Inquirers Group - Catechesis

COME AND SEE

Ten Topical Sessions in Orthodox Catechesis

Saint Vasilios the Great Greek Orthodox Church • Peabody, Massachusetts

A welcoming introduction to the Orthodox Christian faith for inquirers, those preparing to become Orthodox, and Orthodox Christians who simply want to understand their faith better.

SESSION 1 — Who Is God? Understanding the Holy Trinity

• A simple introduction to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — One God in Three Persons.

• How God reveals Himself in Scripture and in the life of Jesus Christ.

SESSION 2 — What Is the Church?

• The Church is more than a building or organization: it is the Body of Christ and a community of faith.

• How Baptism, the Eucharist, worship, and our life together unite us to Christ and one another.

SESSION 3 — How Is the Orthodox Church Organized?

• A plain-language look at bishops, priests, parishes, the Metropolis, Archdiocese, and Ecumenical Patriarchate.

• Why Apostolic Succession matters and how the Orthodox Church understands continuity with the Apostles.

SESSION 4 — The Sacraments — Meeting Christ in the Life of the Church

• An introduction to Baptism, Chrismation, Holy Communion, Confession, Marriage, Holy Orders, and Holy Unction.

• What the Sacraments mean and how they bring God's grace into the important moments of our lives.

SESSION 5 — Saints, Icons, and the Orthodox Church Building

• Why Orthodox Christians honor the saints and the Theotokos, and the difference between worship and veneration.

• What icons mean and what the different areas, symbols, candles, incense, and sacred art of the church teach us.

SESSION 6 — Prayer and the Orthodox Spiritual Life

• Practical ways to develop a relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, worship, fasting, and Confession.

• An introduction to a personal prayer rule and the Jesus Prayer.

SESSION 7 — Preparing for Holy Communion

• How Orthodox Christians prepare spiritually and physically to approach the Holy Chalice.

• Prayer, fasting, forgiveness, Confession, and guidance from the priest or spiritual father.

SESSION 8 — How the Gifts Are Prepared for Holy Communion

• A simple explanation of the Proskomide — the preparation of the bread and wine before Divine Liturgy.

• Why names are offered for the living and departed and how the whole Church is remembered in prayer.

SESSION 9 — Feasts, Fasts, and the Orthodox Church Year

• A tour through the Church calendar, including Pascha, major feast days, fasting seasons, and weekly fast days.

• How the Church helps us make faith part of the rhythm of the entire year.

SESSION 10 — Living the Faith at Home

• Simple ways to make the home a 'little church' through icons, prayer, Scripture, Name Days, and family traditions.

• Understanding house blessings, prosforo, memorials, koliva, and other practices that connect everyday family life with the Church.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Each session is designed to be understandable, conversational, and welcoming. There is time for teaching, questions, discussion, and practical experience. No previous knowledge of Orthodoxy is required.

“Come and see.” — John 1:46

For those interested in learning more about the faith or about Orthodoxy

Please call Fr. Anthony for more information at 978-531-0777 or FrAnthony@stvasilios.org

More about…..

Have you ever wished you could attend an introductory class on the Orthodox Faith? Would you like to learn more about your faith? Are you interested in perhaps becoming Orthodox? You can find answers to these questions and more by attending the Inquirer’s Class. The class will provide the necessary instruction to the catechumen so that having become familiar with the basics of Orthodoxy, you may, if you so choose, continue as members of the Church, and grow to love your faith and make it who you are. To instill in you the desire to seek out God within the community of believers; to enable you to practice prayer and the Orthodox faith with total commitment, for the salvation of your soul and for the Glory of God.

This group will meet for ten weeks. To reserve your spot in this informative discussion group please call the Church Office at 978-531-0777 or e-mail Fr Anthony at FrAnthony@stvasilios.org

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