Questions about the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First ecumenical council l 

QUESTION 1

When is the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council celebrated? Speculate why.

QUESTION 2

What is an ecumenical council? How many have there been? Why in general were they called? How do the Orthodox view the pronouncements of the Ecumenical councils? What was the primary reason for the 1st Ecumenical Council? When and where was it called?


QUESTION 3

What major church document was produced in part by the 1st Ecumenical Council? Why? Comment on the importance of this document vis-à-vis a person's Orthodoxy.

QUESTION 4

Describe the pernicious heresy combated by the council. Are there any recognizable groups outside the church that still hold to this heresy? 


QUESTION 5

What Gospel is read for the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First ecumenical council? Why?

QUESTION 6

What is the definition of eternal life that Jesus gives in the Gospel for the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First ecumenical council?

QUESTION 7

Who were some of the Holy Fathers at the First ecumenical council? Which one struck an arch heretic? What happened? How many holy fathers were at the council? Where else does this number appear in the Holy Scriptures?
Describe the holy fathers' treatment of Arius and compare and contrast this to the current activities and pronouncements of Influential Orthodox bishops today.

QUESTION 8

What decision was made about Pascha at the First ecumenical council? Is this decision observed to this day by all the Orthodox?

QUESTION 9

What 3 commemorations are observed in the services for the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First ecumenical council? Explain.

QUESTION 10

Explain what being "guided by the Holy Spirit" means for an Orthodox Christian and contrast this with others who express belief in Christ who are not Orthodox.