Orthodoxy 101
An Introduction to Orthodox
Christianity
Purpose of the Course
·
To
reacquaint an Orthodox Christian with his or her Faith years after he or she
“graduated” from Sunday School.
·
To
help the non-Orthodox spouses of Orthodox Christians understand their mate’s
religion.
·
To
familiarize participants with the history, teachings and doctrines of the
Orthodox Christian Church.
·
To
enhance the student’s understanding of the Orthodox Christian faith and
lifestyle.
·
To
begin to prepare an individual who has an interest in becoming an Orthodox
Christian communicant.
Method
·
Lecture
and Discussion
·
Question
and Answer
How to Get the Most Out of the Course
·
Attend
all the classes and ask questions
·
Read
one or all of the recommended books
·
Study
the notes that will be given to you
·
Attend
Church Services regularly
Recommended Books for the Course
·
The Orthodox
Church A to Z
by Father George Grube
·
Introducing the
Orthodox Church
by Father Anthony Coniaris
·
The Orthodox
Church
by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware
·
The Orthodox
Study Bible
by Conciliar Press is recommended but not necessary – most translations are
acceptable
Where to Order Books
·
Mount
Tabor Bookstore – 2990 S Cashua Dr, Florence, SC 29501
o
Open
Sundays during Coffee Hour or by appointment when calling 843-662-5471
Course Day and Time – Wednesday
Evenings –
7:00 – 8:00pm
Weekly Schedule and Topics of
Discussion
Session
1 – February 20 – Introduction to the Orthodox Church
An
introductory discussion on the history, doctrines, and teachings of the Church
will be made. A cursory discussion on the importance of the Sacraments to
Orthodox spirituality will also take place.
Reading Assignments in
The Orthodox Church A To Z by Father George Grube
Chapter 1 – What We Believe (pp
1-19)
Chapter 11 – God’s Kingdom on
Earth: The Church (pp 144-163)
Session
2, February 27 – The Church Building
This
session will be conducted in the Church. An explanation of the appointments,
icons and symbols in the narthex, nave and sanctuary will be given.
Reading Assignments in
The Orthodox Church A To Z by Father George Grube
Chapter 10 – The Setting for
Worship: Returning the Gift (pp 128-144)
Session
3, March 6 – The Church Year
The
season from Pre-Lent to Pentecost in the Orthodox Church is rich in liturgical
celebration and festal commemoration. Observances such as the Feast days of St.
Gregory Palamas, St. Mary of Egypt, Pascha, and Pentecost take place during
this time of year. The liturgical significance of all this time of year and
meaning of all festal observances will be made.
Reading Assignments in
The Orthodox Church A To Z by Father George Grube
Chapter 13 – Time in the
Kingdom: The Calendar of the Church (pp 169-187)
Session
4, March 13 – The Major Feast Days of Our Lord and The Theotokos (Mother of
God)
There
are twelve such Feast Days: Christmas, Pascha, Ascension, the Transfiguration
and the Annunciation are but a few. The significance of all Twelve Feast Days
is both historical commemorations and events that have meaning for our lives
today.
Session
5, March 20 – The Bible, Prayer and Fasting
Orthodox
Christianity teaches that there are three pathways that lead to God and a
personal relationship with Him: The Bible, Prayer and Fasting. The how and why
of these three pathways will be discussed.
Reading Assignments in
The Orthodox Church A To Z by Father George Grube
Chapter 3 – Prayer Transforms
Our Lives (pp 24-47)
Chapter 5 – Fasting: A Noble
Discipline (pp 53-57)
Chapter 8 – The Bible and
Orthodoxy: The Gift of His Word (pp 104-118)
Session
6, March 27 – The Divine Liturgy and How to Live It
The
Divine Liturgy is the central act of worship in the Orthodox Church. Though
regarded by many as a ritualistic gem, the reality is that many contemporary
Christians neither understand liturgy, nor do they know how to meaningfully
participate in the Divine Liturgy. How to come to better know the Divine
Liturgy and worship will be the thrust of the discussion for Session 6 and 7.
Reading Assignments in
The Orthodox Church A To Z by Father George Grube
Chapter 6 – Worship: Returning
the Gift (pp 57-66)
Session
7, April 3 – The Divine Liturgy cont.
Session
8, April 10 – The Sacraments and What They Do for Us
The
Orthodox Church is a Sacramental Church. The so-called “Seven” Sacraments
(Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Confession, Unction, Marriage, and
Ordination) will be discussed. The relationship of Sacraments to Grace and
Spirituality will be discussed.
Reading Assignments in
The Orthodox Church A To Z by Father George Grube
Chapter 7 – The Holy Mysteries:
Gifts of Salvation (pp 66-104)
Session
9, April 17 – Just What Does the Orthodox Church Teach About the Virgin Mary
and the Saints?
Most
Protestant Christians have difficulty in accepting the teaching of the Orthodox
Church on the Virgin Mary and the saints, and the veneration accorded by
Orthodox Christians to them. What is the basis of the Orthodox Christian
teaching of the Ever-Virgin Mary? Who are the saints? Why do Orthodox
Christians pray at times to the Saints and Mary? Answers to these and other
questions will be given.
Reading Assignments in
The Orthodox Church A To Z by Father George Grube
Chapter 12 – Saints: Special
Friends of God (pp 163-168)
Session
10, April 24 – The Church as a Moral Compass
A
discussion on topics of morality and life issues from the perspective of the
Orthodox Christian Church will take place as a conclusion to the course. Topics
such as abortion, euthanasia, gambling, drugs, stem cell research, sexuality,
death issues, etc will be touched upon.
Reading Assignments in
The Orthodox Church A To Z by Father George Grube
Chapter 2 – Living as Orthodox
Christians (pp 19-24)
Chapter 4 – Gifts of the Holy
Spirit (pp 47-53)
Chapter 9 – The Church Teaches
Morality: Teaching the Gift (pp 118-128)
2990 S Cashua
Drive, Florence, South Carolina, 29501
843-662-5471,
www.GoFlorence.org
