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Eastern Orthodox Christians believe the Trinity consists of three distinct divine persons sharing a single divine essence.
Answer: True
Orthodox theology posits that the Trinity comprises three distinct persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) united in one divine essence (ousia).
Eastern Orthodoxy accepts the Filioque clause, believing the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son.
Answer: False
Eastern Orthodoxy rejects the Filioque clause, maintaining that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone, and objects to its unilateral addition to the Nicene Creed.
According to Eastern Orthodox theology, God's essence is unknowable and transcendent, while His energies are how He interacts with creation.
Answer: True
Orthodox theology distinguishes between God's unknowable essence and His uncreated energies, through which He engages with the created order.
The Eastern Orthodox Church views the death and resurrection of Christ as symbolic events rather than literal historical occurrences.
Answer: False
The Orthodox Church understands the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as foundational, literal historical events central to Christian faith and salvation.
Eastern Orthodox theology posits that God's uncreated energies are separate creations distinct from God's essence.
Answer: False
Orthodox theology maintains that God's uncreated energies are not separate creations but are God Himself, distinct from His essence yet inseparable, allowing for participation in divinity.
The communion of essence within the Trinity means the three persons are identical.
Answer: False
The 'communion of essence' signifies that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share one divine essence, but it does not imply that the three persons are identical; they remain distinct hypostases.
The 'communion of essence' within the Trinity implies the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are interchangeable.
Answer: False
The 'communion of essence' signifies unity in divine substance, not interchangeability of the distinct persons of the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
The theological understanding of the Holy Spirit's procession in Orthodoxy aligns with the Western addition of 'Filioque'.
Answer: False
Orthodox theology maintains that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father alone, which is a key theological divergence from the Western 'Filioque' clause.
What is the Eastern Orthodox understanding of the Trinity?
Answer: Three distinct divine persons sharing a single divine essence.
Orthodox theology affirms the Trinity as three distinct persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) united in one divine essence (ousia).
Why does Eastern Orthodoxy reject the Filioque clause?
Answer: They believe the clause was added without the consensus of an ecumenical council.
Eastern Orthodoxy rejects the Filioque clause primarily because it was added to the Nicene Creed unilaterally, without the consent of an ecumenical council, and it alters the understanding of the Holy Spirit's procession.
In Eastern Orthodox theology, what is the relationship between God's essence and His energies?
Answer: God's essence is unknowable and transcendent, while His energies are how He interacts with creation.
Orthodox theology distinguishes God's unknowable essence from His uncreated energies, which are the means by which God interacts with creation and through which humanity can participate in the divine.
What is the significance of the 'uncreated energies' in Orthodox theology?
Answer: They are God Himself, distinct from His essence, allowing for participation in divinity.
The uncreated energies are understood as God Himself, distinct from His essence, through which humanity can participate in the divine life and experience God's presence.
Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism are recognized as the principal divisions within Chalcedonian Christianity.
Answer: True
The source material identifies Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism as the principal divisions within Chalcedonian Christianity.
The Eastern Orthodox Church is structured as a single, unified global hierarchy with a central Pope.
Answer: False
The Eastern Orthodox Church is organized into a communion of autocephalous churches, rather than a single, centralized global hierarchy.
The Bible is considered a secondary source of authority in Eastern Orthodoxy, subordinate to Holy Tradition.
Answer: False
The Bible is considered the primary authoritative witness to Holy Tradition, and both are understood as inseparable and mutually interpretive within the life of the Church.
The Eastern Orthodox Church uses the Masoretic Text for its Old Testament, similar to many Protestant Bibles.
Answer: False
The Eastern Orthodox Church utilizes the Septuagint, a Koine Greek translation, as its authoritative Old Testament text, rather than the Masoretic Text.
Eastern Orthodoxy adheres strictly to the principle of 'sola scriptura', meaning the Bible alone is the ultimate authority.
Answer: False
Eastern Orthodoxy does not subscribe to 'sola scriptura'; it holds that Holy Tradition, which includes Scripture, defines and interprets the faith.
Holy tradition in Eastern Orthodoxy includes only the written scriptures and the creeds.
Answer: False
Holy Tradition in Eastern Orthodoxy encompasses a broader scope than just scripture and creeds, including the teachings of the Church Fathers, liturgical practices, and the pronouncements of ecumenical councils.
The Orthodox Church uses the term 'Anagignoskomena' for books considered apocryphal and unsuitable for reading.
Answer: False
'Anagignoskomena' refers to books considered worthy of reading within the Orthodox canon, often included in the Septuagint but not in the Protestant canon; they are not deemed unsuitable.
The seven ecumenical councils hold binding authority in Eastern Orthodoxy for doctrinal definitions.
Answer: True
The doctrinal definitions and statements of faith established by the seven ecumenical councils are considered irrevocably binding and authoritative within Eastern Orthodoxy.
The term 'autocephalous' means an Orthodox church is dependent on a higher authority for its leadership.
Answer: False
'Autocephalous' signifies that an Orthodox church is self-governing, electing its own primate and leadership, rather than being dependent on an external authority.
The Eastern Orthodox Church generally opposes honest critical and historical study of the Bible.
Answer: False
The Orthodox Church does not oppose honest critical and historical study of the Bible; rather, it emphasizes that such study must be undertaken within the framework of Holy Tradition and the Church's interpretive authority.
The Septuagint is the New Testament text used by the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Answer: False
The Septuagint is the Greek translation of the Old Testament used by the Eastern Orthodox Church; the New Testament uses the Patriarchal Text.
The Eastern Orthodox Church teaches that Scripture was defined and is interpreted by the Church itself.
Answer: True
Orthodox ecclesiology holds that the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, defined the biblical canon and possesses the authority to interpret Scripture within the context of Holy Tradition.
Which of the following is NOT considered one of the three main branches of Chalcedonian Christianity according to the source?
Answer: Nestorianism
The source identifies Eastern Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and Protestantism as the three main branches of Chalcedonian Christianity. Nestorianism is a separate Christological tradition.
How is the mainstream Eastern Orthodox Church primarily organized?
Answer: As a federation of independent, self-governing (autocephalous) churches.
The Eastern Orthodox Church is structured as a communion of autocephalous churches, each possessing administrative independence.
How does Eastern Orthodoxy view the relationship between the Bible and Holy Tradition?
Answer: Holy Tradition defines and interprets the Bible, which is a witness to Tradition.
In Eastern Orthodoxy, Holy Tradition is understood as the living faith of the Church, which encompasses and interprets Scripture. The Bible is a foundational element and witness within this broader Tradition.
Which text serves as the official Old Testament canon for the Eastern Orthodox Church?
Answer: The Septuagint
The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures, serves as the authoritative Old Testament text for the Eastern Orthodox Church.
The Orthodox Bible includes Old Testament books from the Septuagint that are not in the Protestant canon, known as:
Answer: Anagignoskomena
The books included in the Septuagint but not in the Protestant Old Testament canon are referred to as 'Anagignoskomena' in the Orthodox tradition, meaning 'things that are read'.
The seven ecumenical councils are significant in Eastern Orthodoxy because they:
Answer: Defined core doctrines and statements of faith.
The seven ecumenical councils played a crucial role in defining fundamental Christian doctrines, including the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, and their pronouncements hold binding authority.
Eastern Orthodoxy recognizes only seven sacred mysteries, mirroring the seven sacraments of Catholicism.
Answer: False
While Eastern Orthodoxy has prominent 'sacred mysteries' analogous to Western sacraments, the number is not strictly limited to seven, and the term encompasses a broader range of sacred actions.
In Eastern Orthodox baptism, the candidate is sprinkled lightly with water three times.
Answer: False
Eastern Orthodox baptism typically involves full immersion three times, symbolizing death and resurrection with Christ.
Chrismation is the Orthodox mystery of receiving the Holy Spirit through anointing with Holy Chrism, typically after baptism.
Answer: True
Chrismation, often referred to as confirmation in Western traditions, is the sacrament of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit through anointing with consecrated oil, usually administered immediately following baptism.
Only bishops are permitted to administer baptism in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Answer: False
While bishops and priests normally perform baptism, any Orthodox Christian may administer it in emergency situations.
Eastern Orthodox infants and young children receive Holy Communion after baptism and chrismation, without needing confession.
Answer: True
In Eastern Orthodoxy, infants and young children receive Holy Communion following their baptism and chrismation, as part of their incorporation into the Church.
The Orthodox perspective views marriage solely as a legal contract between two individuals.
Answer: False
Orthodox theology regards marriage as a holy mystery, a spiritual union between a man and a woman before God, aimed at eternal love and the raising of a faithful family.
The Eastern Orthodox Church officially recognizes and performs same-sex marriages.
Answer: False
The Eastern Orthodox Church understands marriage exclusively as the union of one man and one woman and does not officially recognize or perform same-sex marriages.
The Orthodox Church views marriage as exclusively a union between one man and one woman.
Answer: True
The Orthodox understanding of marriage is exclusively as a union between one man and one woman, consecrated by the Church.
Which of the following is considered a prominent 'sacred mystery' in Eastern Orthodoxy?
Answer: All of the above
Baptism, Penance (Confession), and Confirmation (Chrismation) are all considered prominent sacred mysteries within Eastern Orthodoxy.
How is baptism typically performed in the Eastern Orthodox Church?
Answer: By full immersion three times.
Orthodox baptism traditionally involves the full immersion of the candidate in blessed water three times, symbolizing the death and resurrection of Christ.
What is Chrismation?
Answer: The anointing with Holy Chrism after baptism to receive the Holy Spirit.
Chrismation is the sacred mystery in which the newly baptized person is anointed with Holy Chrism, sealing them with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Who can administer baptism in emergency situations within Eastern Orthodoxy?
Answer: Any baptized Orthodox Christian.
In emergency circumstances, any baptized Orthodox Christian is authorized to administer baptism.
Which of the following is a requirement for receiving Holy Communion in Eastern Orthodoxy?
Answer: All of the above
Receiving Holy Communion in Eastern Orthodoxy requires being a baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christian, having prepared through fasting, prayer, and confession.
What is the Orthodox view on the nature of marriage?
Answer: It is a holy mystery uniting a man and woman before God for eternal love.
Orthodox theology defines marriage as a holy mystery, a sacred union between a man and a woman consecrated before God, intended for eternal love and partnership.
How does the Eastern Orthodox Church approach divorce and remarriage?
Answer: Divorce is not officially recognized, but remarriage is allowed compassionately in rare cases.
While marriage is considered indissoluble, the Church permits remarriage in exceptional circumstances, viewing it as an act of pastoral compassion for human frailty.
The Virgin Mary is revered in Eastern Orthodoxy primarily as a historical figure who bore Jesus.
Answer: False
The Virgin Mary, known as Theotokos ('Mother of God'), holds a preeminent position in Orthodox veneration, seen not merely as a historical figure but as a pivotal intercessor and archetype.
The Divine Liturgy is a minor service in Eastern Orthodoxy, typically held on weekdays.
Answer: False
The Divine Liturgy is the principal act of worship in Eastern Orthodoxy, usually celebrated on Sundays and major feast days, not a minor weekday service.
Chanting in Orthodox services is viewed as sacred melody and prayer, continuing ancient Judaic traditions.
Answer: True
Chanting in Orthodox services is considered sacred prayer and melody, reflecting continuity with ancient Judaic liturgical practices.
The Octoechos system is a Western musical scale used in Byzantine chant.
Answer: False
The Octoechos is an eight-tone system integral to Byzantine music and Orthodox chant, analogous to Gregorian modes in the West, not a Western scale itself.
Icons in Orthodox Christianity are considered sacred objects that serve as 'windows into the divine'.
Answer: True
Icons are central to Orthodox worship and spirituality, functioning as visual theology and perceived as 'windows into the divine' that facilitate prayer and veneration.
An iconostasis is a type of liturgical fan used during services.
Answer: False
An iconostasis is a screen or wall of icons separating the nave from the sanctuary in an Orthodox church, not a liturgical fan.
The weekly cycle of Orthodox services dedicates Saturday to the commemoration of the departed and All Saints.
Answer: True
Saturday in the Orthodox liturgical cycle is traditionally dedicated to the commemoration of the departed and All Saints.
The cochlear is a vestment worn by Orthodox priests during services.
Answer: False
The cochlear is not a vestment but a spoon used by the priest to administer the Holy Communion from the chalice.
The Byzantine templon, the precursor to the iconostasis, dates back to the 11th century.
Answer: True
The templon, an architectural feature that evolved into the modern iconostasis, originated in Byzantine churches and became prominent around the 11th century.
The title 'Theotokos' applied to Mary signifies she is merely the human mother of Jesus, not divine.
Answer: False
The title 'Theotokos' (Mother of God) affirms the divinity of the one Mary bore, highlighting her unique role in salvation history and the Incarnation.
Relics are considered holy in Orthodoxy due to their association with saints and miracles attributed to them.
Answer: True
Relics are venerated in Orthodoxy because of their connection to saints who participated in divine mysteries, and because God is believed to manifest His power through them, often via miracles.
The 'kliros' in Orthodox services refers to the sanctuary area where the altar is located.
Answer: False
The 'kliros' designates the choir or the place where the chanters perform during Orthodox services, not the sanctuary area.
The templon in Orthodox architecture served as a barrier between the clergy and laity, limiting participation.
Answer: False
While the templon (precursor to the iconostasis) separates the sanctuary, it functions symbolically as a threshold between the earthly and heavenly realms, not as a barrier to limit participation.
The title 'Theotokos' used for the Virgin Mary in Eastern Orthodoxy means:
Answer: Mother of God
'Theotokos' is a Greek term translating to 'Mother of God,' affirming the divinity of Christ and Mary's unique role in His Incarnation.
What is the primary role of the Divine Liturgy in the Eastern Orthodox Church?
Answer: The main act of worship, uniting earthly and heavenly Church members.
The Divine Liturgy is the central liturgical service, functioning as the primary act of worship that unites the Church on earth with the heavenly host.
In Byzantine music, what is the Octoechos system?
Answer: An eight-tone system for organizing religious chants.
The Octoechos is a foundational system in Byzantine chant, comprising eight modes or tones used to organize and compose liturgical hymns.
What is the significance of icons in Orthodox Christianity?
Answer: They are seen as windows into the divine, aiding prayer and veneration.
Icons are integral to Orthodox worship, serving as visual theological expressions and perceived as 'windows into the divine' that facilitate a connection with the sacred.
What structure in an Orthodox church separates the nave from the sanctuary and is covered with icons?
Answer: Iconostasis
The iconostasis is a characteristic feature of Orthodox church architecture, serving as an icon-covered screen that separates the nave from the sanctuary.
The 'kliros' in Orthodox church services refers to:
Answer: The choir or place where chanters sing.
The term 'kliros' denotes the choir or the designated area within an Orthodox church where the chanters perform their liturgical roles.
The slanted bottom bar on a Russian Orthodox cross represents Christ's footstool, pointing towards Heaven and Hades.
Answer: True
The slanted lower bar on the Russian Orthodox cross symbolizes the footstool, indicating the direction of Heaven (upward) and Hades (downward), representing the balance of justice and mercy.
Eastern Orthodoxy is the predominant religion in countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Greece.
Answer: True
Eastern Orthodoxy is indeed the predominant religion in numerous countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece, reflecting its historical and cultural significance in these regions.
The 'Rum' designation for Middle Eastern Orthodox Christians refers to their historical connection to the Roman Empire.
Answer: True
The term 'Rum' is historically used for Orthodox Christians in the Middle East, signifying their lineage from the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire.
The spread of Eastern Orthodoxy originated primarily in Western Europe.
Answer: False
The origins and initial spread of Eastern Orthodoxy are rooted in the Eastern Mediterranean basin and the Byzantine Empire, not Western Europe.
The slanted footstool on Orthodox crosses symbolizes the balance between divine justice and mercy.
Answer: False
The slanted footstool on Orthodox crosses symbolizes the balance of righteousness, representing the upward path to Heaven and the downward path to Hades, reflecting Christ's dominion over both.
The slanted lower bar on a Russian Orthodox cross symbolizes:
Answer: The balance between righteousness and blasphemy
The slanted footstool on the Russian Orthodox cross represents the balance of righteousness, indicating the direction of Heaven and Hades, and symbolizing Christ's judgment.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a country where Eastern Orthodoxy is the predominant religion?
Answer: Poland
While Eastern Orthodoxy is predominant in Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania, Poland is predominantly Roman Catholic.
What does the term 'Rum' signify for Orthodox Christians in the Middle East?
Answer: Their connection to the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire
The designation 'Rum' for Middle Eastern Orthodox Christians historically denotes their connection to the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire.
Which historical entity is most closely associated with the origin and spread of Eastern Orthodoxy?
Answer: The Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire, with its Greek cultural milieu and Orthodox Christian faith, is intrinsically linked to the origins and historical dissemination of Eastern Orthodoxy.