Foundations Course
The Foundations Course is required for all those who desire to enter into the sacramental life of the Holy Orthodox Church. The course’s aim is to instruct the spiritual seeker in the ways of living the beautiful and rich life of the ancient Christian faith that has been passed down to us throughout the centuries beginning with our Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
We meet on Saturdays at 3:30pm down in the parlor and for those who live far away, we have a zoom option.
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1.1 The Holy Virtue of Faith
Faith is the first virtue of the Christian Life. The entire Christian experience of the living God first begins with Faith. In this class we go over the foundational ideas of what the ancient and modern Holy Fathers have to say about Faith and what it actually is.
Faith is the first virtue of the Christian Life. The entire Christian experience of the living God first begins with Faith. In this class we go over the foundational ideas of what the ancient and modern Holy Fathers have to say about Faith and what it actually is.
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1.2 The Holy Virtue of Hope
In this class we now direct our attention to the virtue of hope, which sustains our faith and gives us courage to continue to pursue the acquisition of the love of God, even in the midst of trials, temptations, and sufferings in this present life.
In this class we now direct our attention to the virtue of hope, which sustains our faith and gives us courage to continue to pursue the acquisition of the love of God, even in the midst of trials, temptations, and sufferings in this present life.
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1.3 The Holy Virtue of Love
In this class we now direct our attention to the virtue of love, which is the height of the virtues. We dive into the difficult command that Christ gives us, and yet how beautiful it is to live in the sphere of divine love.
In this class we now direct our attention to the virtue of love, which is the height of the virtues. We dive into the difficult command that Christ gives us, and yet how beautiful it is to live in the sphere of divine love.
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What is Grace?
There are many interpretations and understandings of what the scriptures mean by the word “Grace.” Let’s dive in and see what the Orthodox understanding of grace is.
There are many interpretations and understandings of what the scriptures mean by the word “Grace.” Let’s dive in and see what the Orthodox understanding of grace is.
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1.5 The Heart and Our Thoughts
In this class we speak about the central place of the spiritual life being the heart. We speak about how to begin to purify the heart and the mind and how our thoughts are rooted - most fundamentally - in the heart.
In this class we speak about the central place of the spiritual life being the heart. We speak about how to begin to purify the heart and the mind and how our thoughts are rooted - most fundamentally - in the heart.
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1.6 On Holy Tradition
In this class we look at St. Nektarios’ wonderful definitions of Holy Tradition and we look at the early Father’s view of what Holy Tradition is. We look to define what Holy Tradition is and what it is not. We look to put Holy Scripture in its proper context.
In this class we look at St. Nektarios’ wonderful definitions of Holy Tradition and we look at the early Father’s view of what Holy Tradition is. We look to define what Holy Tradition is and what it is not. We look to put Holy Scripture in its proper context.
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1.7 On the Virtues and the Passions
In this class we look at St. Justin Popovich’s excellent definitions of the five main Virtues as well as his view on the Passions. We then look at St. Maximus’ keen perspective on thoughts and how to begin to overcome the passions.
In this class we look at St. Justin Popovich’s excellent definitions of the five main Virtues as well as his view on the Passions. We then look at St. Maximus’ keen perspective on thoughts and how to begin to overcome the passions.
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What is Catechism?
To enter into the dynamic life of the Holy Orthodox Church, one goes through a time of spiritual, ethical, and theological formation, which is called: catechism. It is a special time of preparation for Holy Illumination. Since the depth of the Orthodox Faith and her Mysteries are limitless, so too is the formation and transformation of our heart, mind, soul, and strength limitless. In the time of catechism, we look to co-operate with God to transform our spiritual life. Official catechism lasts anywhere from 9 months to one year +, and then we enter into the sacramental life of the Church. Afterwards, we become catechumens (in the sense of constantly searching transformation by the Holy Spirit) for the rest of our lives.
How do I become a Catechumen?
To become an official catechumen of the Church with the aim of entering into the sacramental life of Holy Orthodoxy, one has to have the desire to be united to Christ, as well as have a desire to turn away continually from a life devoted to the satisfaction of the ego, to the pleasures of the flesh, and to Satan.
What is Required of a Catechumen?
That one continually pursue holiness of life - little by little looking to change one’s everyday habits towards a God pleasing disposition,
That one continually cultivates a desire from the heart to be united with Christ.
That one attend all of the Saturday “Foundation” lectures for both the Fall and Spring sessions. (And listen to the recordings of the classes that one happens to miss).
To come to Saturday Vespers and Sunday Divine Liturgy as often as you can. To come to Feast Day Vigils and Liturgies as often as you can.
Continually read the Holy Gospels - even if just a little each day.
Read the required Catechumen readings and (if desired) listen to the additional education podcasts, videos, and books.
