The New Orthodox Catechism is being introduced to give all-comers to Orthodoxy the chance to understand everything necessary to help them become better Orthodox Christians. It replaces an older programme that ran successfully for almost five years, but which focused more on the theological principles of Orthodoxy. This catechism covers many of the same theological questions, but in a way that incorporates Orthodox practice and helps people become more immersed in the whole life of the Church.
Over twelve sessions we cover:
1. Living what we believe: What it means to be Orthodox
2. What do we believe? Trinity, Incarnation, and the Holy Spirit
3. Why do we believe? Man’s religious impulse and the fundamentals of Revelation
4. How do we believe? An alignment of life and worship
5. What is Baptism and why does it matter?
6. Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ: You are what you eat
7. Confession of sin: the great unburdening
8. Prayer: What it is and how to go about it
9. Reading: the Bible and the Fathers
10. Self-Sacrifice: For the Life of the Church; For the Life of the World
11. It’s Not About You! The Church as Family
12. Being a Good Orthodox Christian: What every parish priest wants you to know
For those who undertake the course as preparation for reception into the Church, a certificate will be issued that can be shown to a priest as proof of participation.
