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80 Orthodox Christianity Trivia Questions, Answers, and Fun Facts

How much do you know about Orthodox Christianity? This category is for trivia questions and answers related to Orthodox Christianity (Religion). Each one is filled with fun facts and interesting information.
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1 The church which is the Seat of the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople is in Istanbul, in Kumkapi district. Who is the church dedicated to?
Answer: Holy Mother of God

The Patriarchy of Constantinople is the smallest Patriarchy in the Oriental Orthodox Church. The cathedral church in Istanbul is known as the Surp Asdvadzadzin Patriarchal Church. In the Orthodox calendar, Christmas Eve is on January 5th, and Christmas Day is celebrated on January 6th.
The first Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople was Hovakim I, who was installed in 1461.
    Your options: [ St. George ] [ Holy Mother of God ] [ St. Antony of Padua ] [ St. Simon of Cyrene ]
  From Quiz: The Armenian Apostolic Church
2 What is the common custom that goes along with Pascha (Easter)?
Answer: Cracking red eggs

Cracking red eggs is a very old tradition, symbolizing the blood of Jesus while on the cross. Palm fronds are given out by the priest on Palm Sunday, not Easter. Asking forgiveness for a wrongdoing is ALWAYS a thing you should do, not just on Easter. Finally, there is no tradition in which you walk around your house three times, although people do walk around the church at the midnight service.
  From Quiz: Pascha!
3 This peninsula in Greece is steep and rocky. There are some twenty monasteries and thirteen sketes (smaller facilities) on the land. You may hear the place referred to as "Agion Oros," or the "Holy Mountain." What is it?
Answer: Mt. Athos

Mt. Athos is, strictly speaking, a peninsula, but it has been called by its present name for centuries. It is not only home to groups of Greek heritage. Monasteries for the Orthodox Churches of Russia, Serbia and Bulgaria are also found there.
  From Quiz: The Greek Orthodox Church
4 In what country did the Coptic Church have its origins?
Answer: Egypt

The headquarters of the Church are in Alexandria. The name Coptic also applies to a language and culture in northern Egypt. Coptic may be heard in the liturgy; however, much Church business is also conducted in Arabic.
  From Quiz: The Coptic Orthodox Church
5 What saint is credited with being the first teacher in what would become the Ethiopian Orthodox Church?
Answer: Philip the Evangelist

St. Philip was a deacon in Jerusalem. (He was not the same person as the apostle Philip.) He would be called "the Evangelist" for preaching there as well as in Samaria and Gaza. St. Philip is said to have converted Simon Magus.
  From Quiz: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church
6 This icon depicts Christ as the "ruler of all" and is commonly found on the ceiling of churches. What is it?
Answer: The Pantokrator

The name is from the Greek for "all-ruler". In churches without a dome-style roof, this icon may be placed above the altar.
  From Quiz: Orthodox Iconography
7 The Supreme Patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church is known as the Catholicos of all Armenians. Who was the first man to hold this office?
Answer: St. Gregory the Illuminator

St. Gregory's Feast Day is celebrated on March 23rd. In the year 301AD he baptised King Trdat the Great and was instrumental in bringing Christianity to the people of Armenia. It is believed that some of his relics are now buried under the church of San Gregorio Armeno in Naples, with others resting in Armenia and Lebanon.
  From Quiz: The Armenian Apostolic Church
8 St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio, was the scene for the filming of several scenes in what American movie?
Answer: The Deer Hunter

The film was released in 1978. It was directed by Michael Cimino. The cathedral is part of the Orthodox Church in America, a denomination with Russian heritage but which conducts its services in English. St. Theodosius was the site of the elaborate and beautiful wedding scenes in the film.
  From Quiz: The Russian Orthodox Church
9 When someone says "Xristos Anesti", what is the proper response?
Answer: Alithos Anesti

Xristos Anesti means "Christ is risen", and Alithos Anesti means "Truly he is risen".
  From Quiz: Pascha!
10 By what title is the head of the Coptic Church known?
Answer: Pope

In the early days of Christianity, the heads of the churches in two cities were known as Pope. One was Rome; the other was Alexandria. The Coptic Church and the Roman Catholic Church still use these honorifics today. The title 'Pope' has its origins in the Greek term 'papas,' which means 'father.' This in turn harks back to the tradition that in ancient times, a father was the head of the household, and led the family in prayer.
  From Quiz: The Coptic Orthodox Church
11 This icon is one of the most popular in Russian history. It depicts the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, and was credited on many occasions with saving the country from military disaster. What is it?
Answer: The Mother of God of Kazan

For many years, the icon had been kept by the Roman Catholic Church in Vatican City. However, Pope John Paul II had it returned to its country of origin. The icon was sent to Russia in August, 2004, and in 2005 was installed in Annunciation Cathedral, Kazan, amid a joyous celebration.
  From Quiz: Orthodox Iconography
12 Which architectural feature is typical of Russian Orthodox churches?
Answer: Onion dome

The domes may be covered by metal leaf. They are topped by an Eastern-style three-bar cross.
    Your options: [ Gargoyles ] [ Onion dome ] [ Elaborate fountains in front of the building ] [ No windows ]
  From Quiz: The Russian Orthodox Church
13 What is the main component of the traditional Paschal meal?
Answer: Lamb

Lamb has always been eaten during Pascha, usually roasted on a spit.
  From Quiz: Pascha!
14 What is the name of the prayer book commonly used in the Coptic Church?
Answer: Agpeya

The Agpeya is sometimes called the "Coptic manual of the Hours," because it lists prayers to be recited at certain times. A missal is a book of the Roman Catholic Church, a typikon is a guide to the responsibilities of various people at Greek Orthodox church services, and a molebnik (literally "collection of prayers") is a manual used by the Russian Orthodox Church.
  From Quiz: The Coptic Orthodox Church
15 What is the primary language of the liturgy in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church?
Answer: Ge'ez

Ge'ez was once the day-to-day language in Ethiopia and the surrounding region. Over time, Amharic replaced it as the medium of daily communication, with Ge'ez used in church, just as Latin once was in the Roman Catholic Church.
  From Quiz: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church
16 It is not normally acceptable to directly depict the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. However, there are rare exceptions, of which this icon is one. It shows three angels, believed to be symbolic of the Holy Trinity. What is the icon?
Answer: The Hospitality of Abraham

The icon was designed by Andrei Rublev. The image is from the Biblical story of the angels' visit to the home of Abraham and Sarah. Sometimes it is referred to as "The Hospitality of Abraham and Sarah", or "Rublev's Trinity".
    Your options: [ The Three Hierarchs ] [ Synaxis of the Archangels ] [ The Hospitality of Abraham ] [ Mid-Pentecost ]
  From Quiz: Orthodox Iconography
17 The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Festival of Tyarndarach or Trndez on February 14th. The Festival has its roots in an older pagan celebration of which element?
Answer: Fire

The ancient celebrations in honour of the Sun and fire were incorporated into the worship of the Church, and are held on or near Candlemas. Candlemas is February 2nd, and the Armenian Catholic Church celebrates Trndez on that day.
    Your options: [ Air ] [ Fire ] [ Water ] [ Earth ]
  From Quiz: The Armenian Apostolic Church
18 The Russian prayer "Otche Nash" is known in English as what?
Answer: Our Father

Most prayers at an Orthodox service are sung or chanted. The "Our Father" appears in Luke 11:2-4.
  From Quiz: The Russian Orthodox Church
19 What is the day after Pascha called?
Answer: Ayapis

Ayapis means "day of love". Malias is "one with lots of hair", while Tsoureki and Loukoumathes are both lovely desserts.
  From Quiz: Pascha!
20 What saint is regarded as the first great teacher of the Coptic Orthodox Church?
Answer: St. Mark

This saint is credited with the authorship of one of the canonical Gospels. Although the book usually appears second in the order of the Gospels in the New Testament, it is believed to be the oldest of the four.
  From Quiz: The Coptic Orthodox Church
21 Until the 1950s, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church was under the jurisdiction of what other church?
Answer: The Coptic Orthodox Church

In the 1950s, the Ethiopian Church was granted autocephaly, or self-government with the ability to appoint its own leaders. The Coptic Orthodox Church is centered in Egypt.
  From Quiz: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church
22 According to tradition, which two apostles first brought Christ's teachings to Armenia, and are Patron Saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church?
Answer: Thaddeus and Bartholomew

St. Thaddeus is often identified with St. Jude. In the Roman Catholic Church he is the Patron Saint of lost and hopeless causes.
St. Bartholomew is often identified with Nathaniel. Tradition tells us that he was martyred by flaying and crucifixion, in Armenia, during the first century AD.
    Your options: [ Matthew and Simon ] [ Thaddeus and Bartholomew ] [ James and James ] [ Andrew and Philip ]
  From Quiz: The Armenian Apostolic Church
23 The Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra stands near Moscow and is very important to the Church. What type of building is it?
Answer: Monastery

The first monastery on that site was built in the 14th century. It was closed by the Soviets in 1920 but deeded back to the Church in 1945.
  From Quiz: The Russian Orthodox Church
24 How many candles make up the priest's bundle during the Paschal service?
Answer: 33

33 symbolizes the number of years Christ was alive on earth.
  From Quiz: Pascha!
25 What Coptic theological school, founded in the first century, was rechartered in the modern era in 1893, and has since opened satellite campuses in the United States?
Answer: The Catechetical School of Alexandria

It is believed the original school was opened by St. Mark himself. Its modern incarnation boasts schools in the American states of California and New Jersey, as well as the mother campuses in Egypt.
  From Quiz: The Coptic Orthodox Church
26 This icon shows Christ, John the Baptist and the angels at one of the key events in the ministry of Jesus. Which one is it?
Answer: The Baptism of Christ

In the icon, angels look on as John baptizes Christ in the Jordan River.

The feast of the Epiphany, also called Theophany, commemorates the baptism of Christ and the manifestation of the presence of God in that event. It is celebrated in the Orthodox Church on January 6.
    Your options: [ Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist, Beheaded ] [ Jesus Washing the Disciples' Feet ] [ The Baptism of Christ ] [ Palm Sunday ]
  From Quiz: Orthodox Iconography
27 In 1896, the then Patriarch of Constantinople was exiled by the Sultan. What for?
Answer: He denounced the Hamidian massacres

The Hamidian massacres occurred between 1894 and 1896, and as many as 300,000 Armenians lost their lives at the hands of soldiers of the Ottoman Empire. The Cathedral in the town of Urfa was burned to the ground while up to 3000 refugees, mainly women and children, were inside. Madteos III, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, publicly denounced the massacres, and was forced into exile in Jerusalem by Sultan Abdulhamid II.
  From Quiz: The Armenian Apostolic Church
28 An important locale for the Russian Orthodox Church is Valaam Monastery. It is situated on an island in a lake. What lake is this?
Answer: Lake Ladoga

The monastery is renowned for its choir. They have recorded several albums.
  From Quiz: The Russian Orthodox Church
29 Why are women expected to wear long skirts and kerchiefs covering their heads during church?
Answer: To eliminate the possibility of distracting others with their beauty

The men should have heads uncovered, and women should have kerchiefs to hide their beauty, so as not to distract others from the service. According to custom, women are therefore supposed to wear long skirts and kerchiefs.
  From Quiz: Pascha!
30 What happened to the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church in 1981?
Answer: He was sent into exile

Pope Shenouda III was ordered to remain in St. Pishoy's Monastery in Scetes, Egypt, for his refusal to meet with then-President Anwar Sadat's delegates and hold public Easter celebrations. His exile began in 1981. The death of Sadat that same year did not end the ban. Shenouda was not allowed to leave the monastery and return to his office until 1985, when he did so with the permission of Sadat's successor, Hosni Mubarak.
  From Quiz: The Coptic Orthodox Church
31 In Ethiopian tradition, who were the "Nine Saints"?
Answer: Missionaries who traveled to Ethiopia in the 5th Century A.D.

These saints are believed to have come from Syria, Turkey and parts of Europe. They moved into Ethiopia and Eritrea, where they taught the Orthodox faith.
  From Quiz: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church
32 This icon portrays one of the most sorrowful stories in the Gospel. It presents Jesus, Mary, and Joseph of Arimathea, among other figures. There is a ladder behind Jesus and Mary. Other people hold on to Jesus' hands. What icon is this?
Answer: The Removal of Christ from the Cross

A very poignant image. Mary cradles the body of Christ after He has been taken down from the Cross. Joseph of Arimathea, who assisted in the removal and burial of the body, is also present, as are other saints.
(Catholic artist Michaelangelo's sculpture "The Pieta" depicts the same event; however, it includes only Mary and Christ.)
  From Quiz: Orthodox Iconography
33 The Mother Cathedral of Holy Echtmiadzin is the Seat of the Catholicos of All Armenians, and is one of the oldest Cathedrals, if not the oldest, in the world. It is surrounded by "Khachkars"; what are they?
Answer: Large stones carved with crosses

The city of Vagharshaphat, also known as Echtmiadzin, is the seat of the Catholicos of All Armenians. The Cathedral was founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator in the early 4th century AD, and tradition has it that the Saint received a vision of Christ coming down from Heaven to strike the earth with a golden hammer, telling him where to build his Church.
Khachkars were erected for many reasons - to mark a grave, or as a votive offering, or to mark a great victory in battle, or a celebration. They are most often used as gravestones, and as well as the cross, they can have flowers, fruits, and abstract patterns carved on them.
  From Quiz: The Armenian Apostolic Church
34 What event in 2006 caused great damage to Trinity Cathedral in St. Petersburg, and necessitated extensive repairs to the building?
Answer: Fire

The event took place on August 25, 2006. There were no injuries. The central dome and another cupola took the worst of the damage.
  From Quiz: The Russian Orthodox Church
35 Toward the end of a service, you may be handed something called the "antidoron." What is it?
Answer: Bread blessed by the priest, but not for use in Holy Communion

'Antidoron' means 'instead of the gift.' The bread is given out as a sign of fellowship. Only individuals who have been baptized into the Orthodox Church may receive Holy Communion; however, anyone is welcome to take some of the antidoron.
  From Quiz: The Greek Orthodox Church
36 Which Saint is credited with the very first translation of the Bible into Armenian?
Answer: St. Mesrob Mashtots

Prior to Saint Mesrob's invention of a written alphabet, in the early fifth century AD, the Armenian language was purely an oral one. He devised an alphabet of thirty-six letters, and tradition has it that the first sentence to be written in Armenian was the first line of the Biblical Book of Proverbs.
The modern Armenian alphabet has thirty-eight letters, after two more were added in the 1100s.
    Your options: [ St. Leontius of Cuesaren ] [ St. Mesrob Mashtots ] [ St. Benedict of Szkalka ] [ St. Pelagius of Laodicea ]
  From Quiz: The Armenian Apostolic Church
37 What is the recurring miracle that occurs on Holy Saturday?
Answer: Holy Fire

  From Quiz: Pascha!
38 St. Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, in Cairo, is located above the gate of a Roman fortress. This gives it what interesting nickname?
Answer: The Hanging Church

The beautiful house of worship was also called the Staircase Church, because of the 29 steps leading to its entrance. The church interior is adorned by over 100 icons, which date from the 8th to the 18th Centuries.
  From Quiz: The Coptic Orthodox Church
39 What is the title of the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church?
Answer: Abune

The word "Abune," sometimes also spelled "Abuna," means "father." The other terms are the titles of leaders of other churches: Catholicos for the Armenian Orthodox Church, Pope for the Roman Catholic and Coptic Orthodox Churches, and Archbishop for the Anglican Church.
  From Quiz: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church
40 One of the Catholicoi of the Armenian Apostolic Church is The Armenian Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia. In which country is this seat, having settled there in 1938?
Answer: Lebanon

The area once known as Cilicia is in Asia Minor, to the south of the Anatolian plateau. The Holy See of the Armenian Church is now in the Lebanese town of Antelias, a short distance from Beirut.
    Your options: [ Syria ] [ Lebanon ] [ Jordan ] [ Georgia ]
  From Quiz: The Armenian Apostolic Church
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