Transfiguration, Ascension, the Church Flashcards
What is Theosis?
The process of deification, or becoming like God.
When does Theosis begin and when is it complete?
Upon conversion, but it is not completed until after death (and resurrrection).
What is the Transfiguration?
The event in which Jesus transforms on top of a mountain in front of his disciples prior to his death and resurrection: acts as foreshadowing. A big holiday amongst the Orthodox.
What is the Ascension?
Jesus’ ascension to heaven post-resurrection, pre-Pentecost. Christianity’s new contribution: a resurrected state.
Why is the Ascension important?
It foreshadows the resurrection at the end of the world, at the second coming of Christ.
What is the Pentecost? What does it signify?
The reception of the Holy Spirit. Signifies the creation of the One church.
How does the Nicene-Constantinople Creed describe the church?
The one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
Why is the church one?
The individual congregations combine into a universal whole bound by the Holy Spirit. A difference of scale.
Why is the church holy?
Defined in response to the Donatist heresy, claiming that a priest need not be “pure” to give sacraments because the sacraments, as vehicles for God’s grace, could not be tainted.
Why is the church catholic?
Defined by Cyril: spread throughout the world, a complete proclamation, includes everyone, remedy for every sin.
Why is the church Apostolic?
Historically organized through apostolic succession, theologically draws from apostolic teachings, sacerdotally transfers the Spirit through apostolic-centred rituals.
