Chapter 10: Doctrine of the Holy Trinity – Part 2

Question 1

What is the Syriac term for the three persons of the Holy Trinity? (Logos, Knuma, Paraclete)

Answer 1

Knuma

Question 2

In the Syriac Orthodox tradition, who is referred to as Abba? (Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit, God the Father)

Answer 2

God the Father

Question 3

Which Council did establish the doctrine that God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are of the same essence? (Nicaea, Constantinople, Ephesus)

Answer 3

Nicea

Question 4

According to Syriac Orthodox belief, who sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within believers? (The Father alone, The Son, The Church)

Answer 4

The Son

Question 5

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are often considered as three _________ in one God.

Answer 5

Personalities

Question 6

In the Syriac Orthodox Church, the Holy Spirit is believed to proceed from the Father and is sent by the ______.

Answer 6

Son

Question 7

The Syriac Orthodox tradition affirms that Jesus Christ is both fully ______ and fully human.

Answer 7

Divine

Question 8

The Holy Trinity remains united without any trace of ______.

Answer 8

Separation

Question 9

True or False?
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are considered unequal in essence but equal in function.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

True or False?
The Holy Spirit is seen as a distant force rather than a personal presence in the life of believers.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

True or False?
Syriac Orthodox Christians believe that Jesus Christ, the Son, is fully God and fully human.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

True or False?
Human language is fully adequate to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.

Answer 12

False

Question 13

How is God the Father generally viewed in Syrian Orthodox Church?

Answer 13

The eternal source of all existence

Question 14

Answer in one or two sentences:
What does the title “Abba” signify in the Syriac Orthodox tradition?

Answer 14

The title “Abba” signifies an intimate and loving relationship between believers and God the Father. It highlights God’s role as the eternal source of all existence and His caring, sustaining presence in creation, much like a father provides and nurtures his family.

Question 15

Answer in one or two sentences:
How does the Syriac Orthodox Church view the Holy Spirit in relation to the Trinity?

Answer 15

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity who proceeds from the Father. It is sent by the Son to dwell within believers and to bring about transformation and renewal in their lives.

Question 16

Answer in one or two sentences:
Why is the concept of the Holy Trinity considered a divine mystery in Syriac Orthodox Christianity?

Answer 16

The concept of the Holy Trinity is considered a divine mystery because it describes the unity of three distinct persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—in one divine essence. Human knowledge, language, and reasoning are inadequate to fully comprehend or explain this mystery, but it is accepted and acknowledged through faith.

Question 17

Answer in one or two sentences:
What did the Council of Nicaea explain about God the Father?

Answer 17

One True God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

Question 18

Write an essay:
Explain how the Syriac Orthodox tradition understands the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers.

Answer 18

The Syriac Orthodox tradition understands the Holy Spirit as an integral part of the Trinity, proceeding from the Father and sent by the Son to dwell within believers. The Holy Spirit plays a transformative role, empowering and renewing individuals in their spiritual journey. The Spirit guides Christians, providing comfort, wisdom, and strength to live in accordance with God’s will. Rather than being a distant or abstract force, the Holy Spirit is seen as a personal presence actively involved in the daily lives of believers, helping them grow in faith, resist temptation, and develop a deeper relationship with God.