The Church: The Kingdom of God
- What do we mean by “the Church is God’s kingdom on earth”?
- Who builds the Church and guards it?
- What are the characteristics of this bride and what is her relationship with the Bridegroom the King of kings like?
- What were the stages of God’s wondrous salvation of His believers, the people of God?
- Why does the Creed mention the Church after talking about the oneness of God and the Holy Trinity?
- What are the fruits of our unity with Christ our head, and with each other as members of the one body?
- When we use the word “church,” what do we mean?
- Have we entered into the holies while we are still in the world?
- What is the difference between the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood of Christ?
- How did Stephen see the High Priest (Christ); was He sitting or standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56)?
- What is the meaning of the Church or “ _Ecclesia_ Εκκλησία”?
- What is the Church Fathers’ view of the Church?
- Did the Old Testament ever reveal the Church?
- Do the so-called saints make up the Church?
- Can Church members who cannot be rectified be cut off from the Church?
- Why do some people believe that there are no saints in the contemporary Church?
- Are all the saints, across all the generations, members of the Church?
- What titles are given to the Church?
- What do we mean by “One Church”?
- Was there anyone in history who was an example of the desire for Church unity?
- How can we practically enjoy the mystery of unity?
- What do we mean when we say, “a holy Church”?
- What do we mean when we say that the Church is Catholic (universal)?
- What do we mean by the “Apostolic Church”?
- What do we mean by the Church, “the teacher and guardian of the truth”?
- What is the system of Church service?
- What did the Psalmist say about the Church?
- How do we see the Church in Noah’s Ark?
- What is the role of the fiery Holy Spirit in the Church?
- Can a believer isolate himself from his brothers and sisters?
- Does the Church include believers of different spiritual degrees?
- Should we be troubled by the presence of corrupt people in the Church?
- What is the Church's stance on those who are corrupt and reckless?
- What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says that the Church proclaims the mystery of salvation to the heavenly ones (Eph. 3:9–11)?
- Does the Church love all humanity?
The Heavenly High Priest and the Church
- Why did sorrow fill the hearts of the disciples during Christ’s farewell speech?
- How did the sorrow of the disciples turn into great joy, directly after the ascension?
- What are the features of the Church of the New Covenant after the ascension of Christ?
- Did the work of the Savior stop with His ascension to heaven?
- What does he mean by saying, “as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the presence behind the veil” (Heb. 6:19)?
- What is Christ’s role with regards to His unique heavenly priesthood?
- How could He be the High Priest and the Forgiver of sins at the same time?
- What does St. Paul mean by “the apostle of our confession”?
- What does the apostle mean by saying, “Now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Heb. 9:24)?
The Church as a Heavenly Wedding Feast
- Is the Church a heavenly bride or a social establishment?
- What is our role in getting ready for the heavenly wedding?
- Do we use the language of “the heavenly bride”?
- What is the heavenly treasure of the Church?
- What are the riches the heavenly bride wishes to acquire?
- How did St. John the Baptist rejoice over the Church, the bride of Christ?
- What are the unique features of the heavenly bride?
- How is Jacob’s marriage a symbol of the Church, the bride?
- Why is the Church called, “the sanctified daughter”?
- What is the matrimonial ring offered by the heavenly bridegroom?
- How will the Bridegroom wash away her defilements?
- What is her bride-price (or dowry)?
- Will He not give us here on earth a portion of the bride-price?
- What is the garment worn by the bride and queen?
- Is the Church His daughter or His bride?
- How will the bride contribute?
The Unique Work of the Church
- What is the most important work of the Church?
- What is the Church’s understanding of the heavenly powers?
- What is the Church’s role towards the powers of evil?
- How can the believer view the Church as his place of refuge?
- How can the Church make the believer a “firstborn whose name is registered in heaven”?
- How can the church make the believer “a high mountain” that soars in the heavens above all worldly matters?
- How can someone fulfill his role as an active living member of the Church?
- What is the meaning of “the Church is the Gate of Zion”?
- What is the meaning of “the Church is the New Israel”?
- What is the role of Church as an interpreter of Scripture?
- What are the limits of preaching the Gospel of Christ?
The Church: House of Salvation
- What is the purpose of building God’s house in the midst of His people?
- Why did Jeremiah the prophet warn the people against saying: “The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, are these”?
- What is the relationship between the Church and Christ the Savior?
- Why does St. Ignatius the Theophorus say, “The Church is the place of the sacrifice ( _Thysiasterion_ Θυσιαστήριον)”?
- Is it our duty to pray for the salvation of others?
- What does Origen say about the Church, the house of salvation?
- How does Origen interpret the ark of Noah and its dimensions as a symbol of the Church, the house of salvation?
- Does the Church have the authority to forgive sins?
- What is the role of the Church as “the mother of the believers”?
- Does the Church grieve over sinners?
- How are we going to drink from the new cup together with Christ in heaven (Matt. 26:29)?
- Should all the faithful care for the salvation of their souls?
- Is there a need for literal interpretation and moral interpretation while ignoring allegorical and spiritual styles of interpretation?
- Is it fitting for the shepherd to compliment the people at the expense of their salvation?
The Eminence of the Church
- What do the Fathers say about the sublimity of the Church?
- How can the Church be called a mother and virgin at the same time?
- How can the Church be a virgin?
- What does her heavenly Bridegroom call her?
- Why does St. Ignatius, the Theophorus, call the Church “a congregation of love”?
- Why does St. Ignatius the Theophorus call the Church “a congregation of thanksgiving and praise”?
- How does Christ work in the members of His Church?
- What is the Church’s role in the hearts of believers?
- How can the believer know the will of God?
- How does the Church urge the believer to work?
- Why were the elect believers, or the holy Church, called “the little flock” (Luke 12:32)?
- Why is the Church likened to the infirmed woman who was healed (Luke 13:10– 11)?
- Why is the Church called the “inn” that is open for all humanity (Luke 10:34)?
- Can someone be saved while being separated from the Church?
- What does it mean to be separated from the Church?
- What does it mean to return back to the Church?
The Church and Daily Renewal
The Church and Society
- How can the Church practice her motherhood while staying committed to her spiritual and social life?
- What is the Old Testament’s view of social life?
- What is the New Testament’s view of social life?
- What was the approach of the early Church to social life?
- What were the principles of social work in the early Church?
- What was the role of the early Church in society?
- What is the stance of the Christian faith towards human culture?
- What is the Christian faith’s view of the human mind?
- Is “learning” a human right?
- How did Christianity open the door to scientific advancement?
- Is there a link between the Christian faith and social and familial relationships?
- What is the Christian stance on companionship and friendship?
- What is Christianity’s view on ethics and morals?
- What is Christianity’s stance on defending oneself, family, and homeland?
- How did the Mosaic Law prepare humanity for perfection in Christ Jesus?
- What are the limits of discipline in the New Testament?
- What is the role of women as leaders in society and in the early Church?
- What did St. Clement of Rome say about the capabilities of believing women?
- What was the role of Olympias the Deaconess?
- How did Amma Sarah become a spiritual guide?
- Why did St. Athanasius the Apostolic consider St. Syncletica to be an angel?
- What was the role of women in the early Church for the Eastern Fathers?
- What is the stance of the School of Alexandria on Abortion?
The Person of the Church
- Who is a person of the Church?
- What is membership of the Church?
- What is unity of the Church according to St. Clement?
- What does the motherhood of the Church mean?
- Why is the Church called “the assembly of the elect”?
- Why is the Church called “the new world”?
- What is the relationship between the Church on earth and the Church in heaven?
- Is it possible to find a Church that is perfectly pure?
The Mystery of the House of God
- Is there any need for building a house of God?
- How do we understand the church building?
- What is the importance of the church building in the life of the Church?
- Is a church built based only on architectural principles?
- What do we mean by the liturgical life or the liturgical form of a church?
- How does the church structure relate to the heavenly life?
- How does the structure of the church building reflect the inner life of the believer?
- Why were the catacombs used for worship, especially in the West?
- What is the role of church architecture in Egypt?
- What was the very first church in Egypt?
- What was the style of churches built in Egypt afterwards?
- Why did the early church choose to look towards the East in worship?
- What is the meaning of looking towards the east in our worship and our churches’ structure?
- What is the outer shape of a church building?
- What is our understanding of the sanctuary of the church?
- What is the “cathedra”? And what is the “apse”?
- What rites are performed in the sanctuary?
- What is the connection between the altar that is in the sanctuary and the inner altar of our souls?
- If animal sacrifices were invalidated by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, why do we still need an altar?
- What are the features of the Coptic altar?
- How is an altar consecrated?
- Why do we use covers for the altar?
- What is the “altar board”?
- What is the “throne”?
The Iconostasis
- What are the different names of the iconostasis?
- What is the role of the iconostasis?
- What are the gates of the iconostasis?
- What are the windows of the iconostasis?
- How are the icons arranged on the iconostasis?
- What hangs from the iconostasis?
- What is the message of iconography?
- How do we understand the commandment: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth, you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God” (Ex. 20:4–5)?
- Is it permissible to bow down to anyone other than God?
- What is the importance of consecrating churches and icons?
- Why do we revere sacred icons?
- When did the use of icons of the Lord Jesus Christ begin?
- Why was the early Church cautious about the depiction of Christ?
- What are the physical features of Christ?
- Why does the Church care about the icons of saints?
- Is there a need for the icons of saints?
- Where are the icons of four evangelists and the icon of the apostles placed?
- What are the forms of the glorious halo in Coptic icons?
- Why are we interested in icons of those in heaven?
- How has iconography evolved over the ages?
- To what extent were Copts involved in art, especially iconography?
- What are the most important characteristics of Coptic iconography?
- What is the impact of Coptic art on the world?
Coptic Art and Symbolism
- What is the stance of the Coptic Church on symbolism?
- What are the most important Coptic symbols?
- How is the symbol of the cross related to church architecture, theology, and art?
- How is the Cross incorporated into church architecture?
- What are the various forms of the Coptic cross?
- Are there examples of Coptic crosses found in Coptic monuments and antiquities?
- What is the golden serpent?
- What is a chest cross?
The Holy Utensils
- How are the sacred vessels consecrated to the service of the Lord?
- What is the chalice?
- What is the paten?
- What is the dome?
- What is the spoon?
- What are the two cruets?
- What is the throne or ark?
- What is the ciborium or the antiphoron?
- What is the gospel?
- What are the liturgical fans?
- What is the rite of censing?
- Why do we use incense?
- What is the censer?
- What other utensils are used?
The Church Nave
- What are the sections of the church nave?
- What are the sections of the congregation section of church nave?
- Why do church buildings have domes?
- Why are there pillars in church buildings?
- Why is there a pulpit in some churches?
- What is the purpose of the water font situated in the western part of the nave?
- What is the narthex?
- Did the early church perform baptism in the open air?
- Did the early church perform baptism inside church buildings?
- Why is the baptistery located at the western end of the church nave?
- What are the different architectural designs of the baptistery?
- What are the features of the baptistery?
The Church Belfry
The Holy Sacraments
The Sacrament of Baptism
- How did humanity become children of God once more?
- What is the sacrament of baptism?
- How did the Old Testament prepare us for Christian baptism?
- What are the blessings of baptism?
- When did baptism begin? And how?
- What is required of those who wish to be baptized?
- Why do we baptize infants?
- Is there a specific time for baptism?
- Why were the names of those who sought baptism seekers registered, and how?
- How long was the teaching phase of the catechumens?
- Who taught the catechumens?
- What were the catechumens taught?
- What was the spiritual preparation for the sacrament of baptism?
- What are the rites of the holy baptism?
- How does the celebrating priest prepare for baptism?
- Who is responsible for examining the candidates for baptism?
- Why does the priest perform the laying on of hands in the shape of the cross?
- What is the purpose of the recitations that are read to exorcise unclean spirits?
- Why do candidates for baptism remove their clothes?
- Why are candidates for baptism anointed with oil?
- Why are so many Fathers and baptism liturgies concerned with renouncing the devil?
- What is the mystery of opening?
- How do candidates for baptism confess their faith?
- What are the main articles of faith in the baptismal confession of faith?
- How are the waters of baptism consecrated?
- What prayers are recited while pouring the Myron oil (Chrism) into the water?
- When did the baptism by immersion start?
- Do we have the custom of washing feet during baptism?
- Is the newly baptized person anointed with the Holy Chrism?
- Why do the newly baptized wear white clothes?
- What is the rite of the crown and the girdle?
- What is the commandment to the sponsor?
- What does the procession of the newly baptized person while carrying lit candles mean?
- What about the custom of feeding the newly baptized a mixture of milk and honey?
- What is the prayer of loosening the girdle?
- Why can baptism not be repeated?
- What happens to the person who, because of carelessness, falls into sin after baptism?
- What is the baptism of blood?
The Sacrament of Chrismation
- What is the role of the Holy Chrism in the life of the believer?
- How did the Apostles perform this sacrament?
- What is the role of the sacraments of baptism and chrismation?
- Can Baptism be accomplished without the work of the Holy Spirit?
- What is do the laying on of hands and chrismation mean?
- Why is the Chrism often referred to as God’s seal upon the soul?
- What is the connection between the hand of the Almighty and the hand of a human being?
- How can the believer constantly grow and mature spiritually?
- Why is this holy sacrament called an anointing?
- Why is the Holy Chrism also called the “sacrament of confirmation”?
- What is the difference between Christ’s anointing and the anointing of the Chrism (or Myron) of those who are newly baptized?
- What is the difference between the anointing of the Old Testament and that of the New Testament?
- What is the role of the anointing of the priests in the Old Testament and the Myron (Chrism) oil in the New Testament?
- What is the role of Chrismation in the life of the baptized person?
- What is the meaning of “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30)?
The Sacrament of Repentance & Confession
- Why was our Lord Jesus called “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 11:19)?
- What was Christ’s commandment to His disciples when He appeared to them after His resurrection?
- What are the important obligations of the believer who repents?
- Should someone who lives in sin constantly be in tears and fear? And with what hope must this person approach the Lord?
- Who can heal my soul except You, O Physician, so that it may serve You?
- Who can sanctify my corrupted will?
- Sin has killed me and buried me in a tomb until I decayed; can God still accept my repentance?
- What is the role of the tears of repentance in our lives?
- What boldness do the tears of repentance give someone before God?
- To what language does the heavenly Physician listen, if not to tears of repentance?
- Why are tears of repentance often called a “second baptism”?
- Are tears of repentance a gift from God?
- Why do you fear the Friend of sinners?
- The days are running out and the time of our departure from this world is approaching, so why postpone our repentance?
- How can tribulations help us pursue the life of repentance?
- Is it necessary to repent before God in our private rooms, and then again in the presence of the Father of Confession?
- Why does God the Lover of humanity use different ways of chastisement?
- How does one resist sin through the positive aspects of repentance?
- Are there any practical steps to support us in the life of repentance?
- How can we deal with those who refrain from big sins but tolerate lesser sins?
- How can someone reach the level of hating sin (Ps. 119:163)?
- How can the soul be completely convinced that God forgives its sins?
- How can the soul be certain that it is purified from sin?
- What happens to a person who sins after his baptism?
- What are the fruits of true repentance?
- Why is it that sometimes one feels sorrow and remorse without any effort (almost naturally) for a certain sin, but at some other times one feels very lukewarm and even if he forces himself, he still does not feel any regret in his heart?
- What is our stance on those who conceal their sins?
- What if a person says, “my conscience is clear”?
- What is required of the repentant person when he falls into the same sin again?
- What is the appropriate conduct of the repentant believer?
- Is there a contradiction between shedding tears of repentance and having a cheerful personality?
- What is grief according to God and grief according to the world? (cf. 2 Cor.7:10).
- What kind of sorrow is praiseworthy (Matt. 5:4)?
- Is discipleship necessary?
- Why do I need discipleship to my Father in confession if I already knew the source of his teachings and instructions? I memorized the entire Bible and I even studied it much better than many priests!
- Is there a model prayer for repentance?
The Sacrament of the Eucharist
- What is the mystery of communion in the eucharist?
- Is the eucharist a sacrifice?
- Why is the Sacrament of the Eucharist considered to be the pinnacle of Christian worship?
- Is it possible to partake of the eucharist every week?
- Is it permissible for a person to receive the body and blood of our Lord every day?
- Why do we believe in the one Sacrifice that is offered on multiple altars?
- Why do we mix the wine with water in the chalice?
- How can we prepare ourselves to receive the body and blood of the Lord?
- What results from partaking of the body and blood of the Lord?
- How do we feel when we participate in the Divine Liturgy?
- Will the Church continue to pray Divine Liturgy until the second coming?
- What is the relationship between the table of the eucharist and the table of teaching?
- What is the role of this banquet in the lives of those who partake of it?
- What does the heavenly Bridegroom offer the faithful on His table?
- Is the eucharist, true Body and true Blood?
- Do you want to see Jesus Christ?
- Who transforms the offerings into the body and blood of Christ?
- How can St. Paul say, “because I received from the Lord” (1 Cor. 11:23) when he did not attend the Lord’s Supper?
- What does the Apostle mean by the words, “the cup of blessing” (1 Cor. 10:16)?
- Why did Christ say, “Do this in remembrance ( _anamnesis_ ) of Me” (Luke 22:19)?
- How can the altar, which is the source of many blessings, be a reason for judgement (1 Cor. 11:29)?
- Can communion be received without true repentance?
- How can we prepare ourselves for the partaking of the Body and Blood of the Lord?
- Can the Eucharist be offered in an ordinary house?
- How should a priest serve at the altar?
- How can we preserve the sanctity of priestly garments?
- What are the features of Egyptian liturgy?
- Which eucharistic Liturgies does the Coptic Church currently use?
- What are the main sections of the Coptic Liturgy?
- Who reads the readings from scripture?
- Who delivers the sermon?
- What do the faithful do after the readings and the sermon?
- Why is the holy kiss exchanged in the Divine Liturgy?
- How do we begin the Liturgy of the Faithful?
- Can someone leave before the Liturgy of the Faithful ends?
- Who has the right to receive holy communion?
- What does the Church focus on during the partaking of the Holy Mysteries?
- What is the role of the congregation in the Divine Liturgy?
- What do the priest and congregation say during the partaking of the Body and Blood?
- What are the characteristics of the bread that is offered as the Lamb?
- Of what does St. Basil the Great warn the priests when they are partaking of the blood of Christ?
- How should the priest and the congregation feel while receiving holy communion?
- What is the relationship between the eucharist and our awaiting the second coming of Christ the Lord?
- How does the eucharist support the unity of the faithful together?
The Sacrament of Priesthood
- What is the biblical and ecclesial understanding of the ranks of the priesthood?
- What are the limits of the episcopacy?
- What are the chief qualities that qualify a believer for priesthood and pastoral service?
- What is the work of the heavenly High Priest in the life of His priests, their preaching, and their pastoral work?
- How did Christ the Lord appoint His twelve disciples and seventy apostles?
- How did the apostles appoint priests in every church?
- What is the role of the priest or bishop as a father?
- What is the role of the priest or bishop as a physician?
- What is the correct understanding of the leadership of clergymen, fathers, servants, and all Church leaders?
- What is the role of the priest or bishop in offering sacrifices?
- What is the role of the priest or bishop as an interpreter of scripture?
- What is the role of the priest or bishop with regards to education?
- What is the role of priests or bishops as pillars of the church?
- What is the bishop’s responsibility in discipling new generations of bishops and priests?
- How approach should the priests take in dealing with people’s sins? And what is their authority?
- How can the priest examine himself in order not to lose his authority?
- How dangerous is vainglory for bishops?
- How was Moses a brilliant example of how to appoint a successor?
- Who is the true bishop in the eyes of God?
- Why did Moses clothe Aaron, the high priest, and his sons (Lev. 8:7, 13)?
- What is the priest’s portion of the peace offering?
- Is it necessary for the hearts of the priests to never depart from dwelling in God’s house?
- Why is the priest committed to a life of continual prayer?
- What is the general priesthood?
- What is the nature of the relationship between the clergy and the congregation?
- Do a priest’s administrative duties hinder his internal liberation?
- Do the responsibilities of one’s local diocese hinder one from actively participating in the universal Church?
- What are the most dangerous pitfalls to which priests, shepherds, and servants are prone?
- What practical remedies can be offered to shepherds (or pastors)?
- Does the bishop need the prayers of his congregation?
- Why does God sometimes allow priests and bishops to be overcome by their own passions and weaknesses?
- How can believers who desire to consecrate their lives to God decide on whether to take the path of service or that of monasticism?
- How was the archbishop John Chrysostom successful in his pastoral work?
- What concepts did St. Ephrem the Syrian and St. Jacob of Sarug use when writing a eulogy to mourn a priest who had departed?
The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony
- What was the first ever marriage?
- What is our understanding of Christian marriage?
- What do we mean when we say that marriage is from God?
- What do we mean when we say that marriage is a holy mystery?
- Why did Christ begin His ministry by attending the wedding at Cana of Galilee?
- What is the pillar of marital life?
- How did Christ fulfil the commandment: “a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5)?
- How should a married couple view procreation?
- What makes a husband and wife equal?
- What is the correct understanding of the wife’s submission to her husband?
- To what extent is one responsible for one’s own spiritual life?
- Should the wife obey her husband if he asks her to break one of God’s commandments?
- What is the role of the wife as a helper to her husband?
- What is the secret behind a wife’s true beauty?
- Is it necessary for marriage to be between two believers?
- Can one spouse deprive the other of sexual intercourse?
- What is the role of Christ and the Church in the Christian family?
- What are the main rules that must govern a family?
- Is a life of celibacy holy in the eyes of God?
- Why did the Law of Moses allow divorce?
- Is it lawful for widows or widowers, or divorced men or women to remarry?
- Is it lawful for a man or woman to continue to live with a spouse who has committed adultery and refused repentance?
- What is St. John Chrysostom’s advice to parents about raising their children?
- What are the most important practical pieces of advice that St. John Chrysostom gives to parents?
- What is the best advice we can offer to our children?
Unction of the Sick
- Why did James the Apostle talk about the unction of the sick?
- How did the Church Fathers comment on the words of James the Apostle: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:14–16)?
- What do we receive in the joyful sacraments of the Church?
The Coptic Church and the Monastic Movement
- Is asceticism, as it is practiced in the Coptic Church, biblical?
- What is the goal of ascetic life according to the Copts?
- What is the motive of asceticism for the Copts?
- What is the relationship between asceticism and the ecclesiastical life?
- How did the monastic movement start in Egypt?
- Who were the most important monastic leaders?
- How did Egyptian monasticism influence the Christian world?
- What is the Coptic monastic movement today?