Church History Flashcards
Who was Emperor Constantine?
Emperor Constantine was a Roman emperor who converted from Paganism to Christianity.
What prompted Constantine’s conversion to Christianity?
He converted because he had a vision from God during the Battle of Milvian Bridge, where he was told that God would make him victorious.
What symbol did Constantine’s army wear after his conversion?
His army wore the ‘Chi Rho’ symbol, which he saw in his vision.
What was the significance of the Edict of Milan?
The Edict of Milan, signed in 313 AD, made Christianity legal.
Who was St Helen?
St Helen was Constantine’s mother, responsible for commissioning churches.
What city did Constantine change the name of, and what was its significance?
He changed ‘Byzantine’ to ‘Constantinople’, which became a center of Christianity along with Rome.
What was the first ecumenical council and when did it occur?
The first ecumenical council was in 325AD at Nicaea.
The Nicene Creed was written here, describing Jesus’ relationship with the Father as consubstantial (homoousios), meaning they are of the same substance.
What was Arius’ belief about Jesus?
Arius believed that Jesus was not God, but similar to God (homojousios).
What was the second ecumenical council and when did it occur?
The second ecumenical council was in 381AD at Constantinople.
It affirmed that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.
What was the third ecumenical council and when did it occur?
The third ecumenical council was in 451AD at Chalcedon.
It declared that Jesus has two natures: 100% human and 100% divine (God).
Who is the missionary saint associated with Ireland?
St Patrick
Who is the missionary saint associated with Scotland?
St Columba
Who is the missionary saint associated with England?
St Augustine of Canterbury
Who is the missionary saint associated with Wales?
St David
In which centuries did these missionary saints primarily operate?
5th and 6th century
