Study Guide

A Practical Resource for Theological Study and Orthodox Apologetics 

If you're in the DVP, you know what this means!

This work is a summary of Orthodox Christian teachings—rooted in standard theological sources—designed to help others prepare for exams or delve into key topics. Originally developed as private resource, it holds the potential to evolve into a catechetical book or a quick-reference guide for seminarians and learners seeking clarity on foundational theological concepts. Far from exhaustive, this living document continues to grow, sharpening apologetic skills and providing succinct answers to questions that arise in proclaiming the Gospel to the broader community. 

In the sections below, you will find my Original Questions Formulated and Answered Through Personal Study in preparation for the comprehensive semester exams of the DVP: hence, "The Study Guide". 

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Semester 1: Holy Scripture

1 - Holy Scripture 13

1. List and describe the numerous methods of biblical interpretation and exegesis used by Patristic fathers, biblical scholars, and orthodox Christian theologians. 13

2. List the books and categories of the Old Testament Greek Septuagint and for each book give a one paragraph summary including main themes and biblical characters. 14

3. Explain critical differences between the Septuagint and the Masoretic Old Testament texts. Cite several examples and give examples how these could lead to diverse interpretations by biblical scholars and different Christian communities.  Explain and cite examples how all the Old Testament quotes from the New Testament originated from the Septuagint, and argue the case for the Septuagint informing ancient liturgical language. 18

4. List the generations of Adam to Noah and summarize the theological themes of each of their lives. 19

5. Summarize chapter by chapter the first and second books of Adam and Eve, including characters and main themes. 21

6. List the ten plagues visited on Egypt from the Old Testament, along with their corresponding gods from Egyptian polytheistic religion: 22

7. Explain the difference between discernment of evils,  and “judgment”  in the orthodox Christian Patristic interpretation of Matthew 7:1, “Judge not lest you be judged.”   Precisely define biblical judgment and Justify how the condemnation of a morally wicked act is not judgment per se, but an exercise of apostolic authority to identify and condemn sin. Provide biblical citations and references to examples of divine judgment and human exercise of holy discernment. 23

8. Explain the human sacrificial system of Baal worship in the Old Testament, and which Prophets vanquished this system by what means, and describe the consequences of the defeat of Baal. 25

9. Distinguish and differentiate the differences between Judaic laws of morality and ritual purity.  Core example from the Old Testament and explain why Christian’s no longer follow ritual purity laws. 26

10. Thoroughly explain and describe ritual purity laws in the Old Testament and their significance in the temple sacrificial system.  Provide citations from biblical sources. 27

11. List and describe all of the kinds of offerings mentioned in the Old Testament in association with the Levitical priesthood. Organize these offerings from least severe to most severe, and provide biblical citations, and a brief commentary on each sacrifice for its meaning, and its forms. 28

12. Explain the  origin and application of dietary laws of the of Jews in the time of Moses to Jesus, especially the prohibition against pork and other unclean foods.  Cite biblical citations as supporting evidence. 30

13. Explain how God punishes sacrilege in the Old Testament providing citation available versus. 31

14. Explain about the PROPHET Hosea whose wife was a harlot and the allusion symbolism to Israel. 33

15. Describe the parallelism between Old Testament, temple feasts, and new testament Christian feasts. Use specific source citations from Scripture at the Patristic fathers. 34

16. In the Septuagint and the New Testament, differentiate between Satan, Lucifer, the Devil, the evil one, and demons. Provide biblical citations of demons, and provide names of demons. 35

17. Cite all passages in the Septuagint where demons are specifically mentioned. 36

18. List the six psalms of orthodox matins, and give a brief explanation of each and an eschatological interpretation of each. Include citations from church fathers and saints to develop the theological understandings. 37

19. Describe in detail the development of the New Testament biblical including the name of the books, the dates of reception, and the important saints who contributed to the canonical list. Be sure to include the controversies , if any, surrounding the accepted authenticity of the books (I.e. Revelation) and their acceptance in Eastern  versus  Western Christianity.  Lastly, provide citations of Canons of Ecumenical councils supporting the development and fixity  of the Biblical canon. 38

20. In the history of the early Christian church, before the universal agreement of the New Testament canon, several notable figures tried to condense the gospels into a more compact form.   List the major proponents of an altered canon and Explain why the Eastern Orthodox Church rejected these alternative forms of the gospel canon. 40

21. Introduce the Book of Enoch and explain why it does not appear in the Eastern Orthodox biblical canon despite its being cited in the New Testament as authoritative.  Present both sides of the scholarly debate regarding the authenticity of this book, citing notable figures and historical references. 41

22. List, describe and explain all figurative allusions, with citations, to the Virgin Mary in the Old Testament especially as they appear in the twelve great feasts of the Eastern Orthodox Church. 43

28. List several Old Testament quotations in the Gospel of Matthew and provide references and citations. 52

29. List several Old Testament quotations in the Gospel of Mark and provide references and citations. 54

30. List all Old Testament quotations in the Gospel of Luke and provide references and citations. 54

31. List all Old Testament quotations in the Gospel of John and provide references and citations. 56 

Semester 2: Church History

2 - Church History 58

32. Thoroughly summarize the events of every century in the history and development of Eastern Orthodox / Roman Catholic church development. Provide information per century and be sure to include major events, councils, schisms, notable figures, Patristic Fathers, theological, controversies, important documents, and resolved and unresolved issues. 58

33. Provide a chronological list of the calling of the 12 apostles and the order of their deaths, as traditionally believed. 60

34. Thoroughly document all of St Paul’s travels starting from his blindness on the Road to Damascus to his eventual martyrdom.  Provide biblical references as well as citations from the Patristic Fathers’ commentaries. 62

35. List and summarize all extra biblical documents that acknowledge the existence of Jesus, his life, public ministry, and the beginning development of the Christian faith and church proper.  Provide references, citations, quotes, and notable figures. 63

36. List chronologically the major crusade events being sure to include the date, destination, major religious and political figures, destination, outcomes, and explain the help or damage caused to East-West relations between the Catholic and Orthodox churches. Devote extensive attention to the details of fourth crusade and the sack of Constantinople as a leading impediment to the reunification of Catholic and eastern orthodox churches by fomenting distrust and widening the schism between the two. 65

37. Summarize the details of the “Great Schism” of 1054, including locations, people involved , dates, issues, core theological and political differences and list the unification attempts and reasons for failure. 66

38. Who were the Franks and Carolingians, and Explain in detail how the Frankish and Carolingian influence distorted orthodox Catholic doctrine.  Include several examples, as well as the persistence of divergent theological thought between the East and the west to this day. 67

39. Thoroughly describe the Isidorian Decretals and Donation of Constantine and how they were used to support the false western doctrine of papal Supremacy.   Include the list of the citations, the names and dates of the central figures around whom the dispute revolved.  Describe how the false decretals contributed to the widening schism between the Eastern and Western Orthodox and Catholic Churches. 69

40. Thoroughly explain the  historical development of exclusively celibate clergy in the Roman Catholic Church as opposed to the order of married clergy still present and functioning in the Eastern Orthodox Church.  Include references to canons and council documents as well as notable historical figures who defended the state of married clergy. 71

41. Define and explain the Scholastic Period and Catholic scholasticism.   Explain the cultural milieu that provided the conditions of growth of scholasticism and the theological developments  that developed in the west as a direct consequence.  Explain Eastern Orthodox Christian objections to scholasticism and provide citations from notable figures and religious scholars. 72

42. Thoroughly explain the Nikonian Reforms in the Russian Orthodox Church and how this led to the “Old Believer” schism.   Describe the theological beliefs of the “Old believers”, like their lack of priesthood, and how they differ from the continuity of Orthodox Christian belief and practice since their internal schism.   Include prominent figures on both sides of the dispute as well as the consequences of an unhealed conflict in the Russian Church. 73

43. Explain who are the Non Chalcedonian  churches. Where the located, and why are they not in communion with the Eastern Orthodox Churches. Explain the main theological differences. 76


Semester 3: Doctrine

3 – Doctrine 78

44. In the context of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, thoroughly define and explain the meanings of Kerygma and dogma, and differentiate between their evangelical applications during the catechetical development of a faith community (ecclesia). 78

45. Summarize a chronological list of the Ecumenical Councils, along with their dates, locations, topics, significant historical figures, and major consequences: 80

46. Explain the Quinisext council its doctrinal affirmations , and why it is considered canonical to Eastern Orthodox Christian theologians.  Be sure to cite source documents and notable figures. 82

47. List in order ALL the major heresies in the first 1000 years of the orthodox Catholic Church, the name of the heretic, and a brief description of the heresy. 84

48. The seven orthodox Christian sacraments are: 85

49. What are the Holy Mysteries in Orthodox Christian Theology 86

50. Thoroughly explain baptismal regeneration, according to the Theology of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Provide commentary and citation from Patristic fathers and scriptural quotes. 87

51. Explain the differences between the Jewish Sabbath and the Lord’s Day and  why Eastern Orthodox Christians and Catholics celebrate their worship on Sunday’s and not Saturday.   Include citations from Patristic sources, as well as a discussion on the eschatological implications of the “eighth day”. 88

52. The following are the biblical references to the seven sacraments and the apostolic fathers who reference bishops, priests, deacons, and the Eucharist in chronological order: 89

53. The following is the list of the Apostolic Fathers and the names of their writings, arranged chronologically: 91

54. Thoroughly explain the theological differences between the Baptism of John the Forerunner,  the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, and the Baptism administered by the apostles of Jesus according to the Holy Apostolic Fathers. List biblical references and citations of the major Patristic literature during the first few centuries of Christianity. 92

55. Explain the Divine Essence and Energies Distinction 95

56. In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the concepts of cataphatic and apophatic theology are fundamental ways of approaching and describing the nature and essence of God. These two theological methods are often used in tandem to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the divine. 96

57. Explain how Palamas’ energy essence distinction relates to Apophatic and cataphatic distinctions. 98

58. List chronologically the Major Patristic Fathers who defended the Holy Trinity, and cite their major documents. 100

59. Summarize the teaching of St Basil the Great on the Holy Trinity and cite key documents. 101

60. Summarize the teaching of St Gregory the Great on the Holy Trinity and cite key documents. 102

61. Summarize the teaching of St John Chrysostom the Great on the Holy Trinity and cite key documents. 102

62. Summarize the teaching of St John of Damascus on the Holy Trinity. 103

63. Explain the origin, authorship, and original use of the “Apostles Creed” and the Nicene-Constantinopolitan creed and the differences between the two creeds over time, and why the ancient church needed to more accurately define its dogmas. Provide citation and textural references from the Patristic corpus. 104

64. Citing specifically the original Nicene-Constantinople Creed, without the Filioque, describe how each line was directed against a specific heresy plaguing the early church. 105

65. Explain what consubstantial means in relation to the holy trinity in Orthodox Christian Theology. 107

66. List the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and thoroughly explain each.   Provide scriptural references of each gift and descriptions by important citations from notable figures and Saints. 108

67. Describe what the Patristic fathers mean when they teach that according to the Septuagint man was created in God's “image and likeness “.  Provide citations from several fathers from each of the first five centuries of orthodox Christianity. 111

68. Name the specific Patristic Fathers and their writings which refer directly to man being made in God’s image and likeness. 112

69. Explain what original sin means in relation to the holy trinity in Orthodox Christian Theology 112

70. Explain what Theosis means in relation to the holy trinity in Orthodox Christian Theology 114

71. Explain how the Holy Trinity is not polytheism and describe the differences between divine nature and individual hypostasis.  Cite examples from Old and New Testaments, as well as Major Patristic Fathers. 115

72. Thoroughly explain the term “Divine Logos” according to Greek Patristic fathers and demonstrate how this expands the original concept in pre-Christian philosophy. Provide examples and citations from Orthodox saints and commentaries of notable authors. 116

73. According to Eastern Orthodox Christian theological teaching, thoroughly explain the theological difference according to Begetting and Proceeding in terms of the hypostatic relationship between the Father, the Son, and the holy spirit.  How is “begetting” different from being born? Include citations from the Patristic fathers to support your explanation. 118

74. List all the biblical citations in the New and Septuagint Old Testaments that are interpreted by the Orthodox Church fathers to mean the Holy Trinity, the Divine Council, the plurality of persons, and provide citations to several Patristic sources who discuss these quotations in their writings. 119

75. In the Orthodox Christian creed, explain in detail what is meant by “of one essence” in 3 different ways. Include citations and Patristic references to elucidate the explanation. 120

76. Provide citations regarding Orthodox Christian Eucharist and Divine Liturgy , from the New Testament, especially Corinthians and the gospel of John, as well as citations from early apostolic fathers of the first two centuries of Christianity. Be sure to list citations, chronologically. 121

77. What is the Crucifixion and Resurrection in Orthodox Christian Theology? 122

78. Thoroughly explain the subject of Sacramental Theology according to the Eastern Orthodox tradition. Provide examples, biblical references, and citations from Saints and other notable figures. 124

79. Describe the circumstances of the iconoclast controversy in the Orthodox Church. Explain the theological significance, the core theological significance of the dispute, and the key figures who defended iconography.  include citations to Patristic literature and theological justifications for iconodulia. 127

80. List chronologically all citations from all the earliest apostolic fathers that reference the Dormition and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Demonstrate that while this doctrine is not expressly found in the New Testament, it does appear in the sacred tradition of the Church, and was accepted since apostolic times.  Also explain why this doctrine receives no explicit mention in the canonical scriptures. 128

81. Thoroughly explain why the Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church does not consider Origin , Tertullian, and several other early notable figures as Patristic Fathers.  Explain their errors and provide biblical references and documentary citations to support the claims of the early fathers’ rejection of erroneous theology. 130

82. Differentiate between Miaphysite and Monophysite and explain how both of these doctrines differ from the Eastern orthodox Christian Christology.   Provide biblical references and citations from notable orthodox figures. 132

83. Thoroughly explain the hierarchy of the angelic realm according to St Dionysius the areogapite.  Provide biblical references and citations from the Patristic fathers as well as citations from other supporting documentation, canonical, apocryphal or pseudepigraphical, that would have contributed to this branch of theology. 135

84. According to St Maximus the confessor and other orthodox Christian saints, explain the souls and vivifying force of lower animals and plants, and describe the state of their souls after their death. 137

85. Thoroughly explain the definitions of Greek philosophical concepts physis, ousia, hypostasis, metamorphosis, theosis as understood by Orthodox Christian theologians like St Gregory Palamas and st Maximos the Confessor. 138

86. Explain the limitations of philosophy and the necessity of Divine Revelation to establish the proper relationship between philosophy and theology. 140

87. Summarize the philosophy of Voltaire and contrast his message to Orthodox Christian theology.  Cite particular texts, and important followers as well as dissenting views. 141

88. List the major areas of Orthodox Christian apologetics which are most commonly required in the defense of the faith in disputes with Roman Catholics and mainstream Protestants.  What are the issues of difference and how does the Orthodox justify their position, including history, councils, and Patristic biblical interpretations. 142

89. Thoroughly Explain why Eastern Orthodox dogmatic theology rejects Roman Catholic teaching on Purgatory. Describe the origins of the doctrine on Purgatory, provide biblical references and citations from notable figures who opposed the teaching. 144

90. Thoroughly Explain why Eastern Orthodox dogmatic theology rejects Roman Catholic teaching on “Penal Substitution”.  Describe the origins of the doctrine and provide biblical references and citations from notable figures who opposed the teaching. 146

91. Thoroughly Explain the essence of the theological ideas of Thomas Aquinas and why the Eastern Orthodox Church rejects the Thomist approach to faith and reason. 148

92. Thoroughly explain why Eastern Orthodox Christians reject the teaching of the Rapture.   Explain the origin of the Rapture doctrine and provide biblical references to refute it from Orthodox Eschatology. 151

93. Explain why Eastern Orthodox Christian theologians do NOT accept the Roman catholic eschatological concept of the “3 days of darkness and the illumination of conscience “espoused by Anna Marie Taigi.  Contrast this teaching to the eschatology of the Book of Revelations as well as Patristic consensus on the subject. Provide citations from notable figures to support the rejection of modern individual prophesy. 153

94. Compare and contrast the eschatology of “illumination of the consciousness” of Anna Marie Taigi to eastern eschatological traditions of Hindu “cosmic consciousness”. 155

95. Thoroughly describe and explain all Orthodox Christian objections to Calvinism and provide biblical references as well as citations to works written by Orthodox saints who openly refuted Calvinistic teachings. 156 

Semester 4: Divine Liturgy 

4 - Liturgy 158

96. Describe the development of the Byzantine liturgy rite of Divine Liturgy and compare and contrast the monastic rite and the cathedral rite citing examples of key developments in the historical tradition of the orthodox Christian church. 158

97. Describe the development of the Byzantine liturgy rite of Vespers and compare and contrast the monastic rite and the cathedral rite citing examples of key developments in the historical tradition of the orthodox Christian church. 160

98. Explain the development of the orthodox Christian Paschalion and the calendar date for Pascha based on the Jewish 14 of Nissan.   Explain the differences between the lunar and solar calendars, and the necessity of the early church to accommodate for the calendar drift discrepancy.  Explain the how the Eastern Orthodox churches decided to unify the various Christian communities to a common Easter date.   Provide citations to relevant documents, and quotations from notable figures. 162

99. Thoroughly Explain the differences between the New and Old Calendar in use in the Eastern Orthodox Churches and the reason why the dates of Eastern Pascha and Western Easter are rarely on the same date but cycle between identical to 6 weeks different.   Describe modern solutions to the calendar dilemma as well as examples and justifications of pros and cons.  Be sure to include reference documents and notable figures. 164

100. What year and to which date was the vernal equinox fixed in the ancient Eastern Orthodox calculation of Pascha.  Provide references to source documents and note historical figures. 166

101. Thoroughly explain the structure of the Old Testament Hebrew temple and demonstrate how the New Testament church is a model and continuation of this ancient worship space. Thoroughly describe all of the elements of an Eastern Orthodox Christian church, including the placement of the holy table, the oblation table, the memorial table, as well as the iconostasis, the deacon’s doors, and all of the liturgical paraphernalia used during divine liturgy. 167

102. Describe in detail, the liturgical function of the paten and the star, the chalice, the censer, the fans, candlesticks on the Holy table, tabernacle, the holy utensils, such as the spear, and the spoon, the aer, the paten and chalice veils, the water, curette, the incense, and any other liturgical paraphernalia used in eastern orthodox divine liturgy. 169

103. Explain the development of the female deacon in the ancient Eastern Orthodox Church, as well as the decline of this order through the centuries. Give biblical examples of women who were believed to have been deacons in the time of Saint Paul, as well as successors in that ministry. Explain the difference of function between a female deacon and a male deacon and what necessitated these gender specific roles. Provide patristic source citation, and biblical reference, where applicable. 171

104. Thoroughly explain the liturgy of the hours in the eastern orthodox cycle of Divine services. Be sure to explain 3rd, 6th and ninth hour services, and their thematic liturgical relevance.  Briefly describe their origins and their contemporary usage. 172

105. Thoroughly explain the order of services around the clock in the horologion  in the eastern orthodox Byzantine churches. Be sure to include Vespers, matins and typica. 173

106. Thoroughly describe all the parts of an eastern orthodox divine liturgy according to St. John Chrysostom. Be sure to provide an examples. Thoroughly describe all the parts of an eastern orthodox divine liturgy according to St. John Chrysostom. Be sure to provide her examples from the liturgical text where necessary. 175

107. Compare and contrast the differences between the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and the liturgy of Saint basil in the eastern orthodox Christian church form of divine liturgy. Explain thoroughly when each different Liturgy is served, and the reason why. Give historical background to the development of both Liturgies. 177

108. Thoroughly describe the origin and contemporary usage of the liturgy of pre-sanctified gifts in the eastern orthodox church during the great Lenten period. Explain the structure of the service as well as distinctive features which differentiated from Liturgy during the Sundays of lent. 178

109. Explain the structures and primary features of eastern orthodox Vespers service on a Saturday evening, also known as great vespers. Explain how the cycle of a tones fits within the service, and what a stichera poem is. 180

110. Explain and describe each of the liturgical books, used in an eastern orthodox Christian divine liturgy. Include the gospel, the service books, the Apostol, and other relevant materials. 182

111. Explain the role of the Psalter in the prayer life of orthodox monastics, as well as its appearance and inclusion in the divine services of the eastern orthodox church, in particular vespers, matins, divine liturgy, pre-sanctified liturgy, etc. Explain the Kathisma and the organization of the psalter. 183

112. Thoroughly explain the Matins service in the Eastern Orthodox liturgical cycle.  Describe the arc of the service and each section and its significance.   Explain the development of the service through the centuries and how the current form of the All Night Vigil developed in the Russian Orthodox Church as opposed to the Orthros form in the Greek Orthodox Church. 185

113. Thoroughly explain Holy Week in the Eastern Orthodox Christian liturgical tradition starting from Lazarus Saturday, Palm Sunday through holy Friday and Resurrection Sunday.   Provide citations from Patristic fathers and scholars as well as biblical references for the timeline of the last week of the earthly Life of Jesus 187 

Supplemental: Philosophy and Theology

5 – Philosophy and Theology 190

114. What is Aristotelian logic? What are its principles and axioms? How is Aristotelian logic applied in theology according to the eastern orthodox Christian understanding? 190

115. Which Patristic fathers, if any, organized their writings according to Aristotelian logical format? Provide several examples. 192

116. Define epistemology within the context of Greek philosophy. Redefine epistemology in the context of eastern orthodox Christian theology. Compare and contrast epistemology between the two systems. 194

117. List the top atheistic philosophical objections to deism/ theism and how would an Eastern Orthodox Christian apologist respond in kind.  Be sure to include arguments from the natural sciences as well as citations from notable figures on both sides of the argument. 195

118. Explain Theonomy, and how does it manifest in Christian teaching? 200

119. In philosophical and theological terms, explain the difference between mechanical and agency in differentiating between God and his works, essence and energies.   Compare and contrast references from philosophers and Orthodox Christian scholars and saints to elucidate the argument. 202

120. Thoroughly explain Neoplatonic philosophy and it’s premises from its origins to its expression in the fourth century Constantinople at the time of the first ecumenical council.   Thoroughly explain the Orthodox Christian objections to Neoplatonism and the implications to dogmatic theology and the Church’s solution. 203

121. Name Neoplatonic proponents and source documents as well as significant Orthodox Christian figures provide biblical references and Patristic citations to elucidate the conflict between the Neoplatonic philosophers and the orthodox Christian theologians. 206

122. Compare and contrast the idea of God in Aristotle and Plato and demonstrate how this is inferior to the Orthodox Christian concept of the holy trinity. Explain the difference between philosophy and divine revelation. 208

123. List chronologically all the major schools of Greek philosophical thought ( like Epicurean and Stoic philosophy), their founders, ideology, and notable students leading up to the encounter with St. Paul in the Areopagus .  Explain how St. Paul’s Mars Hill speech in Acts 17:16-34 represents the beginning of the contact between philosophy and theology and the subsequent conflict between the two systems developed. 210

124. Explain and Summarize Plato’s Republic. 212

125. Explain the rational limitations of philosophy to take the mind beyond anonymous deism according to the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition.  Explain why revelation exceeds the rational limitation and is similar to the fulfillment of Plato’s Allegory of the cave.  Provide quotes and citations from notable figures to support the premise that ‘philosophy cannot save’. 213

126. Explain how Plato’s philosophy helped prepare the masses for the accepting Orthodox Christianity. 216

127. Compare and contrast the eastern orthodox teaching on creation “ex nihilo” versus the philosophical teaching on theistic creation. 217

128. Differentiate between chronos and kairos in the Greek philosophical system.  Extend these meanings to Eastern Orthodox Christian theology and provide biblical references and citations from notable persons, saints, and their writings. 221

129. Compare and contrast the nature of the Human Soul in Eastern Orthodox Christian Theology, versus philosophy, particularly in the schools of the classical philosophers through Neo-Platonism. Supplement your explanation with citations from East Orthodox Patristic fathers as well as notable philosophers. 224

130. Thoroughly explain Platonism and Mystical Theology and the theology and spiritual doctrine of St. Gregory of Nysa. Be sure to incorporate the Greek philosophical terms and concepts along with scriptural references and citations from notable scholars and writings. 226

131. Thoroughly explain logismoi and porneia in Eastern Orthodox Christian mystical theology and how and why the ancient saints have always written about the importance of Nepsis in the spiritual life.  Provide citations from the old and New Testament, as well as the sacred texts of notable figures. 228

132. List alphabetically the most important Greek vocabulary words in the subject of philosophy absorbed into Eastern Orthodox mystical theology from the ancient Greeks to the time of St Gregory Palamas. Parenthetically Provide the original Greek spelling as well as a brief translation and explanation for each. 231 

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