Chapter 2: Holy Bible and the Syrian Orthodox Church

Question 1

Where was the Syrian Orthodox Church founded? (Jerusalem, Rome, Antioch)

Answer 1

Antioch

Question 2

How many times a day does the Syrian Orthodox Church pray, according to Psalms 118:164? (Five, Seven, Three)

Answer 2

Seven

Question 3

Who in the Old Testament did offer bread and wine, reflected in the preparation of the Holy Mysteries? (Moses, Melchizedek, Abraham)

Answer 3

Melchizedek

Question 4

The Trinitarian doctrine emphasized in the Syrian Orthodox prayers is based on which New Testament passage? (John 1:1, Matthew 28:19, Luke 2:7)

Answer 4

Matthew 28:19

Question 5

What does the candle on the altar signify in the Syrian Orthodox Church? (Shepherds, Disciples, Angels)

Answer 5

Disciples

Question 6

Which Psalm is recited at the start of most prayers in the Syriac Orthodox liturgy? (Psalm 51, Psalm 23, Psalm 91)

Answer 6

Psalm 51

Question 7

What does the Kaukbo symbolizes? (Resurrection, Baptism of Jesus, Nativity star)

Answer 7

Nativity Star

Question 8

What is the name of the place in the church that symbolizes the Holy of Holies in the Jerusalem Temple? (Madbaha, Hykala, Narthex)

Answer 8

Madbaha

Question 9

True or False
The Syrian Orthodox Church’s prayers emphasize the Trinitarian doctrine by addressing all three persons of the Holy Trinity.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

True or False
The preparatory prayer of the Holy Qurbono is based on the order of Moses offering sacrifices.

Answer 10

False

Question 10

True or False
In the Syrian Orthodox Church, Psalm 51 is a significant prayer of repentance.

Answer 10

True

Question 10

True or False
The cross in the middle of the altar signifies the Holy Spirit.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

True or False
The twelve candles on the altar represent twelve apostles.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

True or False
Old Testament readings are part of all major feasts and sacraments in the Syrian Orthodox Church.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

True or False
The church bell used in the Syrian Orthodox Church is not based on any biblical tradition.

Answer 13

False

Question 14

True or False
The Acts of the Apostles are read during the Mass of Catechumens in the Holy Qurbono.

Answer 14

True

Question 15

The Syrian Orthodox Church was founded by St. Peter in ______.

Answer 15

37 CE

Question 16

The inner sanctuary or Madbaha in Syriac Orthodox Churches represents the ______ in the Jerusalem Temple.

Answer 16

Holy of Holies

Question 17

The prayer that starts with “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty” is inspired by the vision of the prophet ______.

Answer 17

Isaiah

Question 18

The bread and wine in the Syrian Orthodox Church’s Holy Mysteries are prepared according to the order of ______.

Answer 18

Melchizedek

Question 19

The ______ in the middle of the altar represents Jesus Christ.

Answer 19

Cross

Question 20

The candles on the altar symbolize the ______ of Jesus.

Answer 20

Disciples

Question 21

In accordance with Psalms 118:164, our Church set the times of prayer to _________ in a day.

Answer 21

Seven

Question 22

In the Syrian Orthodox Church, the ______ signifies the star of nativity.

Answer 22

Kaukbo

Question 23

What Old Testament tradition is reflected by the Madbaha in Syriac Orthodox Churches?

Answer 23

Holy of Holies in the Jerusalem Temple

Question 24

In the Syrian Orthodox Church, the Tersanctus (thrice holy) is chanted before which part of the Holy Qurbono?

Answer 24

Words of Institution

Question 25

Name the author of Psalm 51?

Answer 25

King David

Question 26

Which Psalm is recited predominantly in the Syrian Orthodox liturgy to express repentance?

Answer 26

Psalm 51

Question 27

Who offered bread and wine to God in the Old Testament, as reflected in the preparation of the Holy Mysteries?

Answer 27

Melchizedek

Question 28

What do the candles on the altar signify?

Answer 28

Disciples

Question 29

Who does the censor represent in the Syrian Orthodox Church?

Answer 29

Mother Mary

Question 30

What does the Kaukubo symbolize?

Answer 30

Nativity Star

Question 31

Who founded the Syrian Orthodox Church?

Answer 31

St. Peter

Question 32

Write the Bible Reference
“I praise You seven times a day.”

Answer 32

Psalms 118:164

Question 33

Answer in one or two sentences:
What is the significance of the Madbaha in the Syrian Orthodox Church?

Answer 33

Every Syrian Orthodox Church has the inner sanctuary or Madbaha, held to be the Holy of Holies, as in Jerusalem temple, separated by a veil from the holy place or Hykala.

Question 34

Answer in one or two sentences:
Why is Psalm 51 important in the Syrian Orthodox liturgy?

Answer 34

Psalm 51 is recited at the beginning of most prayers, emphasizing repentance and unworthiness, mirroring King David’s prayer for forgiveness.

Question 34

Answer in one or two sentences:
How is the Trinitarian concept expressed in the prayers of the Syrian Orthodox Church?

Answer 34

Unlike other Churches, our Church emphasises Trinitarian doctrine throughout our prayers while addressing God, as the Holy Trinity revealed in the New Testament. Therefore, we do not pray ‘to the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord’, but ‘to God – the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit’.

Question 35

Answer in a paragraph:
Explain the role of Old Testament traditions in the Syrian Orthodox Church.

Answer 35

The Syrian Orthodox Church integrates various Old Testament traditions into its liturgy, reflecting its deep roots in the Biblical tradition. The Madbaha symbolizes the Holy of Holies from the Jerusalem Temple, separated by a veil, and the clergy’s vestments follow the order of Aaron. The prayers of the Church, including recitations of Psalm 51, reflect the penitential spirit found in the Old Testament. Additionally, the Church prepares the Holy Mysteries following the order of Melchizedek, who offered bread and wine. These traditions highlight the continuity between the Old Testament and the practices of the Syrian Orthodox Church today.

Question 36

Answer in a paragraph:
Write the significance of the Trinitarian doctrine in the Syrian Orthodox Church’s prayers.

Answer 36

Trinitarian concept: Unlike other Churches, our Church emphasises Trinitarian doctrine throughout our prayers while addressing God, as the Holy Trinity revealed in the New Testament (Matthew 3:16,17; 28:19; Mark 1:10,11; Luke 3:22; Acts 2:1-4). Therefore, we do not pray ‘to the Father through Jesus Christ our Lord’, but ‘to God – the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit’.

Question 37

Write an essay:
Describe the influence of the Old Testament on the liturgical practices of the Syrian Orthodox Church.

Answer 37

The Old Testament significantly influences the liturgical practices of the Syrian Orthodox Church, seen in its architecture, prayers, and rituals. The Madbaha, resembling the Holy of Holies in the Jerusalem Temple, is the focal point of the church, separated by a veil. The vision of the prophet Isaiah is remarkably used in our liturgy as it is a part of the introductory prayer before Kauma and included in Holy Qurbana, saying, “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, heaven and earth are full of His glories. Hosanna in the Highest.” In accordance with Psalms 118:164, our Church set the times of prayer to seven in a day – “I praise You seven times a day.” Prayers like Psalm 51, recited at the start of most services, emphasize repentance, a key theme in Old Testament theology. The preparation of the Holy Mysteries reflects the priesthood of Melchizedek, who offered bread and wine to God, a tradition mirrored in the Eucharist. Old Testament lessons are read before every Holy Qurbana and on special services like Moronoyo Feasts. Clergy vestments and church items also follow Old Testament prescriptions, tying the Church’s worship directly to ancient Biblical traditions.

Question 38

Write an essay:
Analyse how the New Testament is reflected in the Holy Qurbono and other rituals of the Syrian Orthodox Church.

Answer 38

The New Testament is deeply embedded in the Holy Qurbono and other rituals of the Syrian Orthodox Church. The liturgy celebrates the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, beginning with John the Baptist’s proclamation and culminating in the commemoration of Christ’s Second Coming. Readings from the Gospels, Acts, and Epistles form an essential part of the service, emphasizing apostolic teachings. The Trinitarian doctrine, emphasized throughout the prayers, reflects the New Testament revelation of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Church items like the cross, candles, Tablaito, and the censor all carry symbolic meanings rooted in New Testament events, demonstrating the Church’s firm grounding in the teachings and traditions of early Christianity.