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Our goal as Orthodox Christians is to attain theosis. The way we can approach that state is through the cardinal virtues of faith, hope and love, which are the practical and directive goals set for man. To attain these goals, the Church, in its infinite wisdom has articulated the process through its dogmas, worship, and morals, respectively. Dogmas are the result of hope, and morals are the result of love.
The Orthodox Christian must be informed on the teachings of the faith and must be cognizant of the essential and the nonessential portion of the faith.
As Americans become more racially and ethnically diverse—and more comfortable with cultural expressions of diversity—our understanding of religious pluralism is changing, too. More than 30 years after the easing of immigration laws, the class lists at our elementary schools read less like the ship’s manifest at Plymouth Rock and more like the roster at the United Nations. Learning, working, and, increasingly, living together, Americans of different faiths bump into beliefs and behaviors that once seemed unusual, even exotic. The Orthodox life of the early immigrants is being eradicated through assimilation and both faith and traditions are being forgotten either by choice and or expedience to blend into the New World.
So, the questions are: How do we of the Orthodox faith proclaim the faith and persuade an outsider to take a second look at what we have to offer? How do we keep our children in the faith and Traditions of our forefathers? How do we propagate the faith and traditions to all who have thirst for eternity?
The eternal question that echoes in Mark’s gospel chapter 10 verse 17 “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” is the focus of this class. Of course, Jesus answered that question in Mat 22:37, 39 by stating that “You shall love the Lord your God with all you heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind,” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” Using these two passages, the Church has formulated a plan by which eternity may be gained.
Catechism then, is an intervention of the divine sound into the ears of those who hear, and the testimony of the one and only true God and worthy of all faith, glory, and acceptance. Therefore, it is catechism that allows us to distinguish immediately the truth about God, about our salvation and the untruth and falsehoods of society at large. Come join us for a wonderful and uplifting series of classes and then stay to worship with us.
This year we have added a new part to our Catechism class which is a regular Question & Answer session for us to review the content of our class together. You may also follow us online at www.myocn.net and download the study guide as well.
Taken from: A Catechetical Handbook of the Eastern Orthodox Church by D.H. Stamatis, PH.D.
Class Schedule:
September 12th What to Believe - Part One
September 19th What to Believe - Part Two
September 26th Question & Answers
October 3rd The Existence of God - Part One
October 10th The Existence of God - Part Two
October 17th Question & Answers
October 24th The Mystery of Incarnation
October 31st No class - visit from His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios
November 7th Redemption
November 14th On Resurrection, On Ascension, and On Judgment
November 21st On the Holy Spirit
November 28th Question & Answer Session
December 5th On Church and the Fathers
December 12th Remission of Sins - The End of Man
December 19th Conclusion - Q & A
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