Theophany (Baptism of our Lord) Quiz

Blessed Great Feast of Theophany (Baptism of our Lord)
- January 6

Please enjoy this fun quiz related to this Great Feast in the Life of the Church and feel free to share among your family and friends!

1. Which Gospel does not record the Baptism of our Lord, Jesus Christ?

A. Matthew        B. Mark
C. Luke              D. John

2. Which animal symbolizes the "Descent of the Holy Spirit" during the Baptism of Jesus?

A. Eagle          B. Dove
C. Hawk          D. Turkey

3. In what river was Jesus baptized?

A. Jordan      B. Nile
C. Tigris        D. Lakhish

4. Fill in the blank: According to the Gospel narratives of the Baptism of Jesus, a voice is heard from heaven saying, "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well ____."

A. Loved              B. Pleased
C. Concerned       D. Desired

5. What does "Theophany" mean?

A. God becoming man         B. Descent of the Holy Spirit
C. Baptism                          D. Appearance/Manifestation of God

6. If Theophany is celebrated on a Sunday, which Liturgy is called to be served?

A. Liturgy of Basil the Great                              B. Liturgy of John Chrysostom
C. Liturgy of James the Brother of our Lord      D. Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts

7. What is blessed by the clergy in the weeks following the Great Feast of Theophany?

A. Cars            B. Grapes
C. Homes         D. Flesh-meats and cheeses

8. Who baptized Jesus in the river?

A. Joseph           B. John
C. Joachim         D. Zachariah

9. The person who performed the baptism, how is he related to Jesus?

A. Cousin               B. Brother
C. Grandfather       D. Uncle

10. How old was Jesus when He was baptized?

A. 2         B. 12
C. 18       D. 30

11. What is blessed/sanctified during the celebration of the Baptism of Jesus?

A. Water          B. Candles
C. Crosses        D. Palms

12. Following the Baptism of Jesus, how many days does He spend in the wilderness?

A. 3        B. 9
C. 20      D. 40

13. Whose feastday called the "Synaxis of ____" is celebrated on January 7th, the day after the Great Feast of Theophany?

A. Prophet David           B. Joseph the Betrothed
C. John the Baptist        D. Virgin Mary

14. The Gospel of Matthew describes Jesus being ministered to following His baptism while in the wilderness, stating: "____ came and ministered to Him" (4:11). Who ministers to Jesus?

A. Holy Spirit         B. Angels
C. Disciples            D. Satan

15. What is another common descriptive term/title used for the person who baptized Jesus?

A. Betrothed           B. Disciple
C. Forerunner         D. Wonder-worker

The Answer Key is below, please highlight to view:

1. D   6. A    11. A
2. B   7. C    12. D
3. A   8. B    13. C
4. B   9. A    14. B
5. D  10. D   15. C

The Friend of the Bridegroom: St John the Baptist

In the Life of the Church, it is customary on the day following Great Feasts of the Lord and the Mother of God, to remember those saints who participated directly in the sacred event. So, on the day following the Theophany of the Lord, the Church honors the one who participated directly in the Baptism of Christ, placing his own hand upon the head of the Savior.


Baptism of our Lord

St John, the holy Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, whom the Lord called the greatest of the prophets, concludes the history of the Old Testament and opens the era of the New Testament. The holy Prophet John bore witness to the Only-Begotten Son of God, incarnate in the flesh. St John was accounted worthy to baptize Him in the waters of the Jordan, and he was a witness of the Theophany of the Most-Holy Trinity on the day of the Savior's Baptism.

"He must increase, but I must decrease": the words of St John the Baptist as quoted in Gospels (John 3:30) is a beautifully stated and essential reminder for all Christians. He is explaining to his followers the fulfillment of his ministry in proclaiming the good news of the coming of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ into the world.

Forerunner & Baptist, John

St John calls himself the "friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears Him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. "Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled" (John 3:29). What a remarkable example of the love of God and understanding of one's purpose in life!

Our Lord says of John, "For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist, but he who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he" (Luke 7:28).

I am currently reading for the second time an amazing book reflecting on the life and purpose of St John the Baptist entitled The Friend of the Bridegroom: On the Orthodox Veneration of the Forerunner by Sergius Bulgakov. I strongly encourage you to read it as well.

Through the prayers of the Forerunner, O Lord our God, have mercy upon us!

- A Day in the Life of the Youth Director