Theology 1 COPY Flashcards
First round
What is theology?
Theology is the presentation of the divine Raze (Mysteries) in a manner comprehensible to
the human intellect.
What is the relevance of East Syriac Theology?
East Syric tradition is the continuation of the Judeo-Christian movement of the
Sleehe(Apostles). It is significant to observe that, the Church was born in the Aramaic and Semitic context of Orshlem. The thought forms, the imageries and the religious vocabulary used in the New Testament are all Semitic and the Syriac writings are steeped in Biblical Tradition and they preserve for us the authentic primitive spirituality of the times of Shlihe.
Which theological school had a significant influence on East Syriac Christianity?
Theological school of Nisbis ( Nissivin)
Who was the founder of the Theological school of Nisbis ?
Bishop Mar Yakkob of Nissivin ( Jacob of Nisbis) (325AD)
Who was the first director of the School of Nissivin?
Mar Aprem.
What was the term used for the Director of the theological school?
Ramban
Which ancient literature says about the destruction of the School of Nissivin?
Nissivin Hymns of Mar Aprem.(carmina Nisibena)
Where did Mar Aprem move to when the school of Nisbis was destroyed?
School of Edessa
What was the original name of Edessa?
Urha.
Who succeeded Mar Aprem as the Ramban of the School of Edessa?
Mar Narsai (AD 437)
Who was the Indian Christian in the school of Nisbis who helped Mar Komai to translate Epistle to the Romans from Greek to Syriac?
Daniel the Indian (5th century)
Which period of the East Syriac Church was famous for being purely Judeo-Christian (un Hellenised )?
Before AD 400
Who were the main fathers of east Syriac Christianity in its pure Semitic characteristics?
Mar Afrahat and Mar Aprem
What is the uniqueness of East Syriac theology?
The Semitic and Biblical characteristics.
What is the main difference in the theological approach of Greek and Syriac traditions?
Greek is philosophical and analytical while the Syriac approach is symbolic and Synthetic
Who were the Theological guides for Mar Narsai?
Mar Diodorus and Mar Theodorus of Mopsuestia.
Who succeeded Mar Narsai as the head of the School of Nissivin?
Mat Awraham bes Ramban.
Who was the director of the School of Nissivin post A. D. 571?
Mar Henana
What was the duration of regular courses at the School of Nissivin?
3 years.
Which was the honour (privilege ) given to Ramban of the School of Nissivin?
M’pasqana, the commentator of the Sacred Scripture.
When did Mar Henana take charge as Ramban of the School of Nissivin?
571 AD.
After the decline of Nissivin Schoool, which schools started emerging?
Schools of Selucia and Basos.
Apart from Church-related subjects, which were the subjects taught at Nissivin School?
Medicine, geography, and history were taught.
What was the title of the assistant of Ramban in the school of Nissivin?
Rambaitha.
What was the title given to Lecturers at the School of Nissivin?
M’qeriane.
What was the lowest grade of the teaching staff at the School of Nissivin?
M’hagiena.
What is the post of M’qeriane?
One who teaches by reading.
What is the meaning of M’hagiena?
Senior student/ thinker (equivalent to trainee staff).
Who were the East Syriac Fathers who revised the statutes for the School of Nissivin?
Mar Narsai and Mar Henana
How many canons were there in statutes revised by Mar Narsai?
22.
What is ‘Luminous eye’ according to Mar Aprem ?
It is the inner eyes of faith. Mar Aprem considered scripture and nature as windows to truth.
In this sacramental view, one with an eye of faith or luminous eye can only see through these
windows to understand the truth. The revelations are hidden in the nature and in the scripture.
Which are the three early prominent symbols of Ruha d’Kudsha explained by Mar
Afrahath and Mar Aprem?
Fire, Dove and Oil.
Who are the early East Syriac fathers who gave feminine symbolism to Ruha d’Kudsha?
Mar Aprem and Mar Afrahath.
What is the term used to denote the invocation of Ruha d’Kudsha?
Ruhapa (Hovering).
What does Mar Aprem say about Robe of Glory in connection with Adam and Isho
M’shiha?
At the fall, Adam was stripped off his Robe of Glory. It was restored to every baptized
individual by M’shiha through His Mammodisa.
Which East Syriac father calls the Invocation of Ruha d’Kudsha as Brooding, as a
feminine quality?
Mar Aprem.
What is called Proto monasticism?
The Mesopotamian monasticism that is distinct and independent of Egyptian monasticism.
(Banai Qyama)
Where can we find details about Bani Qyama?
Mar Afraht’s IVth demonstration
What is the term used to denote the lifestyle of Bnai Qyama?
he term used to denote the lifestyle of Bnai Qyama?
Ihidaya
Which East Syriac Father commented that the very aim of incarnation is the deification of
Man?
Mar Aprem
“He clothed Himself in the likeness of man to bring man to the Likeness of Himself.”
Whose quote is this?
Mar Aprem.
According to Mar Aprem which are the three basic symbols by which Alaha reveals
Himself?
Through Nature, through Sacred Scripture, and Incarnation.
Who calls Alaha as the “Lord of Symbols”?
Mar Aprem.
What imagery does Mar Aprem use to describe the Life-giving presence of Alaha in Holy
Qurbana?
Sam Hayye (Medicine of Life).
Apart from Mar Aprem, who is the East Syriac Father who uses the imagery of Sam Hayye
to describe the Life-giving presence of Alaha in Holy Qurbana?
Mar Narsai.
What imagery does Mar Narsai use to describe the Triune Alaha?
Fire.
Who calls Holy Qurbana “A Pledge of Life for Mortals”?
Mar Narsai.
How does Mar Aprem link Incarnation with Holy Qurbana?
Through the consecratory role of Ruha d’Qudsha. The Ruha d’Qudsha who acted at the
Incarnation continues the same act in the Holy Qurbana.
“The fire of the compassion descended; and took residence in the Bread”; Whose quote is
this?
Mar Aprem.
According to Mar Theodore of Mopseustia, what is the symbolism of “cold and dark
coal”?
The Sacrificial Body of Isho M’shiha
According to Mar Theodore of Mopseustia, what is the symbolism of “luminous and hot
coal”?
The Risen Body of Isho M’shiha. revived through the epiclesis.
How does Mar Narsai explain the nature and person of M’shiha?
He explains M’shiha as One Parsopa (Person) in Two Kyane (Natures) and both natures are
complete
What is the summary of Christology taught by Mar Babai, the Great?
Kyana (Nature), does not have an existence in itself; it exists only as a Qnoma (Essence). The
term Two Qnome, therefore signifies that two Kyane (Natures) exist in M’shiha.
How did the Theology of the East Syriac Church evolve?
The evolution of the theology of the East Syriac Church was an organic growth by the
synthesis of primarily Judeo-Christian/Semitic and Biblical theological thoughts of Afrahat
and Mar Aprem and Christology of Antiochene Fathers like Theodore of Mospsuestia.
What is Kyana?
Nature
What is Qnoma?
Essence
The created world is not Alaha nor an evidence for the existence of Alaha, but a pointer
towards the Hidden Power of Alaha.”; Whose quote is this?
Mar Aprem
What is Hyla Kasya?
Hidden Power
Who comments; “Father, Son and Ruha d’Kudsha can be reached only by their names; do not look further, to their persons (Persopa), just meditate on their Names. If you investigate the person of Alaha, you will perish, but if you believe in the Name, you will live.”?
Mar Aprem.
Which is the prominent Theological School along with School of Antioch?
School of Alexandria.
Which school was also known as “Christology from Above”?
School of Alexandria
Why Alexandrian School was known as Christology from Above?
There Christology was centred on Word of Alaha, Logos.
The Christology of the school of Alexandria was centred on the theme ‘word became flesh.
The word of God became the historical Jesus Christ. Alexandrians did not sufficiently stress
the humanity of Christ.
Which school was also known as “Christology from Below/ Ascending Christology”?
School of Antioch (East Syriac Theology).
Why Antiochian School was known as Christology from Below?
There Christology was centered on Historical Isho M’shiha of Nazareth, and ascended to
affirm the Divinity of Lord.
The Christology of the School of Antioch that East Syriac Church followed is the word- man
Christology. It starts with historical Jesus Christ and affirm the divinity of the Lord. It did not
divide Jesus Christ in to two persons but gave sufficient emphasis on humanity as well.
Who were the prominent teachers of School of Alexandria?
Mar Clement, Mar Origen, Mar Athanasius, and Mar Theophilus.
“Divinity is not received from the Mother nor Humanity is received from the Father. Both natures are miraculously joined together in Isho M’shiha” Where can we find this in East Syriac Liturgy?
Teshbohtha, Lelya, First Monday of Suvara.
What was the topic emphasised in Sunnahadose of Ephesus (431)?
Divinity of Isho M’shiha.
What was the topic emphasised in Sunnahadose of Chalcedon (451)?
Full Humanity of Isho M’shiha.
How was the approach of the Alexandrian School to the Mystery of M’shiha?
They stressed on unity of two natures in the person of M’shiha.
How was the approach of the Antiochian School to the Mystery of M’shiha?
They emphasized on distinction of two natures and their characteristics in the one person of
Isho M’shiha.
Who is the “Architect of Creation” according to Mar Aprem?
Ruha d’Qudsha.
Who calls Ruha d’Qudsha as the”Treasure of Life”?
Mar AbdIsho Hazzaya. (7th Cent.)
How does Mar Narsai describe Ruha d’Qudsha?
Heavenly Treasure.
Who teaches: “The Fire of Ruha d’Qudsha is the divine impulse in human affairs”?
Mar Abdisho Hazzaya.
Does East Syriac tradition accept the Council of Ephesus?
No
When did Church of the East accept nicean council of 325?
410 - During council of Mar Isaq
When was the Synod (Council/ Sunnahadose) of Chalcedon convened?
A. D. 451.
Did East Syriac Church accept the Synod (Council/ Sunnahadose) of Chalcedon?
Yes.
What is Henophysitism?
It is a synonym of Miaphysitism (Single- nature doctrine).
. Did the Miaphysites accept the doctrine of the Synod (Council/ Sunnahadose) of
Chalcedon?
No
Who are called Chalcedonian Churches?
The Churches that accept the Christology professed by the Synod (Council/
Sunnahadose) of Chalcedon.
Which was the Heresy against which Mar Diodorus of Tarsus (+391) fought?
Appolinarism (Christological heresy proposed by Apollinaris of Laodicea that argues
that Jesus had a human body and sensitive human soul, but a divine mind and not a
human rational mind, the Divine Logos taking the place of the latter).
What is the Christology Professed by the Synod (Council/ Sunnahadose) of Chalcedon?
Isho M’shiha is perfect in divinity and perfect in humanity. The two natures of
M’shiha are united without confusion, change, division or separation. The property of
both natures is preserved.
What was the Heresy of Docetism?
Docetism taught that M’shiha did not have a real or natural body during his life on
earth but had only an apparent body.
What is the reason for considering Mar Diodorus of Tarsus as the originator of
Nestorianism?
In the one Nature of M’shiha, he made a distinction between Alaha the Man and the
man born of Marth Mariam.
How did Mar Theodorus of Mopseustia explained East Syriac Christology?
He developed the doctrine of ‘Two Natures’ in M’shiha. Son of Alaha and Man were
united in one Incarnate Person. By perfect conjugation or unity, M’shiha is the one and
the same in Person, but not one and same in Nature.
Who professed Independence of Humanity of M’shiha, with no substantial identity
between Alaha and Man?
Mar Theodorus of Mopseustia.
When was Mar Theodorus of Mopseustia Anathemized?
In AD 553, Sunnahadose (Council) of Constantinople.
Why the Church of the East did not acknowledge Fifth Ecumenical Council
(Sunnahadose) of Constantinople?
Due to the Anathemization of Mar Theodorus of Mopseustia in A. D.553, at the
Council (Sunnahadose) of Constantinople.
Which Patriarchal See was headed by Mar Nestorius?
He was the Patriarch of Constantinople.
Why did the East Syriac Church accept Mar Nestorius?
Because what Mar Nestorius taught was proper East Syriac Theology.
When I came here, I found a dispute among the members of the Church, some of whom
were calling the Blessed Virgin Mother of Alaha, while others calling her Mother of man.
Gathering both parties together, I suggested that she should be called Mother of M’shiha, a
term which represented both God and man, as it is used in the Gospels.” Whose words are
these?
Mar Nestorius.
Why East Syriac Churches are also called as Nestorians even though they are not accepting
the Heresy of Nestorianism?
Because the East Syriac Church accepted Mar Nestorius as an Orthodox Malpan who
professed pure East Syriac Theology.
“School of thought that denies the hypostatic union of the divine and human natures in
M’shiha, allowing for only ‘a moral union’ of a human person and a divine person. They were
mechanically joined together, one being Son by nature and the other Son by association.
Hence there are two persons in Isho M’shiha.” Which Heresy is this?
Nestorianism
Was Mar Nestorius responsible for what is known as Nestorianism today?
No, it was a false allegation made against him for which he was not responsible.
Was Mar Nestorius a Nestorian?
No
No Question
No Answer
What is a Heresy?
It is a false teaching which either denies or is against the Ancient True Apostolic faith.
‘Because circumcision had been required in the Old Testament for membership in Alaha’s
covenant, many thought it would also be required for membership in the New Covenant that
Christ had come to inaugurate. In other words, one had to become a Jew to become a
Christian.’ Which heresy is this?
Circumcision Heresy (1st Century).
What is a Schism?
A schism is a formal break within the Church, usually due to disputes over the teachings of
the Church.
What is Adoptionism?
Adoptionism is a heresy which maintains that Isho was a human being who became divine by
adoption. Some taught that this occurred at his Mammodisa, while others believed he became
God at his resurrection.
Who declared Adoptionism to be Heretic?
Pope Victor I.
What is Arianism?
They taught that M’shiha is not truly divine but a created being. Alaha alone is immutable
and self-existent, and the Son (M’shiha) is not Alaha but a creature with a beginning.
Who was the proposer of Arianism?
Arius, an Alexandrian Bishop (4th century).
Which is the Heresy that denied the Divinity of Isho M’shiha?
Arianism.
Who defended the Church by punching Arius on his face?
Mar Zakha of Myra, popularly known as St. Nicholas/ Santa Claus.
Where did Mar Zakha defend the Church by punching Arius on his face?
Sunnahadose of Nicea, A. D. 325.
What is Appolinarism?
A heresy which taught that Isho had a human body and sensitive human soul, but a divine
mind and not a human rational mind, the Divine Logos taking the place of the latter.
When was Appolinarism declared as heresy?
A. D. 381
What is Patripassianism?
The doctrine that taught that Alaha the Father also suffered the sufferings of Isho M’shiha.
What is Sabellianism?
The Sabellianists taught that Isho M’shiha and Alaha the Father were not distinct persons, but
two aspects or offices of one person. According to them, the three persons of the Trinity exist
only in Alaha’s relation to man, not in objective reality.
What is Eutychian Heresy?
Eutychianism teaches that instead of being one person with two natures, as Christology
asserts, M’shiha is one person with one nature. The Eutychian heresy ends up denying the
true humanity of M’shiha.
What is a Schism?
It is the division occurring in the Church due to disputes, resulting in formation of two
separate ecclesiastical fractions.
Which is the greatest schism in Christianity?
The Great Schism of A. D. 1054.
What is the word meaning of FILIOQUE?
It means ‘and from the Son’.
What is Excommunication?
Officially excluding someone from participation in the sacraments and services of the
Church.
What is Anathematization?
It is similar to Major Excommunication by which somebody is expelled from the Church and
thus the individual is formally banned to partake or administer any of the sacraments.
What does the word Orthodox mean?
True Faith
Which are the two poles in East Syriac Theology and literature according to Scholars?
Semitic and Hellenic poles.
What is the difference of the Hellenic pole from the Semitic Pole in East Syriac theology?
Hellenic Pole has a great influence of Greek Theology and the Greek Language.