Chapter 11: Church History - Part 2: Saints of the Church

Question 1

Who is known as the “God-Bearer” in the early Christian Church? (St. Cyril, St. Ignatius, St. Jacob)

Answer 1

St. Ignatius

Question 2

Which saint is referred to as the “Harp of the Holy Spirit”? (St. Jacob, St. Aphrem, St. Cyril)

Answer 2

St. Aphrem

Question 3

What was one of St. Ignatius of Antioch’s major contributions to early Christianity? (Writing influential letters, Establishing the Nicene Creed, Organizing councils)

Answer 3

Writing Influential Letters

Question 4

St. Ignatius of Antioch was martyred in __________.

Answer 4

Rome

Question 5

St. Cyril of Alexandria was a leading theologian during the __________ Council of 431.

Answer 5

Ephesus

Question 6

St. Aphrem, the Syrian composed over __________ lines of hymns and theological treatises.

Answer 6

3,000,000

Question 7

St. Jacob of Serug defended __________ Christology.

Answer 7

Miaphysite

Question 8

The title “Doctor of the Incarnation” was awarded to __________.

Answer 8

St. Cyril

Question 9

True or False?
St. Cyril of Alexandria supported Nestorianism.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

True or False?
St. Aphrem was known for his ability to explain complex theological concepts simply and poetically.

Answer 10

True

Question 11

True or False?
St. Jacob of Serug was appointed bishop of Edessa.

Answer 11

False

Question 11

True or False?
St. Jacob of Serug is known as ‘the Flute of the Holy Spirit.’

Answer 11

True

Question 11

What significant title was given to St. Cyril of Alexandria by Pope Leo XIII?

Answer 11

Doctor of the Church

Question 12

Answer in one or two sentences:
What are the significances of the Seven Letters of St. Ignatius of Antioch?

Answer 12

The Seven Letters of St. Ignatius offer instructions, encouragement, and theological insights to various Christian communities. These letters provide crucial information about early Christian beliefs and practices.

Question 13

Answer in one or two sentences:
What were the key roles played by St. Aphrem the Syrian?

Answer 13

St. Aphrem, the Syrian, a deacon of the Church of Edessa, was a prolific Syriac writer and a theologian. He is known as the doctor of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church and the defender of Nicene Christianity.

Question 14

Answer in a paragraph:
Briefly describe the early life and martyrdom of St. Ignatius of Antioch

Answer 14

St. Ignatius of Antioch was born around 35–50 in Syria and became a prominent early Christian leader. He was arrested during Emperor Trajan’s persecution of Christians and martyred by being thrown to wild beasts in the Roman arena, embracing his fate as a way to be united with Christ.

Question 15

Answer in a paragraph:
Explain the contributions of St. Aphrem, the Syrian to the Syriac Orthodox Church.

Answer 15

St. Aphrem was a prolific writer and a theologian who composed over 3 million lines of hymns, poems, and theological works. His poetic language made complex theological concepts accessible, and his hymns inspired spiritual passion among the faithful, earning him the title “Harp of the Holy Spirit.” He is also known as the ‘Doctor of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church’ and the ‘Defender of Nicene Christianity’.

Question 15

Answer in a paragraph:
Explain St. Cyril of Alexandria’s role at the Council of Ephesus?

Answer 15

St. Cyril of Alexandria presided over the Council of Ephesus. He played the vital role in condemning Nestorianism and affirmed the unity of Christ’s divine and human natures, declaring Mary as “Theotokos” (God-bearer). His viewpoint shaped the understanding of Christ’s nature for many Christian denominations.

Question 16

Answer in a paragraph:
Discuss the significance of St. Jacob of Serug in Syriac literature.

Answer 16

St. Jacob of Serug was a significant figure in Syriac literature, composing over 760 metrical homilies known as “memre” that combined theological depth with poetic brilliance. His works helped shape the development of Syriac literature and provided rich insights into Miaphysite Christology, emphasising the unity of Christ’s nature and opposed the Chalcedonian Creed. His profound poetical brilliance with unique writing style earned him the title, ‘Flute of the Holy Spirit’.

Question 17

Write an essay:
Analyse the contributions of St. Ignatius of Antioch to early Christian theology and community unity.

Answer 17

• Seven Letters: Wrote influential letters while enroute to Rome, offering instructions, encouragement, and theological insights to various Christian communities. These letters provide crucial information about early Christian beliefs and practices.
• Defender of Christian Orthodoxy: Fought against heresy and false teachings, notably emphasising the unity of the Church and the importance of apostolic succession.
• Christological Advocate: Affirmed the deity of Christ and his physical incarnation, contributing to the development of early Christology.
• Theophoros (“God-Bearer”): A title bestowed upon him, symbolising his witness to Christ and his embodiment of Christian values.

Question 18

Write an essay: Evaluate the literary and theological contributions of St. Aphrem, the Syrian, and their relevance to contemporary Christian worship.

Answer 18

• Literary giant: Composed hymns, poems, commentaries, and theological treatises exceeding 3,000,000 lines.
• Gift of language: Masterfully explained complex theological concepts using simple, poetic language, earning him the title “Harp of the Holy Spirit.”
• Defender of faith: Argued against heresies like Arianism and Gnosticism, advocating for the unity of Christ’s nature.
• Inspiration for the faithful: His hymns and poems ignited spiritual passion and encouraged moral living, earning him the titles “Prophet of the Syrians” and “Custodian of Knowledge.” For example, the song sung in our Holy Qurbono, “Anpudayone nin vaathil…” was written by St. Aphrem. Other songs include ‘Njangalkkai ulavaayoru nin…, ‘Karathaave krupa cheyyaname…’ etc.
• Lasting influence: Translated into multiple languages, his works continue to inspire theologians and enrich Christian traditions across denominations.