'.

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The Greek word 'papas' means 'Son' and is the origin of the title 'pope'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Greek word 'papas' means 'Father,' which is the origin of the title 'pope'.

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In the early centuries of Christianity, the title 'pope' was exclusively used for the Bishop of Rome.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the early centuries of Christianity, the title 'pope' was used informally for all bishops and senior clergy, particularly in the East, not exclusively for the Bishop of Rome.

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The title 'pope' became specifically associated with the Bishop of Rome in the West during the sixth century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The convention of using the title 'pope' specifically for the Bishop of Rome became more pronounced in the West during the sixth century.

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The earliest recorded use of the title 'pope' in English dates back to the 11th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The earliest recorded use of the title 'pope' in English appears in an Old English translation dating to around the 10th century (c. 950 AD), not the 11th century.

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The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa holds extensive titles, including 'Thirteenth of the Apostles' and 'Judge of the Universe'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa holds numerous honorific titles, including 'Thirteenth of the Apostles' and 'Judge of the Universe'.

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The term 'papas' means 'Father' in both Greek and Coptic languages.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'papas' translates to 'Father' in both the Greek and Coptic languages.

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The title 'pope' for the Patriarch of Alexandria signifies a distinct historical usage compared to its later specific association with the Bishop of Rome.

Answer: True

Explanation: While 'pope' etymologically means 'Father' and was historically applied broadly, its specific association with the Bishop of Rome became more pronounced later. For the Patriarch of Alexandria, the title has retained a distinct historical usage since the third century.

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The term 'Sui iuris' refers to churches that are subordinate to the Patriarch of Rome.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Sui iuris' refers to churches that are self-governing within the larger communion of the Catholic Church, not necessarily subordinate to the Patriarch of Rome in all aspects of their governance.

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The title 'Thirteenth of the Apostles' for the Greek Orthodox Patriarch acknowledges Saint Mark's role as the founder of the Church of Rome.

Answer: False

Explanation: The title 'Thirteenth of the Apostles' acknowledges Saint Mark's foundational role in establishing the Church of Alexandria, not his role in the Church of Rome.

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The title 'Primate of Africa' is held by the Patriarch of Alexandria in certain traditions, signifying continental leadership.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Patriarch of Alexandria, particularly in the Coptic Orthodox and Greek Orthodox traditions, holds the title of Primate of Africa, signifying leadership over the Church across the continent.

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The title 'patriarch' evolved to denote the heads of the major sees; it was not initially exclusive to the Bishop of Rome, and its formal granting to the Pentarchy occurred in the sixth century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The title 'patriarch' evolved to denote the heads of the major sees; it was not initially exclusive to the Bishop of Rome, and its formal granting to the Pentarchy occurred in the sixth century.

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The Coptic Orthodox Church, the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, and the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria are all considered 'Sui iuris' churches related to Alexandria.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Coptic Orthodox Church, the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, and the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria are all considered 'Sui iuris' churches connected to the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

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What is the primary role and location associated with the title Patriarch of Alexandria?

Answer: The archbishop of Alexandria, Egypt, sometimes called 'Pope' meaning 'Father'.

Explanation: The Patriarch of Alexandria is the archbishop of Alexandria, Egypt. This historical office has also been associated with the designation 'pope', meaning 'Father'.

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Who was the 13th Alexandrine Bishop and the first to be associated with the title 'Pope'?

Answer: Pope Heraclas of Alexandria

Explanation: Pope Heraclas, serving as the 13th Alexandrine Bishop from 227 to 248 AD, was the first to be associated with the title 'Pope'.

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What is the meaning of the Greek word 'papas', from which the title 'pope' is derived?

Answer: Father

Explanation: The Greek word 'papas,' from which the title 'pope' is derived, means 'Father'.

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In the early centuries of Christianity, how was the title 'pope' commonly used?

Answer: Informally for all bishops and senior clergy, especially in the East.

Explanation: In the early centuries of Christianity, the title 'pope' was used informally for all bishops and senior clergy, particularly in the East.

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When did the convention of using the title 'pope' specifically for the Bishop of Rome become more pronounced in the West?

Answer: During the 6th century

Explanation: The convention of using the title 'pope' specifically for the Bishop of Rome became more pronounced in the West during the sixth century.

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Which title is held by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, acknowledging Saint Mark's foundational role?

Answer: Thirteenth of the Apostles

Explanation: The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa holds the title 'Thirteenth of the Apostles,' acknowledging Saint Mark's foundational role in establishing the Alexandrian Church.

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What does the term 'papas' mean in both Greek and Coptic?

Answer: Father

Explanation: In both Greek and Coptic languages, the term 'papas' translates to 'Father'.

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What is the meaning of 'Sui iuris' in the context of churches like the Coptic Catholic Church?

Answer: Self-governing within the Catholic Church.

Explanation: 'Sui iuris' refers to churches that are self-governing within the larger communion of the Catholic Church.

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Schisms, Modern Succession, and Claimants

Due to Christian schisms, the title Patriarch of Alexandria is currently claimed by only one individual representing the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Answer: False

Explanation: Due to various schisms within Christianity, the title of Patriarch of Alexandria is currently claimed by four individuals representing different churches, including Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

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The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria is one of the four individuals currently claiming the title, representing the Melkite Patriarchate which includes Antioch, Jerusalem, and Eastern territories.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria is one claimant, the Melkite Patriarchate is associated with the Patriarch of Antioch, who holds titular titles for Alexandria and Jerusalem.

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The Melkite Patriarch of Antioch also holds titular titles for Alexandria and Jerusalem, representing the Melkite Greek Catholic Church.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Patriarch of Antioch of the Greek-Melkites, leading the Melkite Greek Catholic Church, holds titular titles for Alexandria and Jerusalem.

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The titular see of the Latin Patriarchate of Alexandria was last held in 1954 and officially abolished in 1964.

Answer: True

Explanation: The titular see of the Latin Patriarchate of Alexandria was last held by Luca Ermenegildo Pasetto until his death in 1954 and was officially abolished in 1964.

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The Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria represents the vast majority of Christians in Egypt and its associated monastic communities.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria is the largest Christian body in Egypt and encompasses nearly all of the country's monastic communities.

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All claimants to the Patriarch of Alexandria title trace their lineage back to Saint Mark the Evangelist.

Answer: True

Explanation: All current claimants to the title of Patriarch of Alexandria assert their succession from Saint Mark the Evangelist, who is traditionally recognized as the founder of the see.

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The titular see of the Latin Patriarchate of Alexandria was last held in 1954 and officially abolished in 1964.

Answer: True

Explanation: The titular see of the Latin Patriarchate of Alexandria was last held in 1954 and officially abolished in 1964.

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The Coptic Orthodox Church adheres to the non-Chalcedonian tradition, while the Greek Orthodox Church follows the Chalcedonian faith, reflecting the historical schism.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Coptic Orthodox Church adheres to the non-Chalcedonian tradition, while the Greek Orthodox Church follows the Chalcedonian faith, reflecting the historical schism originating from the Council of Chalcedon.

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The infobox indicates that the Patriarch of Alexandria is associated with multiple denominations, including Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Orthodox traditions.

Answer: False

Explanation: The infobox indicates that the Patriarch of Alexandria is associated with multiple denominations, including Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Orthodox traditions, not solely Eastern Orthodox.

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How many individuals currently claim the title of Patriarch of Alexandria due to Christian schisms?

Answer: Four

Explanation: Due to various schisms within Christianity, the title of Patriarch of Alexandria is currently claimed by four individuals representing different churches.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a claimant to the title of Patriarch of Alexandria?

Answer: Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople

Explanation: The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople is not a claimant to the Patriarchate of Alexandria. The claimants include the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria, the Melkite Patriarch of Antioch (who holds titular titles), and the Coptic Catholic Patriarch.

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Which Eastern Catholic Church has a Patriarch of Alexandria of the Copts?

Answer: Coptic Catholic Church

Explanation: The Coptic Catholic Church has a Patriarch of Alexandria of the Copts, who serves in communion with the Holy See.

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The Patriarch of Antioch of the Greek-Melkites holds titular titles for which other sees?

Answer: Alexandria and Jerusalem

Explanation: The Patriarch of Antioch of the Greek-Melkites holds titular titles for Alexandria and Jerusalem, in addition to Antioch.

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When was the titular see of the Latin Patriarch of Alexandria officially abolished?

Answer: 1964

Explanation: The titular see of the Latin Patriarchate of Alexandria was last held in 1954 and officially abolished in 1964.

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Which of the following denominations is NOT mentioned as being associated with the Patriarch of Alexandria in the infobox?

Answer: Protestant

Explanation: The infobox indicates associations with Catholic, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Orthodox denominations, but not Protestant denominations.

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Jurisdiction, Administration, and Associated Rites

During its peak, the Patriarch of Alexandria's jurisdiction included approximately 108 bishops across six provinces.

Answer: True

Explanation: During its most flourishing period, the Patriarch of Alexandria's jurisdiction encompassed about 108 bishops across six provinces.

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The Coptic Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria resides in Cairo, having moved the residence from Alexandria in the mid-eleventh century.

Answer: True

Explanation: Since the mid-eleventh century, the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria has resided in Cairo, following a move initiated by Patriarch Christodoulos.

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The historical jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Alexandria included provinces such as Libya Superior, the Thebaid, and Augustamnica.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, the jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Alexandria encompassed provinces including Libya Superior, Libya Inferior, the Thebaid, Egypt, Heptanomis, and Augustamnica.

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The Byzantine Rite is associated with the Coptic Catholic Patriarchate of Alexandria.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Byzantine Rite is primarily associated with the Greek Orthodox and Melkite Catholic Patriarchates. The Coptic Catholic Patriarchate of Alexandria is associated with the Coptic Rite.

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The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa claims jurisdiction only over Egypt and Libya.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa claims jurisdiction over Alexandria, Libya, Pentapolis, Ethiopia, All Egypt, and All Africa, extending far beyond just Egypt and Libya.

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During its zenith, the Patriarch of Alexandria oversaw roughly 108 bishops.

Answer: True

Explanation: During its most flourishing period, the Patriarch of Alexandria had jurisdiction over approximately 108 bishops.

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Which of the following was NOT one of the six provinces historically under the jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Alexandria?

Answer: Syria

Explanation: Historically, the jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Alexandria included Libya Superior, Libya Inferior, the Thebaid, Egypt, Heptanomis, and Augustamnica. Syria was under the Patriarchate of Antioch.

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Where has the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria resided since the mid-eleventh century?

Answer: Cairo

Explanation: Since the mid-eleventh century, the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria has resided in Cairo, Egypt.

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Which rite is primarily associated with the Coptic Orthodox and Coptic Catholic Patriarchates of Alexandria?

Answer: Coptic Rite

Explanation: The Coptic Rite is primarily associated with both the Coptic Orthodox and Coptic Catholic Patriarchates of Alexandria.

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