WELCOME TO ORTHODOX CATECHISM
Our goal is to give the background needed for an understanding and appreciation for Orthodoxy.
This class is by no means a definitive or complete guide to Orthodoxy. Below are the current lessons offered for catechism.
Handbook for Orthodox Catechism by Fr. Angelo E. Maggos – Now Available on Amazon!
This book is written with two purposes in mind. The first is as a guide that can be used to introduce those seeking to learn about the Orthodox Church through her Traditions and practices. Thus, it can be used by both catechumens preparing for entry into the Orthodox Church or those simply seeking to learn about Orthodoxy as the fullest expression of Christianity.
However, the depth of information offered is more than would be required for a catechumen, thus the second purpose of this book is as a reference resource. Included in this book are answers to the most popular questions asked by the viewers of our Thursday Orthodoxy Q&A show on YouTube, many of which deal with modern issues for which clear answers are often difficult to find.
| SESSION 1 | BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BYZANTINE CHURCH – View Video – Video Quiz |
| SESSION 2 | STRUCTURE OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH – Timeline of the Orthodox Church – Church Structure – Church Governance – Clerical Offices |
| SESSION 3 | HOLY (AND CULTURAL) TRADITION IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH – Definition and Sources of Holy Traditions – Symbols and Sacraments |
| SESSION 4 | THE LITURGICAL YEAR AND THE GREAT FEASTS OF THE CHURCH |
| SESSION 5 | SERVICES OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH – Origins of the Liturgical Right – Liturgical Services – Sacramental Services – Special Services – Devotional Services |
| SESSION 6 | PRACTICES OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH – Making the Sign of the Cross – Intercessory Prayers – Byzantine Chant – Orthodox Liturgical Musical Terms – Purpose of Candles – Prostrations – Fasting |
| SESSION 7 | SACRAMENTS OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH – PART 1 – Baptism – Holy Unction – Chrismation – Role of the Godparent |
| SESSION 8 | SACRAMENTS OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH – PART 2 – Holy Eucharist – Marriage – Confession |
| SESSION 9 | SERVICES OF LENT AND HOLY WEEK – Great Lent – Lazarus Saturday – Palm Sunday – Bridegroom Services – Monday and Tuesday – Holy Wednesday – Holy Unction – Holy Thursday – 12 Gospel Readings – Good Friday – Un-nailing of Christ from the Cross and the Lamentations – Holy Saturday Morning – Proti Anastatsis – Holy Saturday Evening – Resurrection & Divine Liturgy – Easter Sunday Agape Service – Bright Week |
| SESSION 10 | END OF LIFE DECISIONS – Death, Dying, Euthanasia, and Suicide – Burial and Cremation – Orthodox Funeral and Memorial Service Guidelines |