Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church American Diocese Eastern Region Sunday School Association Annual Centralized Examination
June 29, 2008
Reg. No.:
Grade VIII
Examination Rules
1. Total time limit for this examination is two hours. 2. Do not write your name anywhere on exam booklet. 3. Return the entire exam booklet upon completion. 4. Please use only black or blue color ink pens. 5. Students may not leave exam hall until 60 min. expire. 6. Please use separate answer sheets only after using ALL of the provided space for answers in the exam booklet. Separate answer sheets must have student registration number filled out. MALANKARA ORTHODOX SRYIAN CHURCH AMERICAN DIOCESE SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION - EASTERN REGION
CENTRALIZED EXAMINATION - 2008 GRADE VIII
Time: 2 hours Total points: 100
Part I: Multiple choice. (15 points) Circle the BEST answer.
1. David was the ______king of Israel. a. worst b. second c. last d. first
2. ______was the first bishop of Antioch. a. St. James b. St. Peter c. Moses d. St. Antony
3. The prophet who prophesied concerning the unity of the church was: a. David b. Isaiah c. Daniel d. Ezekiel
4. When God instructed Jonah to go to Nineveh, he instead went to______. a. Jerusalem b. Joppa c. Antioch d. Tarshish
5. There are ______Sundays in the Great Lent. a. six b. seven c. eight d. nine
6. In the Holy Eucharist, we praise God and give Him: a. money b. thanks c. sacrifice d. love
7. The Council of Nicea was assembled in 325 A.D. by order of the Emperor ______. a. Athanasius b. Constantine c. Theodosius d. Macedonius
8. The Council of Ephesus took place in ______. a. 325 A.D. b. 431 A.D. c. 381 A.D. d. 451 A.D.
2008 Centralized Final Examination - Grade VIII - 2 - 9. ______is known as the “founder of community monasticism”. a. St. Pachomius b. St. Antony c. St. Gregory d. St. Thomas
10. St. Clement was attracted to Christ by ______. a. St. Peter b. St. Paul c. St. Thomas d. St. Basil
11. ______is known as the “Apostle of Gentiles”. a. St. John b. St. James c. St. Peter d. St. Paul
12.We acknowledge ______because it symbolizes the death of Christ and his burial.
a. one church b. one baptism c. Eucharist d. one God
13.______is the act of sharing in Christ’s death on the cross. a. Holy Baptism b. Holy c. Holy Liturgy d. Prayer Communion
14.The angel Gabriel appeared to ______and said to him, “I have now come out to give you wisdom and understanding”. a. Daniel b. David c. Moses d. Isaiah
15. The Council of ______was one of the greatest events in the history of Christianity. a. Alexandria b. Nicea c. Churches d. Creed
Part II: Fill in the blanks (15 points) Complete the following sentences with a word(s) that makes sense.
1. ______was the greatest poet and the sweet swinger of Israel.
2. Jesus came out of the River Jordan full of the ______.
3. The death of Christ on the cross provides ______from spiritual death.
4. In Baptism we denounce ______and accept Jesus.
5. Jesus is the sacrificed Passover lamb on the ______through all ages.
2008 Centralized Final Examination - Grade VIII - 3 - 6. Paul and ______, two of the Apostles, preached among the Gentiles.
7. The Holy Eucharist is the ______of faithful Christians.
8. Humility and ______are the fundamental rules of monastic life.
9. Sin has torn the ______between man and God.
10. A good Christian fights against ______and declares what is right.
11. Fasting should be accompanied with the act of love and ______.
12. Through ______we renew our life in the Kingdom of God.
13. St. Paul says that we are the parts of the single ______of Christ
14. ______is considered the birthday of the Church.
15. St. John Chrysostom was the bishop of ______.
Part III: Matching (10 points) Write down the letter next to its corresponding number in the space provided.
______1. Transfiguration A. Cappadocia
______2. Sahadha B. Awaited Messiah
______3. St. Basil C. Pillar of Faith
______4. St. Antony D. Drawn out of Water
______5. Isaiah E. Fellowship
______6. Pentecost F. Martyr
______7. St. Cyril G. Mount Tabor
______8. Moses H. Apostle to Gentiles
______9. Holy Eucharist I. Father of Monks
______10. St. Paul J. Holy Spirit
2008 Centralized Final Examination - Grade VIII - 4 - Part IV: Word Meanings (10 points) Write down the meaning of the following words in the space provided.
1. Synagogue: ______2. Bishop: ______3. Stoumen Kalos: ______4. Hosanna: ______5. Aaboon: ______6. Sh’lomo: ______7. Kurielaison: ______8. Monk: ______9. Theophorus: ______10.Synod: ______
Part V: Short Answer (10 points) Write a short note on any rite a short note on any FOUR of the following topics.
1. Monasticism 2. The Three Categories of the Holy Orders 3. St. Paul 4. David, the Messianic King 5. Christian Love 6. The Gift of Baptism
Part VI: Short Essay (10 points) Write a short essay on any ONE of the following topics.
1. St. Gregorios of Parumala 2. The Three Great Ecumenical Councils and the Creed of the Church
2008 Centralized Final Examination - Grade VIII - 5 - Part VII: Brief Answers (20 points) Briefly answer the following questions.
1. What is meant by saying Jesus is the “Son of David”? 2. Name any 4 sacraments of the Church. 3. What are the three different ways Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah? 4. What is the meaning of the renewal of new life? 5. What did Jesus say on the night of the last supper? 6. Why is the sacrament of Eucharist called the sacrament of thanksgiving? 7. Who are the apostolic fathers? 8. What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit? 9. How do we serve God through our family life? 10. What are the harmful effects of bribery?
Part VIII: Worship Hymn (5 points) Write ONE of the following worship hymns.
1. Paul the blessed…………………God’s truth and holds it fast. 2. Blessed are those servants good…………………and the Son serves them.
Part IX: Common Prayer (5 points) Write ONE of the following prayers.
1. I will lift up my eyes ………………… both now and forever more. – Psalm 121 2. O Thou full of mercy ………………… He who raises the dead. (Anugrahangal Niranjirikkunnavane)
2008 Centralized Final Examination - Grade VIII - 6 - 2008 Centralized Final Examination - Grade VIII - 7 - 2008 Centralized Final Examination - Grade VIII - 8 - Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church American Diocese Eastern Region Sunday School Association Annual Centralized Examination
June 28, 2009
Reg. No.:
Grade VIII
Examination Rules
1. Total time limit for this examination is two hours. 2. Do not write your name anywhere on exam booklet. 3. Return the entire exam booklet upon completion. 4. Please use only black or blue color ink pens. 5. Students may not leave exam hall until 60 min. have expired. 6. Students may answer in Malayalam, or Malayalam using English script, especially hymns and prayers. 7. Students may request additional approved sheets from proctor. MALANKARA ORTHODOX SRYIAN CHURCH AMERICAN DIOCESE SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION - EASTERN REGION
CENTRALIZED EXAMINATION - 2009 GRADE VIII
Time: 2 hours Total points: 100
Part I: Multiple Choice. (10 points) Circle the MOST appropriate answer as found in the prescribed texts.
1. ______was the arch-deacon and the first martyr. a. St. Paul b. Jesus c. St. Ignatius d. St. Stephen
2. Emperor Theodosius asked ______to hold the Council of Ephesus in 441 A.D.
a. St. Athanasius b. St. Cyril c. St. Dioscorus d. St. Gregory
3. This was Paul's name before he followed our Lord:: a. James b. Peter c. Saul d. Thomas
4. The Assumption of St. Mary, Mother of God, is observed on ______. a. January 1 b. June 29 c. July 4 d. August 15
5. The angel Gabriel announced the good news, of the coming of the Saviour, to Mary while she was in the city of ______. a. Bethlehem b. Jerusalem c. Judea d. Nazareth
6. Monasticism is characterized as the life of obedience, prayer and ______. a. deed b. discipline c. fasting d. forgiveness
7. The Catholicos of the Malankara Orthodox Church sits on the throne of ______. a. St. James b. St. John c. St. Peter d. St. Thomas
8. ______attacked Nestorian teachings which were being spread in Edessa. a. St. Severius b. St. Philoxenos c. St. Dioscorus d. St. Cyril
9. The last judge of Israel was ______. a. Elijah b. Isaiah c. Samuel d. Saul
2009 Centralized Final Examination - Grade VIII - 2 - 10. The first king of Israel was ______. a. David b. Daniel c. Nero d. Saul
Part II: Fill in the blanks (15 points) Complete the following sentences with the word(s) as given in the prescribed texts.
1. St. ______of ______is known as the "Pillar of the Faith".
2. St. Basil was born in the city of ______in Cappadocia.
3. A simple woman who heard one of the sermons of St. ______said, "You are golden-mouthed and your words are beautiful".
4. In Daniel's vision, ______was called 'a river of fire'.
5. St. Antony is known as '______of ______'.
6. ______is the prophet who showed us in the symbol of Trinity.
7. Through the Holy Eucharist, we participate in the ______and ______of our Lord.
8. The fruit of the ______is the real internal joy.
9. The prophet ______was chosen by God to exemplify in his life, the death and resurrection of Christ.
10. The day of ______is considered as the birthday of the Church.
11. The sons of the high priest Eli were refused by the Lord because thy accepted ______.
2009 Centralized Final Examination - Grade VIII - 3 - 12. The first war that man new was that ______murdering his brother ______.
13. St. ______was the leader of Communal Monasticism.
14. The Muslims testify that there is no God but Allah, and that ______is the Prophet of God.
15. Through ______we renew our life in the Kingdom of God.
Part III: True or False (15 points) If a statement is TRUE, circle T; if it is FALSE, circle F.
T F 1. The Holy Eucharist is also called the sacrament of thanksgiving.
T F 2. God sent Samuel, his prophet to declare to David, the Lord's covenant. T F 3. The Sunoyo, or the 15-day Lent is in honor of the apostles.
T F 4. The first Council in the life of the Christian Church was held in Ephesus.
T F 5. In Daniel's vision, the Father he saw was called 'Ancient of Days'.
T F 6. The greatest of all gifts is the gift of tongue.
T F 7. Mesrop translated the Bible to Armenian.
T F 8. St. Paul was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ.
T F 9. Mecedonius was the chief defender of faith at the Council of Nicea.
T F 10. The second council of Ephesus was headed by St. Dioscorus.
T F 11. Jonah was happy when God forgave the people of Nineveh.
T F 12. Emperor Constantine ordered the council of Nicea in A.D. 325.
T F 13. The council of Chalcedon acknowledged Christ's two natures.
T F 14. St. Polycarp is known as the 'Defender of the Faith'.
T F 15. St. Athanasius, born to pagan parents become the Pope of Alexandria.
2009 Centralized Final Examination - Grade VIII - 4 - Part IV: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word(s) from the Word Bank and write it next to the corresponding description. (10 points)
______1. Patriarch who taught that the Holy Spirit was created.
______2. With his burned hands as the sign of persecution, attended the Council of Nicea.
______3. Defender of Faith
______4. Theophorus, the Bearer of God
______5. Held in A.D. 431, concluded that St. Mary was the Mother of God.
______6. St. Basil and St. Gregory of Nyssa
______7. Known as the "Apostle of Gentiles"
______8. Soldier who became a saint
______9. Bishop of Rome who assisted St. Paul in his missions.
______10. Symbolic Prophet
WORD BANK
St. Menas St. Cyriil St. Ignatius Chalcedon St. Paul
Macedonius Bishop Paul from Syria St. Clement St. Athanasius
Jonah Council of Ephesus Cappadocian St. Anthony Fathers
2009 Centralized Final Examination - Grade VIII - 5 - Part V: Short Answer (20 points) Answer the following questions in the space provided in one or two sentences.
1. Necessary qualities of a bishop.
2. List the Lents (Fasts) of our Church.
3. What is the significance of the Three-day Lent?
4. What was the Lord's Covenant with David?
5. Why is the Church called the 'Witnessing Church'?
6. Simonism is considered a sin. Explain.
7. What is Arianism? Why is it dangerous to Christianity?
8. How do you overcome bribery in society?
2009 Centralized Final Examination - Grade VIII - 6 - 9. How does Jonah typify death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
10. Explain why David is called the 'Messianic King'?
Part V: Short Notes (10 points) Choose and write short notes on any FOUR (4) of the following topics. Please include the question numbers with your answers.
1. The Holy Orders
2. The Jerusalem Council
3. Bribery - A spiritual and social disease
4. Messiah - The suffering servant
5. The principles of Monastic life
Part VII: Essay (10 points) Write an essay on any ONE of the following topics.
1. The Cappadocian Fathers and their outstanding contributions. 2. The three Great Councils and their contributions to the Christian faith. 3. The Saints of Malankara Orthodox Church.
Part VIII: Worship Hymn (5 points) Write ONE of the following worship hymns within the given start and end lines.
1. By Thy Light we see the light ………………………deeds of righteousness. (Velivu niranjoreesho nin……sangathi varane njanghalkku)
2. Those Apostles, Chosen, sent by…………………For the faithful bliss. (Bhoovil ashesham……………mahaa raajyam)
2009 Centralized Final Examination - Grade VIII - 7 - Part IX: Common Prayer (5 points) Write ONE of the following prayers in full.
1. O Lord, who sits in the secret place of the Most High ………………… and have mercy upon us. Amen. (Prayer of Mor Severios) (Ouyarapettavante marayil irickunna…)
2. Blessed is the Glory of the Lord from His place for ever...…...(Praise of the Cherubim) (Ennekkum Thante Idathil Ninnum…)
2009 Centralized Final Examination - Grade VIII - 8 -
Orthodox Syrian Sunday School Association of the East North East American Diocese
Centralized Examination – 2010 Grade VIII
Time:2 hrs Points:100
Note: All these questions are based on prescribed text books and from the Worship Hymns syllabus and the Prayer syllabus.
Part I –Multiple Choice. (10 points) Choose the most appropriate answer as found in the prescribed texts
1) The Council of Nicea was assembled in 325 A.D. by order of the Emperor
(A)Athanasius (B) Constantine (C) Theodosius (D) Macedonius
2) Arius teaching was:
(A) Jesus was not of the same essence as the Father (B) Holy spirit was created (C) God was not born from the Virgin Mary (D) All of the above
3) This saint assisted St. Paul in his mission:
(A) Ignatius (B) Polycarp (C) St. Clement (D) None of the above
4) Who formulated the directions for the use of the monks called “The longer rule and the shorter rule”
(A). St. Gregory (B) St. Antony (C) St. Pachomius (D) St. Basil
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2010 Page1
5) “He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our inequities.” was mentioned in one of the prophecies. ?
(A) David (B) Ezekiel (C) Isaiah (D) Daniel
6) The council of Constantinople that took place in 381AD condemned the heresy taught by
(A) Nestorius (B) Macedonius (C) Arius (D) Athanasius
7) The causes for the divisions in the church of Corinth were
(A) Jealousy (B) Pride (C) Lack of love (D) All of the above
8) What was the miracle St. Clement performed that caused the Roman emperor to become angrier?
A) Healed a sick boy B) Prayed and found spring of water to drink C) Changed water into wine D) Walked on the water
9) The prophet who showed us the symbol of Trinity was
(A) David (B) Isaiah (C) Ezekiel (D) Daniel
10) Two of the Apostles, preached among the Gentiles were:
(A) James and Peter (B) Paul and Barnabas (C) Paul and Mark (D) John and James
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2010 Page2
Part II: True or False (10 points) If a statement is True circle T; if it is False circle F
1. Simonism is similar to bribary. T F
2. The priest is a shepherd of his diocese. T F
3. Paul and Barnabas preached among the Gentiles. T F
4. Jesus associated himself with the poor and needy. T F
5. Pentecost is the birthday of the Church. T F
6. Belshazzar was Daniel’s new name. T F
7. Monasticism was first known in the Egyptian deserts. T F
8. David was the first king of Israel. T F
9. St. Ignatius describes the priests as the “council of the Apostles”. T F
10. Apostacy is when people are tortured until they deny their faith while martyrdom is when people are tortured and killed for their faith. T F
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2010 Page3 Part III: Matching Questions (10 points) Write down the letter next to its corresponding number in the space provided
1. ____ The Creed A) St. James
2. ____ The Liturgy B) Bearer of God
3. ____ The burning Incense C) Preaching in Exile
4. ____ The Holy Eucharist D) Burnt to death for his faith
5. ____ The Apostles Council E) Fellowship with the heavenly hosts
6. ____ St. Ignatius Theophorus F) Symbol of our Faith
7. ____ St. Clement G) 451 A.D.
8. _____ Second council of Ephesus H) St. Dioscorus
9. ____ Council of Chalcedon I) Prayers of the saints
10. _____ St. Philoxenos of Mabbug J) Living the Life of Jesus Christ
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2010 Page4
Part IV: Syriac Words (10 points) Write down the meaning of the following terms.
a) Shino ______
b) Pagro ______
c) Aahai ______
d) Thubden ______
e) Bovoosa ______
f) Aaboon ______
g) Rooho Kadeeso ______
h) Sthoumen kalos ______
i) Menaolam Vadhamelaolam Olmeen ______
j) Moriyo Rahem Melain Ooadarain ______
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2010 Page5
Part V: Fill in the blanks (10 points) Complete the following sentences with the word(s) that makes sense.
1) The current head of the Indian Orthodox Church is ______.
2) In the Passion Week, we read passages from the prophecies of______.
3) He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” is taken from ______prophecy.
4) ______is an Old testament Prophet, chosen by God to exemplify in his life the death and resurrection of Christ.
5) He who prevents himself from the sacred communion for a long time becomes a disobeyer to ______.
6) The sacrament of the Eucharist is the sacrament of praising and love of God. It is also called the sacrament of ______.
7) At the Council of Nicaea, the Deacon ______explained the Orthodox faith showing how The Son is of one essence of the Father.
8) ______was the heretic at the council of Ephesus.
9) St. Anthony is called, the father of ______.
10) St. John Chrysostom was recognized by another name called ____
______.
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2010 Page6
Part Vl: Short Answer (15 points) Please answer any 5 in the space provided (If you need an additional space, write it on the back of the question paper. Make sure to mention the part and the question number.)
1. What is the symbolic and spiritual lesson learned from Jonah’s story?
2. What were the causes of the split in the church of Corinth?
3. Why do we call the Church “The body of Christ?
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2010 Page7
4. What is the Church’s responsibility towards wars?
5. What are the requirements for becoming a good monk?
6. What are the three categories of the Holy Orders? What is the function of each?
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2010 Page8
7. What happened on the Pentecost day?
8. When a sinner repents and comes back to the life of the kingdom of Heaven, how do God the father and the angels react? Which parable of Jesus teaches you about repentance?
9. Why do we acknowledge One Baptism? Explain?
10. What was written in the “Tome of Leo”? What was St. Dioscorus’s attitude towards it?
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2010 Page9
Part Vll: Write down the Nicene Creed ( 5 points)
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2010 Page10 Part VIII: Short Essay (10 Points) Write a short essay on any two(2) of the following topics.
1. Jerusalem Council 2. “Athanasius Contra-mondum” 3. Daniel’s vision 4. Isaiah’s prophesy about Christ and his Kingdom.
Part lX: Worship Hymns (5 Points)
Write ONE of the following worship hymns in full:
A) Blessed Are Those Servants Good….(Yajamanan Varumanderath)
OR
B) Those Apostles…For The Faithful Bliss (Bhuvilashesham)
Part X: Common Prayers (5 Points)
Write ONE of the following common prayers in full
A) Blessed is the Glory of the Lord, From His Place Forever… (Praise of the Cherubim-Ezekiel 3:12-Ennekkum Thante Idathil Ninnum)
OR
B) O Thou, Full of Mercy… (Anugrahangal Niranjirikkunnavane)
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2010 Page11
Part Xl: Essay Question (10 Points)
Explain the Three Great Councils. Make sure to include the following for each of the councils: Place and Date, Heretic, the Heresy, Defenders of the faith and the accomplishment. This must all be done so in a well-written essay
OR
Write an essay on St. Gregorios of Parumala. This must all be done so in a well-written essay
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2010 Page12 ORTHODOX SYRIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL
ASSOCIATION OF THE EAST
NORTH EAST AMERICAN DIOCESE
Annual Final Examination
June 26, 2011
Grade VIII
Reg. No.:
Examination Rules
Examination Rules
1. Total time limit for this examination is two hours. 2. Do not write your name anywhere on exam booklet. 3. Return the entire exam booklet upon completion. 4. Students may answer in Malayalam. 5. Students may not leave exam hall until 60 minutes have expired. 6. Please use only black or blue ink. Pencils are NOT allowed. 7. If needed, please use the separate answer sheets provided, separate answer sheets must have student registration number filled out. 8. No electronics or communicative devices. (including cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDA),iPods, etc.) ORTHODOX SYRIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION OF THE EAST NORTH EAST AMERICAN DIOCESE
Centralized Examination Grade VIII - 2011
Time:2 hrs Points:100
Note: All questions in this Examination Booklet are based on the prescribed text books published in 2010, and from the Holy Bible, Worship Hymns syllabus &the Prayer syllabus.
Part I: Multiple Choice (20 points)
Circle the MOST appropriate answer as found in the prescribed texts.
1. David was the ______king of Israel. a. Best b. Third c. First d. Second
2. The apostle to the Gentiles is ______a. Barnabas b. Thomas c. Paul d. Matthew
3. Which apostolic father is considered as the “Defender of Orthodoxy”? a. St. Clement b. St. Athanasius c. St. Ignatius d. St. Gregory
4. The first Roman emperor who accepted Christianity was ______a. Nestorius b. Pontius Pilate c. Constantine d. Arius
5. Celibacy and ______are the two fundamental rules of monasticism. a. humility b. wealth c. status d. fasting
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2011 Page 1 6. Who is the prophet of renewal and unity? a. Ezekiel b. Isaiah c. Jonah d. David
7. Whose name meant “bearer of God”? a. St. Clement b. St. Basil c. St. George d. St. Ignatius
8. ______fought Nestorian’s heresy in AD 431. a. St. Menas b. St. Athanasius c. St. Cyril d. St. Dioscorus
9. Holy Eucharist is known as the “Sacrament of ______”. a. Thanksgiving b. Jesus Christ c. Praise d. Love
10. Holy is the act of sharing in Christ’s death on the cross. a. Chrismation b. Liturgy c. Baptism d. Ordination
11. The first ecumenical council was held in . a. Constantinople b. Ephesus c. Nicea d. Chalcedon
12. , the Patriarch of Constantinople taught that the Holy Spirit was created. a. Macedonius b. Arius c. Nestorius d. Athanasius
13. ______an Apostolic Father and bishop of Rome assisted St. Paul in his mission. a. Polycarp b. Ignatius c. Basil d. Clement
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2011 Page 2 14. The official constitution of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church was established in the year ______AD. a. 1934 b. 1909 c. 1880 d. 1879
15. held a council in 475 A.D. that refuted and cancelled the decision of Chalcedon. a. St. Timothy b. St. Philoxenos c. St. Severus d. St. Dioscorus
16. Everyone is first ordained in to be a layman of God. a. Baptism b. Confession c. Matrimony d. Chrismation
17. The feast of Saint Eldo Basalios Bava is celebrated every year on 2nd and 3rd of this month. a. April b. June c. October d. January
18. Parumala Thirumeni was ordained as a priest at the age of in AD 1865 a. 45 b. 18 c. 28 d. 32
19. A priest can administer all the sacraments of the church, except the sacrament of ______. a. Anointing the sick b. Chrismation c. Holy Orders d. Confession
20.______is known as the “Apostle of Gentiles”. a. St. James b. St. John c. St. Peter d. St. Paul
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2011 Page 3 Part II: True or false (10 points)
If a statement is True circle T, if it is False circle F
1. T F The three day lent starts three weeks before the start of the Great Lent
2. TF The right to communion in Jesus’ Holy flesh and blood is the God’s greatest gift to mankind.
3. T F Praying to God is the most natural and most perfect thing for man to do.
4. T F Parumala Thirumeni said in his own words that lent brings truth,
religious faith, honesty and respect among people.
5. T F The first thing Mesrop translated and wrote in Armenian language
was Solomon’s proverb.
6. T F The apostolic fathers were persecuted and suffered death with courage because they were faithful to their Christian belief.
7. T F Saint Clement wrote the biography of the disciples of Jesus showing
how they were tortured by kings and rulers.
8. TF St. Athanasius was elected the Bishop of Constantinople but he
refused the honor.
9. TF St. Philoxenos attacked Nestorian teaching which was spread in
Edessa.
10. TF Arius teaching taught that Christ was not God the Father.
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2011 Page 4 Part III: Word meaning (5 Points)
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate answer.
1. Kadheeshath Aaloho
2. Shubaho Labo Labro Val Ruho Kadeesho
3. Evangelion
4. Hosanna
5. Damo
Part IV: Answer the following question in the space provided. (1 point)
What is the complete name of our present Catholicos of the East?
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2011 Page 5 Part V: Match the Following (15 Points)
Select the best matching answer and write down the letter next to the corresponding number in the space provided.
____ 1. Nicea a. Defender of Faith
____ 2. St. Pachomius b. Cappadocian Father
____ 3. Transfiguration c. Pillar of faith
____ 4. Council of Ephesus d. Mount Tabor
____ 5. St. Anthony e. Nestorius
____ 6. St. Athanasius f. Translated the bible to Armenian
____ 7. St. Cyril of Alexandria g. Arius
____ 8. Mesrop h. Founder of community monasticism
____ 9. St. Gregory of Nyssa i. The father of Monks
____ 10. Jonah j. Holy Orders
____ 11. “Golden Mouthed’ k. Apostle of India
____ 12. “Giver of Life” l. An Expression of Love
____ 13. Sacrament of Priesthood m. Holy spirit
____ 14. Monasticism n. St. John Chrysostom
____ 15. St. Thomas o. Symbolic Prophet
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2011 Page 6 Part VI: Fill in the blanks (10 Points)
Fill in each blank space with the most appropriate word as appeared in the prescribed textbooks.
1. ‘No one serves Christ except he who ______Him”
2. ______is a basic element for the success of the life of individuals and communities.
3. The kingdom of ______symbolizes the eternal kingdom of heaven.
4. In Daniel’s vision the father he saw was called ______
5. The dry bones in Ezekiel’s vision stand for ______which was condemned to death because of ______
6. ______was the Old Testament prophet chosen by God to exemplify in his life the ______and ______of Christ.
7. ______is the living picture of the supper of the lamb.
8. We read in the bible about the first council in the life of Christian Church which was assembled in ______in______
9. ______, the Patriarch of Constantinople preached that God was not born from Virgin Mary, but she gave birth to a human being and God dwelt in him later on.
10. We acknowledge one ______because it symbolizes the ______of Christ and His ______
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2011 Page 7 Part VII: Short Answers (10 points)
Answer ANY FIVE (5) of the following questions briefly, at the end of the booklet.
Please include the Question numbers with your answers.
1. What is the relationship between the sacrament of Eucharist and forgiveness of sins?
2. What picture did Ezekiel give of the work of the Holy Spirit in the church?
3. Who are the apostolic fathers? What was their contribution to the Christian faith?
4. What was the purpose of the first Council of Jerusalem? Who proposed the resolution in the council of Jerusalem? What was the resolution proposed?
5. What do you know about Isaiah’s prophesy about Christ and His Kingdom?
6. What are the fundamental principles of monastic life?
7. Our church observes five lents. Which are they? Explain.
8. What did Arius teach? Why was Aryanism dangerous for Christianity?
Part VIII: Short Paragraph Answers (9 Points).
Answer any THREE (3) of the following questions, at the end of the booklet.
Please include the Question numbers with your answers.
1. What are the three categories of the Holy orders? What are the functions of
each? What are the necessary qualities of Bishop and deacon?
2. Write a paragraph about St. John Chrysostom.
3. How does Jonah symbolize Christ’s death and resurrection?
4. What are the contributions of St. Basil to the life of the Church?
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2011 Page 8 Part IX: Worship Hymn (5 points)
Write one of the following worship hymns at the end of the booklet
Come, The Time Of Prayer is Here (Yachikentum Samayamitha) (Three paragraphs) OR
Blessed Are Those Servants Good (Yajamanan Varumanderath) in full
Part X: Common Prayers (5 Points)
Write one of the following common prayers at the end of the booklet.]
Uyarapettavande Maravil Erikkunnavanaya. (Prayer of Mor. Severious)
OR
Psalms 121 in full
Part XI: Essay (10 points)
Write an essay on any one of the following.
Who are the Cappadocian Fathers? Describe the contributions of Cappadocian fathers for our church.
OR
Write an Essay about Holy Eucharist. Explain why Holy Eucharist is called the sacrament of thanks giving? Why does liturgy mention the names of angels, archangels, saints and particularly the Virgin Mary?
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2011 Page 9 ORTHODOX SYRIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL
ASSOCIATION OF THE EAST
NORTH EAST AMERICAN DIOCESE
Annual Final Examination
June 24, 2012
Grade VIII
Reg. No.:
Examination Rules
Examination Rules
1. Total time limit for this examination is two hours. 2. Do not write your name anywhere on exam booklet. 3. Return the entire exam booklet upon completion. 4. Students may answer in Malayalam. 5. Students may not leave exam hall until 60 minutes have expired. 6. Please use only black or blue ink. Pencils are NOT allowed. 7. If needed, please use the separate answer sheets provided, separate answer sheets must have student registration number filled out. 8. No electronics or communicative devices. (Including cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), iPod, etc.) ORTHODOX SYRIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION OF THE EAST NORTH EAST AMERICAN DIOCESE
Centralized Examination – 2012 Grade VIII
Time:2 hrs Points:100
Note: All questions in this Examination Booklet are based on the prescribed text books of Grade VII published in 2010 and Grade VIII published in 2011, and from the Holy Bible, Worship Hymn syllabus & Prayer syllabus. Note Exam Rule 7 on the cover page. Use additional sheets wherever necessary, write page numbers and your Registration number. Secure the sheets with the booklet safe.
Part I: Fill in the blanks ( 1 Point each) (1 x 10 = 10)
Fill in each blank space with the most appropriate word(s) as appeared in the prescribed textbooks.
1. A ______must be above reproach, temperate, sensible, dignified,
hospitable, an apt teacher, no drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome
and no lover of money.
2. ______, an orphan girl became a queen and was ready to sacrifice
herself and her throne for serving God.
3. St. Ignatius said “Where the bishop is present, there let the congregation
gather just as where ______is ,there is the Universal Church”.
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2012 Page 1 4. Parumala Thirumeni said “______brings truth, religious faith, honesty
and respect among people”.
5. April 23rd is named as ______day.
6. And so we become carriers of Jesus because His body and blood are in all
parts of our body and we become ______of the divine nature.
7. “For because he himself has ______and been tempted he is able to
help those who are tempted”.
8. Geevarghese Mar Dionysius was ______in establishing the
church constitution in 1934.
9. The ______service is done on the first Monday of great lent.
10. Eldo Mar Baselious started on a difficult mission of coming to India in AD 1685
at the age of 92 by the request of ______of the
Malankara Orthodox Church.
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2012 Page 2 Part II: Multiple Choice ( 1 Point each) (1 x 20 = 20)
Circle the MOST appropriate answer as found in the prescribed texts.
1. Who is the prophet of renewal and unity?
a. Elijah b. Elisha c. Ezekiel d. Esau
2. The most disputed subject in the council of Nicea was the faith about the______.
a. Son of God b. the Father c. Holy Spirit d. Holy Trinity
3. Emperor ______exiled St Gregory of Nyssa because he fought Arianism.
a. Constantinople b. Valens c. Caesar Augustus d. Emperor of Rome
4. Parumala Thirumeni left his earthly abode on______.
a. Nov 2 1902. b. Nov 2 1901 c. Nov 2 1801 d. Nov 2 1802
5. ______is known as Malankara Sabha Bhasuran
a. Geevarghese Mar Dionysius b. Geevarghese Mar Gregorios c. Geevarghese Mar Osthathiose d. Geevarghese Mar Coorilos
6. St. ______objected to read Tome of Leo.
a. Gregory b. Basil c. Dioscorus d. Pachomius
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2012 Page 3 7. This Apostolic Father was martyred by hungry lions in amphitheatre.
a. St. Ignatius b. St. Clement c. St. John Chrysostom d. St Basil
8. Council of Chalcedon was held in AD 451 during the reign of Emperor ______.
a. Constantinople b. Trojen c. Theodosius d. Mercion
9. Christ die once, and that was quite sufficient for the ______of the whole world.
a. Salvation b. Resurrection c. Enlighten d. Destruction
10. St. John Chrysostom says that the is none other than heaven itself.
a. Eucharist b. Church c. Alter d. Earth
11. The saints of God whom Daniel saw in his vision are the .
a. The Ancient of days b. River of Fire c. Four beasts d. Christians
12. The council of established the date on which Easter is to be celebrated.
a. Nicaea b. Constantinople c. Chalcedon d. Ephesus
13. Our Lord performed the ‘washing of the disciples’ feet; it represented a sign of for the disciples.
a. Love b. Compassion d. Confession d. Humility
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2012 Page 4 14. The visible means of invisible grace, is the definition of the .
a. Holy Qurbana b. Holy Baptism c. Holy Sacrament d. Holy Matrimony
15. The emperor ______ordered everyone to worship him as God.
a. Valarius b. Diocletion c. Decius d. Septimus
16. The sacrament of Holy Eucharist is considered to be the sacrament of ______.
a. Praise & b. Prayer & Holy c. Heavenly d. Commemoration thanksgiving confession community
17. What is the name of the soldier who became a declared saint?
a. St. Celement b. St. Ignatius c. St. Basil d. St. George
18. Who appeared to Jesus during the transfiguration?
a. Abraham & b. Moses & c . Elijah & d. Moses & John Aaron Elisha Elijah
19 Monasticism is characterized as the life of obedience, prayer and ______.
a. deed b. discipline c. fasting d. forgiveness
20. Which Apostolic Father is considered as the “Defender of Orthodoxy”?
a. St.Clement b. St.Athanasius c. St.Ignatius d. St.Gregory
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2012 Page 5 Part III: True or False ( 1 Point each) (1 x 10 = 10)
If a statement is True, circle T: and if it is False, circle F
1. T F A total of 518 Bishops participated in the Nicean Council.
2. TF The second Great Council was called to refute the heresy of Macedonius.
3. TF The first council in the life of Christian Church was assembled in Nicea
at the time of Apostles .
4. TF The desert fathers responded to question with a long speech.
5. TF God has made us all members of His royal priesthood.
6. TF Moran Mar Baselious Geevarghese II Catholicos succeeded Vattasseril Thirumeni as the head of Malankara Orthodox Church.
7. TF St. Gregory composed direction for the use of monks known as
“the longer rule and the shorter rule”.
8. TF The formulation of the creed was as a result of the decisions
from the council of Constantinople.
9. TF Isaiah came from a poor family. He spent half a century working as a slave.
10. TF The Kingdom of the Messiah will be ruled by justice.
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2012 Page 6 Part IV: Match the Following ( 1 Point each) (1 x 10 = 10)
Select the best matching answer and write down the letter next to the corresponding number in the space provided.
______1. Holy Virgin Mary (A) A national leader
______2. Council of Jerusalem (B) H.G Geevarghese Mar Dionysius
______3. Babylonians (C ) Founders of monasticism
______4. Isaiah (D) H.G Geevarghese Mar Gregorios
______5. Mordecai (E) Nebuchadnezzar
______6. St. Shenoute in Egypt (F) Theotokos
______7. St. Macarius (G) God called to work as a guard in palace
______8. Saints. Antony, Pachomius (H) The Prophet Evangelist
______9. Vattasseril Thirumeni (I) Acts
______10. Parumala Thirumeni (J) Judge nobody and learn to keep silent
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2012 Page 7 Part V: Word meaning ( 1 Point each) (1 x 5 = 5 )
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate answer.
1. Pagro ______
2. M’shamshono ______
3. Rooho Kadeeso: ______
4. Push Bashlomo ______
5. Adamo doseno ______
Part VI: General Knowledge (1 Point)
Answer the following question in the space provided.
What is the complete name of our present Catholicos of the East?
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2012 Page 8 Part VII: Complete the sentences ( 2 Points each) (2 x 5 = 10 )
Fill in the blanks with the word(s) as stated in the prescribed syllabus.
1. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the ______of
the whale, so will the ______of man be three days and three nights in the
______of the ______. (Mathew 12;40 )
2. I am bound with chains for the ______of ______.
I long for martyrdom in order to prove ______a ______
Not only in word, but also in deed ( Ignatius).
3. The devil took Jesus to the high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the
world, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and ______me”.
Jesus answered him, “It is written, “______the Lord your______,
and______only Him. (Matt. 4:9-10)
4. “ In the beginning was the ______, and the ______was with ______,
and the ______was ______.. And It became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1: 1)
5. Jesus said to the rich man, ‘ If you would be perfect, go, sell what you ______
and give to the ______, and you will have ______in ______;
and come, follow me’. (Mathew 19:21)
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2012 Page 9 Part VIII: Reading comprehension ( 1 Point each) (1 x 4 = 4 ) Read the following passage and answer the questions 1-4 based on it.
Following passage is taken from, 1Timothy 4: 12 -16.
Paul wrote this to Timothy as a training manual. Let no man despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate upon these things, give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may appear to all. Take heed to your ministry and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you
1. What are the examples of being a believer?
2. What are the factors to give attention to?
3. What shall he heed unto?
4. Whose responsibilities are mentioned here?
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2012 Page 10 Part IX: Short Paragraph Answers ( 3 Points each) (3 x 4 = 12)
Answer any FOUR (4) of the following questions, at the end of the booklet. Please include the Question numbers with your answers.
1. Why does church mention the names of angels, archangels, saints and in particular the Virgin Mary?
2. Expand the meaning of the following statements of the Creed, ‘Of one essence with the Father’.
3. Why was Archbishop John Chrysostom exiled?
4. What was the reason for the people in northern Kerala naming babies as “Eldo” or “Basil”? What does the word Maphryono mean?
5. What are the basic elements of Monastic life? Who are the fathers of Monasticism?
6. What does the word deacon mean? What are the necessary qualities of a deacon?
Part X: Worship Hymn (5 Points)
Write ONE of the following worship hymns at the end of the booklet. Please include the Question numbers with your answers.
By Thy Light We See The Light……………Deeds of righteousness to do. (Velivu Niranjoreesho……………………..)
OR
Paul The Blessed……………….Trusts God’s Truth And Holds It Fast. (Poulose sh’leeho……………………….. )
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2012 Page 11 Part XI: Common Prayers (5 Points)
Write ONE of the following common prayers at the end of the booklet. Please include the Question numbers with your answers.
The Nicene Creed
OR
O Lord, Who Sittest in the Secret Place of the Most High…………… ( Prayer of Mor Severios-Uyarapettavante Marayilirickunnavan………)
Part XII: Essay (8 Points)
Write an essay on any ONE of the following, in about 600 words. Please include the Question numbers with your answers.
The St. Gregorios of Parumala
OR
The Three Great Councils
Centralized Examination Grade VIII –2012 Page 12