What is the Church Year?
The Church year follows a liturgical calendar based on Jesus’ life and the Church’s beginnings,
separate from the secular calendar.
Why is Jesus’ birth celebrated on 25th December in the Western Church?
To replace pagan festivals like Saturnalia and the winter solstice
aligns with 9 months after the Annunciation (25 March); symbolic timing with Jewish beliefs about patriarchs.
Why is Jesus’ birth celebrated on 6th January in the Eastern Church?
Aligned with the Julian Calendar
celebrated as the Feast of Epiphany—focusing on the Magi, Jesus’ baptism, and Eucharist.
What caused the East-West split in Christianity?
Differences in:
language
geography
papal authority (Filioque controversy)
cultural practices
1204: sacking of Constantinople.
What is Advent in the Western Church?
A 4-week preparation period before Christmas
focusing on Christ’s first and second coming (Parousia).
What are key practices of Western Advent?
Advent wreath (4 candles + Christ Candle)
hymns
blue/purple decorations
Advent calendars
sometimes fasting.
What does each Advent candle represent?
Hope
Prophets
Joy (rose)
Angels
Christ Candle (Christmas Eve)
What is the Nativity Fast in the Eastern Church?
A 40-day fast ending on 6th Jan
abstains from meat, dairy, oil, etc.
Begins in mid-Nov
includes strict fasting on Christmas Eve- until fist star is seen in the sky
How does the Eastern Church prepare during Nativity Fast?
Focuses on the Hebrew prophets
including feasts like the Sunday of the Forefathers and Holy Fathers.
What are key Christmas services in the Western Church?
Carol services
Christingle
Nativity plays
Plygain
three Eucharists (midnight, dawn, midday) reflecting Jesus’ threefold birth.
What is Christingle and what does it symbolise?
A decorated orange symbolising:
World (orange)
Christ’s blood (red ribbon)
God’s creation (fruit/sweets)
Jesus as light (candle)
What is Plygain?
A Welsh tradition held at dawn (3–6am)
involving male hymn singing (now inclusive)
between Dec 21 and Jan 13.
How has Christmas been affected by consumerism in the West?
It has shifted focus from religious observance to commercial gift-giving and festive spending.
What services occur in the Eastern Church on Christmas Eve and what are their purpose?
The Hours
Vespers (8 readings on prophecy)
Liturgy of St. Basil
Vigil + Great Compline
Matins (‘Christ is born’ sung)
To reflect the joy and power of Jesus’ birth and connect the Nativity to salvation through the Crucifixion and Resurrection.
What is ‘The Hours’ service on Christmas Eve in the Eastern Church?
A set of psalms, hymns, and Bible readings prescribed for each hour, proclaiming the joy and theological meaning of Christ’s birth.
What is the ‘Vespers’ service on Christmas Eve in the Eastern Church?
A service with eight Old Testament readings
celebrate the Incarnation
show how Jesus fulfils prophecy.
What does the ‘Liturgy of St. Basil the Great’ commemorate on Christmas Eve?
A Divine Liturgy where, in the past, learners were baptised and welcomed into the Church as the body of Christ.
What is the ‘Vigil’ service on Eastern Christmas Eve?
A watchful night service beginning with the Great Compline
reflecting the solemnity and anticipation of Christ’s birth.
What is the ‘Great Compline’ in the Eastern Church?
The final prayer service of the day on Christmas Eve, marking the beginning of the Vigil, focused on deep prayer and reflection.
What is the ‘Matins’ service on Christmas Day in the Eastern Church?
A morning prayer
the phrase ‘Christ is born’ is sung for the first time
the congregation venerates the icon of the Nativity.
What is the significance of the Nativity icon in Eastern Orthodox Matins?
Icons are venerated as ‘windows into the Kingdom of God’ and are central in both public worship and private devotion.
What is the symbolism of fasting until the first star in Eastern tradition?
Represents anticipation of Christ’s birth
after fasting, a special Christmas supper is prepared.
What outdoor ceremonies happen in the Eastern Church?
Processions to bless water in seas/rivers/lakes
water is brought home to bless households before the Christmas feast.
What are the main themes of Christmas in both East and West?
The Incarnation
joy of salvation
prophecy fulfilment
worship
preparation.
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2.1 | Arguments for the existence of God- Inductive26
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2.1| Arugments for the existence of God- Deductive7
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2.2 | Problem Of Evil24
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2.3 | Religious Experiences41
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3.1 | Ethical Thought0
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3.2 | Deontological Ethics12
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3.3 | Teleological Ethics0
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1.1 | Religious Figures And Sacred Texts54
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1.2 | Religious Concepts And Religious Life9
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Nature Of God14
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The Trinity30
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Atonement42
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Faith And Works37
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Community Of Believers29
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Key Moral Priciples25
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Baptism56
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Eucharist31
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Festivals63
