Inquirers Class and Catechism

If you are interested in learning about the Orthodox Faith join our classes every Sunday, after Divine Liturgy, around noon.

Content and Intent: The program is made for people from various backgrounds, Christian or not, and is intended to familiarize you with the theology, traditions and daily life of Orthodox Christians. The program will not try to convert anyone, nor the attendance will guarantee admission in the Orthodox Church. The program is meant to give you enough information so you can make your own decisions, if you want to make any 🙂

Format: The lessons usually take about an hour-ish, but we might run over occasionally on some more challenging topics. Sunday will be our regular meeting day, but we might schedule make-up dates on some Wednesday nights after Services at around 7-8PM depending on the week.

Requirements: Besides actually coming to classes, in order to get yourselves acquainted with the practical aspects of the faith, I strongly suggest that you participate in as many Church services (including weekday services) as possible moving forward. Check our website http://stjohndfw.info for updates on the calendar. Worship is the most important aspect of our faith and it is important that you get familiar with it.

Materials: As far as materials we will we will be loosely using few books, see links below. I will have a limited quantity available at the church, but you can order your copy in advance at the following links. You can buy the books anywhere, really, if you find them cheaper. They are available on Kindle/Appstore as well

The Orthodox Faith, Worshipp and Life by Monk Gregorios
The Faith by Clarton Clark

The Truth of our Faith by Elder Cleopa
I also highly recommend to purchase your own copy of the Orthodox Study Bible (also available on kindle and appstore):The Orthodox Study Bible

Another good resource is the 4 volume set of the Explanation of the Gospel by St. Theophilact of Ochrid is extremely useful to understand the Bible from an Orthodox Perspective. (scroll  down to find the blue four set volume on the page that opens from the link below). Now more commentaries on Epistles are available, all very good and highly recommended. 

The Explanation of the New Testament by Theophilact of Ochrid (scroll down to New Testament Commentary)

Some interesting books about  discovering Orthodoxy:
Becoming Orthodox by Peter Guilquist
Surprised by Christ by James Bernstein

Another good book, more advanced is here:
The Mystical Theology of the Orthodox Church by Vladimir Lossky

Websites:

 
Confused yet? Don’t be it is going to be easier than it looks now! 

If you are interested please contact Fr. Vasile for details on the new semester or just show up to class!