EXPLORING ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY is a six-week experience for anyone interested in understanding better the faith, teachings, history, worship and practices of the Orthodox Christian Church. This Lent Unit (Saturdays Mar. 16 – Apr. 20) is complemented by an Advent Unit held in the Fall.
This evening program begins with 5pm Vespers on Saturday night, followed by a common potluck fasting meal (roughly 6pm, no meat or dairy, please), a short presentation and discussion. One or more church members will give the presentation(s) and moderate the discussion. Each evening’s program should wrap up by 7-7:30pm.
This program is recommended for all interested (including Orthodox Christians, non-Christians or non-Orthodox Christians) and is also part of the standard preparation for formally enrolled catechumens of the parish (those who have made a commitment to become Orthodox Christians).
TOPIC SCHEDULE FOR LENT 2019 (subject to adjustment as needed):
March 16 – Introduction & Basic Approach
Welcome and Introduction
The Gospel
Creation / Fall / Salvation
Essential Beliefs of the Orthodox Church
The Didache
March 23 – Divine Liturgy & Eucharist
Structure of the Liturgy
How the Divine Liturgy & Eucharist are central to our life as Orthodox Christians
March 30 – Trinity
The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed
Incarnation
Theophany
Tradition
April 6 – Jesus Christ
God-Man
The New Adam
Heresies
April 13 – Salvation
Theosis
April 20 – The Church
Physical layout of the church
Viewing of vessels from the altar
Clergy
Body of Christ
