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Quizzes > Society & Culture

Orthodox quiz: Test your knowledge of Orthodox Christianity

Quick, free Orthodox Christianity quiz with 15 questions. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Wentao WangUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art promoting an Orthodox Christianity Knowledge Quiz.

This Orthodox Christianity quiz helps you check your grasp of key beliefs, history, and worship in 15 quick questions, with instant results to show strengths and gaps. To keep learning, try the Christian theology test, explore the New Testament quiz, or take a Bible quiz online.

Which primary sacrament is celebrated during the Divine Liturgy in Orthodox Christianity?
Eucharist
Chrismation
Marriage
Baptism
The Divine Liturgy is the Orthodox service that centers on the Eucharist, commemorating the Last Supper and Christ's sacrifice. Other sacraments like Baptism and Marriage occur outside of the Divine Liturgy service itself.
In which year did the East-West Schism formally divide the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches?
1204 AD
1453 AD
1054 AD
451 AD
The Great Schism occurred in 1054 AD, marked by mutual excommunications between Rome and Constantinople. This event led to the enduring division between Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions.
What title is given to the bishop who presides over the Eastern Orthodox Church in Constantinople?
Ecumenical Patriarch
Pope
Metropolitan
Archbishop of Canterbury
The bishop of Constantinople holds the title 'Ecumenical Patriarch,' considered first among equals in the Orthodox communion. This distinguishes his role from that of the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church.
What is the name of the fasting period that immediately precedes Easter (Pascha) in the Orthodox liturgical calendar?
Great Lent
Theophany
Pentecost
Advent
Great Lent is the forty-day fasting period before Pascha, focusing on prayer, fasting, and repentance. It is distinct from Advent, which precedes Christmas.
In Orthodox Christianity, an icon is best described as:
An architectural feature
A liturgical garment
A religious image used in veneration
A type of musical chant
Icons are sacred images of Christ, the Theotokos, saints, and biblical scenes used for veneration and as windows to the divine. They are distinct from other liturgical objects like garments or building designs.
The addition of the 'Filioque' clause in the Western version of the Nicene Creed refers to:
A reference to the Virgin Mary's lineage
An extra petition for peace
The phrase 'and the Son' regarding the Holy Spirit's procession
A clause concerning the resurrection
The 'Filioque' clause inserts 'and the Son' into the Creed's statement about the Spirit's procession, a key theological dispute between East and West. Orthodox tradition maintains the original text without it.
Which council in 431 AD affirmed Mary's title as Theotokos, meaning 'God-bearer'?
Second Council of Constantinople
Council of Chalcedon
Council of Ephesus
Council of Nicaea I
The Council of Ephesus in 431 AD affirmed Mary as Theotokos to emphasize Christ's divine nature from conception. This countered Nestorian teachings that separated his human and divine persons.
What type of bread is traditionally used in the Orthodox Eucharist?
Unleavened bread
Wafers
Matzah
Leavened bread
Orthodox Christians use leavened bread to symbolize the risen Christ and the new covenant. This contrasts with some Western rites that use unleavened bread or wafers.
In Orthodox theology, theosis refers to:
Becoming more like God through divine grace
The second coming of Christ
Original sin
The study of the early church councils
Theosis is the process of deification, where believers partake in God's divine nature through grace. It emphasizes transformation rather than mere legal justification.
Who is traditionally credited with composing the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom?
St. Gregory the Theologian
St. John Chrysostom
St. Nicholas of Myra
St. Basil the Great
The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is attributed to St. John Chrysostom, the Archbishop of Constantinople, and is the most commonly used liturgy in Eastern Orthodoxy. St. Basil the Great's liturgy is used on specific feasts and seasons.
Saints Cyril and Methodius are best known for:
Leading the First Crusade
Founding the monastery on Mount Athos
Translating Scriptures into Slavonic and creating the Glagolitic alphabet
Writing the Athanasian Creed
Cyril and Methodius developed the Glagolitic script and translated the Bible and liturgical texts into Old Church Slavonic, facilitating the spread of Orthodoxy among Slavic peoples. They are titled 'Apostles to the Slavs.'
Which liturgical book outlines the structure and order of services in the Orthodox Church?
Psalter
Typikon
Menologion
Evangélion
The Typikon contains detailed rubrics and instructions determining how the services are to be conducted throughout the liturgical year. Other books like the Menologion list saints' lives, while the Psalter contains psalms.
What is the primary feast celebrating Christ's Resurrection in Orthodoxy?
Christmas
Theophany
Dormition
Pascha
Pascha, or Easter, is the central feast in Orthodox Christianity celebrating the Resurrection of Christ. It is often referred to as the 'Feast of Feasts.'
The Feast of Orthodoxy, celebrated on the first Sunday of Great Lent, commemorates:
The restoration of the veneration of icons
The martyrdom of Saint George
The baptism of Christ
The institution of the Eucharist
The Feast of Orthodoxy commemorates the end of the Iconoclast controversy and the reaffirmation of icons in 843 AD. It emphasizes the Orthodox Church's commitment to the use of sacred images.
The term 'homoousios' used by the Orthodox Church affirms that the Son is:
Created by the Father
Of the same essence as the Father
Similar in essence but not the same
A subordinate being
The term 'homoousios' from the Council of Nicaea means 'of the same essence,' affirming the full divinity of the Son with the Father. It was crucial in rejecting Arianism.
What Christological formula did the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) establish?
One nature after the union
Three separate persons
Christ as only divine and not human
Two natures in one person without confusion
The Council of Chalcedon defined Christ as one person in two natures, divine and human, without confusion, change, division, or separation. This formula refuted both Nestorianism and Monophysitism.
Gregory Palamas is best known for defending which mystical practice in Orthodox monasticism?
Hesychasm
Pilgrimage to Jerusalem
Icon painting
Gregorian chant
Gregory Palamas defended Hesychasm, a contemplative practice emphasizing inner stillness and the Jesus Prayer. His theology distinguished between God's uncreated energies and His essence.
The decree 'Laetentur cives' is associated with which significant event in Orthodox-Catholic relations?
First Council of Nicaea
Council of Florence
Council of Trent
Second Vatican Council
At the Council of Florence in 1439, 'Laetentur cives' was the decree proclaiming the attempted union of the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. Most Orthodox eventually rejected its terms.
In Orthodox church architecture, the iconostasis primarily serves to:
Display relics of saints
Separate the nave from the sanctuary symbolizing heaven and earth
Enclose the baptismal font
Provide seating for the choir
The iconostasis is a screen of icons that separates the nave from the altar area, representing the boundary between the divine and human realms. It also serves as a visual theology of salvation history.
Why is Moscow historically referred to as the 'Third Rome' in Orthodox thought?
It originated the practice of icon veneration
It hosted the Seventh Ecumenical Council
It became the center of Orthodoxy after the fall of Rome and Constantinople
It was the first to translate the Bible
After the fall of Rome and later Constantinople, Moscow styled itself as the heir of true Christian authority, dubbing itself the 'Third Rome.' This concept underlined its claim as the center of Orthodoxy.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyse the main beliefs and doctrines of Orthodox Christianity.
  2. Identify significant figures and historical milestones within the Orthodox tradition.
  3. Evaluate the differences between Orthodox Christianity and other Christian denominations.
  4. Apply knowledge of liturgical practices and sacraments in context.
  5. Demonstrate understanding of the liturgical calendar and feasts.
  6. Master key theological terms and concepts unique to Orthodox faith.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand the core beliefs of Orthodox Christianity - Dive into the heart of Orthodox faith by exploring the mystery of the Holy Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and the honored role of the Theotokos. These teachings form the bedrock of every liturgy and prayer, giving worship its depth and meaning. A solid grasp of these doctrines will make all other topics click into place!
  2. Familiarize yourself with the Seven Holy Sacraments - From Baptism and Chrismation to Matrimony and Holy Orders, each sacrament is a spiritual milestone packed with symbolism and grace. They guide believers through life's big moments and daily struggles alike. Get to know how each "Mystērion" shapes personal growth and community life.
  3. Learn about the Twelve Great Feasts - Celebrate the liturgical year with feasts that honor events like the Nativity, Theophany, and Transfiguration. Each festival shines a spotlight on a key chapter of Christ's life or Mary's witness, weaving history into worship. Mastering these feasts helps you track the spiritual rhythm of the Orthodox calendar.
  4. Explore the church's historical development - Journey through time with champions like St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great, whose sermons and liturgical reforms still echo in today's services. Understanding their lives reveals why certain prayers, hymns, and rituals stand the test of centuries. You'll connect with the vibrant tapestry of Eastern Orthodox heritage.
  5. Examine differences from other denominations - Unpack key debates like the Filioque controversy and compare liturgical styles to see what makes Orthodoxy unique. Spotting these distinctions sharpens your comparative theology skills and deepens your appreciation for diverse Christian traditions. It's like a friendly theological match-up!
  6. Understand the Divine Liturgy's structure - From the preparatory Proskomidē to the climactic Eucharist, the Divine Liturgy unfolds in beautifully ordered stages. Each segment invites participation, reflection, and transformation. Learning its flow turns you from spectator into engaged worshipper.
  7. Study the Orthodox liturgical calendar - Starting on September 1, this calendar balances fixed dates like Christmas with movable feasts tied to Easter. Fasting seasons such as Great Lent bring spiritual focus, while feast days burst with jubilant hymns and icons. Tracking these cycles keeps you in tune with the community's spiritual heartbeat.
  8. Learn key theological terms - Get fluent in essentials like Theosis (becoming like God), Iconostasis (the sacred screen), and Hesychasm (quiet prayer). These words unlock deeper layers of meaning behind every service and icon. Mastering them makes you sound and feel like a seasoned theologian!
  9. Understand the role and veneration of icons - Icons are more than art; they're "windows to heaven" that connect worshippers with the divine. Learn why Orthodox Christians venerate icons (not worship them) and how each image conveys layers of sacred symbolism. You'll see why every brushstroke matters.
  10. Review the Nicene Creed - This ancient statement of faith nails down beliefs about the Trinity, Christ's nature, and the Church's unity. Memorizing it boosts your confidence in discussions and exams alike. Plus, it's a poetic summary of the most profound mysteries of Christian tradition!
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