Are you ready to put your knowledge of Eastern Orthodox history and scripture to the ultimate test? Dive into our free orthodox bible trivia challenge and see how your grasp of sacred texts, pivotal councils, and the roots of orthodox christianity quiz stack up. Along the way, uncover interesting bible facts for youth and celebrate the eastern orthodox trivia that shapes the church's rich legacy. This engaging, friendly quiz is perfect for anyone seeking a fun church history quiz or deepening their devotion in an Orthodox faith quiz. Click to start now and see your score!
How many ecumenical councils are recognized by the Eastern Orthodox Church?
Eight
Five
Four
Seven
The Eastern Orthodox Church recognizes seven ecumenical councils held between the 4th and 8th centuries, which defined core doctrines and combatted heresies. These councils include Nicaea I, Constantinople I, Ephesus, Chalcedon, Constantinople II, Constantinople III, and Nicaea II. They remain authoritative for theology and liturgy. Learn more.
What was the original language of the New Testament?
Greek
Hebrew
Aramaic
Latin
The books of the New Testament were composed primarily in Koine Greek, which was the common spoken and written language of the Eastern Mediterranean at the time. This original Greek text underlies most modern translations. Learn more.
How many books are in the Orthodox New Testament canon?
24
27
26
30
The Eastern Orthodox Church accepts the same 27 books of the New Testament as most Western churches. This canon was affirmed by the Synod of Carthage (397) and later recognized throughout Christendom. Learn more.
Who is considered the first Christian martyr?
Stephen
Peter
Paul
James
St. Stephen, one of the seven deacons appointed in Acts 6, is recorded as the first martyr of the Christian faith. He was stoned to death after his speech before the Sanhedrin. His feast day is celebrated on December 27th. Learn more.
Which Gospel is placed first in the Orthodox New Testament?
Matthew
John
Luke
Mark
The Gospel of Matthew is traditionally listed first in most Christian canons, including the Orthodox Church. It opens the New Testament in Slavic, Greek, and other Orthodox manuscripts. Learn more.
What is the name of the most commonly celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Orthodox Church?
Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
Liturgy of St. Gregory Dialogus
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
Liturgy of St. Mark
The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is the standard form celebrated on most Sundays and feast days in the Orthodox Church. It dates to the 4th-5th century and is valued for its theological depth and hymnography. Learn more.
At which council was the original Nicene Creed formulated?
Council of Chalcedon
Council of Ephesus
Council of Nicaea
Council of Constantinople
The original Nicene Creed was formulated at the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD to counter Arianism. It established the Son as 'consubstantial' with the Father. The Creed was later expanded at Constantinople I in 381. Learn more.
Which event does the Feast of Theophany commemorate in the Orthodox tradition?
Nativity of Christ
Baptism of Jesus
Resurrection of Christ
Ascension of Christ
The Feast of Theophany (Epiphany) on January 6th commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River by St. John the Forerunner. It is called Theophany because God's voice is heard identifying Jesus as His Son. Learn more.
Which Ecumenical Council affirmed Mary as Theotokos?
Council of Chalcedon
First Council of Constantinople
First Council of Nicaea
Council of Ephesus
The Council of Ephesus in 431 AD declared Mary as Theotokos (God-bearer) to affirm Christ's full divinity and humanity. This term safeguarded orthodox Christology against Nestorianism. Learn more.
Which two saints are known as the Apostles to the Slavs?
Peter and Paul
Cyril and Methodius
Augustine and Ambrose
Basil and Gregory
Saints Cyril and Methodius, 9th-century brothers and missionaries, are celebrated for translating liturgical texts into Slavonic and evangelizing the Slavic peoples. They are venerated as the 'Apostles to the Slavs.' Learn more.
What is the term for the bread used in Orthodox Holy Communion?
Lamb
Artos
Prosphora
Antidoron
Prosphora (meaning 'offering') is the leavened bread prepared and used for consecration in the Divine Liturgy. The portion called the Lamb becomes the Body of Christ. Learn more.
Which Church Father wrote 'On the Incarnation'?
Augustine of Hippo
Basil the Great
Athanasius of Alexandria
John Chrysostom
St. Athanasius of Alexandria authored 'On the Incarnation' in the 4th century, defending the doctrine that God became man in Christ. This work is foundational for Christology in both East and West. Learn more.
On which mountain did Moses receive the Ten Commandments?
Mount Tabor
Mount Sinai
Mount Zion
Mount Carmel
According to Exodus, Moses received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai. This event is pivotal in both Jewish and Christian traditions. Learn more.
What is the liturgical fast observed for 40 days before Pascha called?
Dormition Fast
Nativity Fast
Apostles' Fast
Great Lent
Great Lent is the forty-day fasting period before Pascha (Easter) in the Orthodox Church. It includes special liturgies, prayers, and intensified almsgiving. Learn more.
Which prophet was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind?
Isaiah
Elijah
Jeremiah
Ezekiel
In 2 Kings 2, the prophet Elijah is taken up by a chariot of fire in a whirlwind, passing his mantle to Elisha. This event is commemorated in Orthodox iconography and feast days. Learn more.
Which Gospel does not contain any account of Jesus' birth?
Luke
Matthew
John
Mark
The Gospel of Mark begins with the ministry of John the Baptist and does not include an account of Jesus' birth or infancy. Matthew and Luke contain nativity narratives. Learn more.
Which Church Father is known by the epithet 'Golden-Mouthed' for his eloquence?
John Chrysostom
Athanasius of Alexandria
Basil the Great
Gregory of Nazianzus
John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople (4th century), is called 'Chrysostom' meaning 'Golden-Mouthed' in Greek due to his powerful preaching style. His homilies remain widely read. Learn more.
Which Ecumenical Council took place in 381 AD, expanding the Nicene Creed?
Council of Ephesus
First Council of Constantinople
First Council of Nicaea
Second Council of Constantinople
The First Council of Constantinople in 381 AD expanded the Creed of Nicaea to affirm the divinity of the Holy Spirit and further clarify Trinitarian doctrine. It is recognized as the second ecumenical council. Learn more.
Which book appears in the Orthodox Old Testament canon but not in the Protestant Old Testament?
1 Esdras
Tobit
Judith
Baruch
1 Esdras is part of the Septuagint and is included in the Orthodox Old Testament, but it is not found in the Protestant canon. It covers material similar to Ezra and Nehemiah. Learn more.
The Liturgies of the Presanctified Gifts in Orthodoxy are attributed to which saint?
St. Mark the Evangelist
St. Basil the Great
St. Gregory Palamas
St. John Chrysostom
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, celebrated on certain weekdays of Great Lent, is traditionally attributed to St. Basil the Great. It uses elements of his liturgy combined with Vespers. Learn more.
Which Ecumenical Council condemned Monothelitism in the 7th century?
Third Council of Constantinople
Second Council of Nicaea
Council of Chalcedon
Council of Ephesus
The Third Council of Constantinople (680 - 681 AD), recognized as the sixth ecumenical council, condemned Monothelitism by affirming that Christ possesses both human and divine wills. Learn more.
What is the name of the liturgical book containing the rubrics and prayers for the Orthodox Divine Liturgy?
Horologion
Menaion
Typikon
Euchologion
The Euchologion is the Orthodox service book that contains the texts and rubrics for the sacraments and Divine Liturgy. It is essential for priests celebrating the services. Learn more.
Which apostle is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles?
John
Paul
Peter
Luke
Luke the Evangelist, a companion of Paul, is traditionally seen as the author of both the Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, offering a coherent two-volume work. Learn more.
In Orthodox iconography, what color often symbolizes divine light and holiness?
Black
Blue
Green
Gold
Gold, often used as a background in icons, represents divine light, uncreated energy, and holiness. It signifies the eternal and heavenly realm. Learn more.
Which synod in 1351 affirmed the Hesychast teachings of Gregory Palamas?
Council of Ferrara - Florence
Synod of Jerusalem
First Council of Nicaea
Fifth Council of Constantinople
The Fifth Council of Constantinople in 1351, held under Emperor John VI Kantakouzenos, officially affirmed the Palamite distinction between divine essence and energies, validating Gregory Palamas's teachings. Learn more.
Which 17th-century council formally reaffirmed the Orthodox biblical canon, including the deuterocanonical books?
Synod of Jerusalem (1672)
Fourth Lateran Council
Council of Ephesus
Council of Trent
The Synod of Jerusalem (also called the Council of Bethlehem) in 1672 reaffirmed the Eastern Orthodox canon, including the deuterocanonical books, in response to Protestant and Catholic proposals. Learn more.
The Peshitta is the standard version of the Bible in which language?
Greek
Coptic
Syriac
Latin
The Peshitta, meaning 'simple' or 'clear,' is the standard Bible for churches using the Syriac liturgical tradition. It dates from the 2nd century and includes both Old and New Testaments. Learn more.
Which Church Father's teaching on universal restoration (apokatastasis) was later condemned by the Orthodox Church?
Gregory Palamas
Origen of Alexandria
Athanasius of Alexandria
John Chrysostom
Origen (3rd century) taught that all rational beings, including the devil, would ultimately be restored to communion with God (apokatastasis). His views were later rejected at subsequent councils as unorthodox. Learn more.
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AI Study Notes
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Study Outcomes
Understand Foundational Church History -
Explore pivotal events and milestones that shaped the development of Orthodox Christianity from its early councils to modern traditions.
Identify Core Theological Concepts -
Recognize essential doctrines and beliefs central to Eastern Orthodox faith, including the Trinity, sacraments, and liturgical theology.
Recall Key Biblical Passages -
Test your memory of scriptures and stories that have influenced Orthodox teachings and devotional practices.
Differentiate Orthodox Doctrines and Practices -
Contrast Orthodox rituals, liturgies, and beliefs with those of other Christian traditions to deepen your comparative understanding.
Analyze Major Councils and Figures -
Examine the roles of early church councils and influential saints in defining Orthodox orthodoxy and tradition.
Evaluate Your Quiz Performance -
Assess your mastery of orthodox bible trivia to identify strengths and areas for further study in church history and scripture.
Cheat Sheet
First Five Ecumenical Councils -
The First through Fifth Ecumenical Councils (Nicaea I - 325, Constantinople I - 381, Ephesus - 431, Chalcedon - 451, Constantinople II - 553) defined key Christological doctrines. Mnemonic: "Nice Cats Eat Cold Sardines" helps recall the sequence. (Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese goarch.org)
The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed & Homoousios -
The Creed, finalized at Constantinople I (381), uses the term homoousios ("of one essence") to affirm Jesus's divinity. Remember "Homo-ousios" by breaking it into "Same substance" when studying key theology verses like John 1:1. (Source: Orthodox Church in America, OCA.org)
Scriptural Canon in Orthodoxy -
Orthodox Christianity follows the Septuagint tradition with 46 Old Testament books plus 27 New Testament books. Memory tip: "46 + 27 = 73" total books, including the Deuterocanonicals like 1 - 4 Maccabees. (Source: Official Orthodox Study Bible, Thomas Nelson)
Theosis (Divinization) -
Theosis means becoming "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4) and lies at the heart of Orthodox soteriology. Use the phrase "Dei-nature" to link divinization with daily prayer practices. (Source: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press)
Icon Veneration & Seventh Ecumenical Council -
Icons are "windows to heaven," affirmed by the Seventh Ecumenical Council (787) against iconoclasm. Recall "Council Seven sanctified the images" to remember when iconoclasm was officially condemned. (Source: John Meyendorff, "Byzantine Theology")
