Readings for 9 May 2010

9 May 2010, we will begin working our way through the Nicene Creed. We will continue following Fr. Hopko's book on doctrine, the sections on The Nicene Creed, Faith, and One God the Father Almighty.

I would also like to point you to two of my favorite podcasts, both by Fr. Thomas Hopko, Speaking the Truth in Love and The Names of Jesus. These podcasts present great information to help explain the feasts, but they are also a great tool for learning our theology. Fr. Hopko brings together teachings for diverse Orthodox sources to show the same, single Orthodox teaching of the Church. Enjoy.

Also, next week we will celebrate our patronal feast. If you are not yet familiar with the life of St. Nicholas, you should consider at least reading this short life. We will sing his vigil Saturday night and divine liturgy and our parish feast Sunday morning.

For Next Week

For next we'll be reading the first section of Fr. Thomas Hopko's The Orthodox Faith, vol. i: doctrine, the section on Sources of Doctrine. If you don't have a copy, you can go here.

Today, we discussed basics of Orthodox practice that newcomers to the faith need to know immediately. These are things that are difficult to pick up on by yourself, and inquirers or catechumens should not hesitate to ask a clergyman or more experienced Orthodox Christian if any questions come up. We want you to feel comfortable in our worship, and we know that our worship can be both a little complicated and is completely new to most of you.

We also reviewed Fr. Thomas Hopko's 12 must-do's for those trying to learn Who God is.

We also looked at a list of good books for beginners. I'm including that here, with my notes for today's discussion.

Reading for 1 November 2009

On 1 November 2009, we'll discuss the church cycle of prayers: vespers, matins, hours, compline and nocturne.

Being that its also his feast, we might sneak in a discussion of St. John of Kronstadt, perhaps even some readings from his My Life in Christ.

reading for 4 October 2009

Here is the reading for next week. Next week, we will discuss Unction, Orders (Ordination) and Marriage. This is also in The Orthodox Faith, volume ii: worship, by Fr. Thomas Hopko, pp. 40-50.

Reading for 27 September 2009

Next week, we will be discussing the Eucharist and Confession in the Orthodox Church. Click here for those preparatory readings.

Also, my mom swears by this book about confession by Fr. Hopko, which helps you prepare for confession.

I like this book, which is more of an explanation of why we confess and a broad overview of how to prepare.

Fr. Andrew likes this one, which is a little more geared towards priests and how they hear confessions.

Reading for 20 September 2009

For 20 September 2009, we will be discussing Baptism and Chrismation in the Orthodox Church. Here is the reading from Fr. Hopko's book. You can also find it on pp 28-33 of The Orthodox Faith, volume ii: worship, by Fr. Thomas Hopko.

Reading for 13 September 2009

Please note that we will not have class on Labor Day Weekend, although we will have hours and typika.

When we return on 9/13/09, we will have, I hope a great discussion on icons, vestments and Christian symbols.

Also, go here for video of the relics of St. Alexander of Svir, who we talked about today.