Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
Studies in the Faith
Intended to be a survey course, “Studies in the Faith” will give the participant a foundational understanding of the Orthodox Christian Faith, its belief, worship, and practices. Check our Calendar of Events for when the next class will meet here at the Church.
This class is mandatory for those individuals who wish to become Orthodox Christians.
To those who are already Orthodox, this course will provide you with an enriched understanding of your faith.
And to our guests, we welcome you.
For those wishing to become Orthodox Christians, Baptism and/or Chrismation will be celebrated before the feast of Pascha.
For those thinking of becoming Orthodox Christians, please remember, regular Church attendance is mandatory (either in person or via our web stream) as worship is central in the life of the Orthodox Faith. In addition, connecting to the community is important as you will need to choose a Godparent for your Baptism and/or Chrismation. Godparents are usually chosen from within the parish you are attending.
As you participate in class, or read through the below information, if you have questions, you are welcome to email Fr. Dean at frdean@assumptionseattle.org or stop by the church. Please feel free to contact the parish office with any questions as well at (206) 323-8557. You are also welcome to call the parish office to schedule an appointment with Fr. Dean.
Internet Self-Study: In this age of modern technology, quite often the question is asked regarding self-study using Orthodox educational videos posted on the Internet. Although this is an option, it is not recommended. Fellowship and connection with others in the class is an important part of integrating yourself into our faith community. In addition, questions and dialogue in class is encouraged. A question offered in class often invites the participants to have discussions leading to a deeper understanding of Orthodoxy in a way not possible in a self-study environment. Educational videos posted on the Internet will be utilized as part of our class structure however it is important to note that all web-based data contained in the class will have been thoroughly vetted. Web addresses for these websites will be provided in class so the material may be reviewed at any time.
Syllabus
History of the Church (Part 1)
From 33 AD – 325 AD
- The Beginnings: The spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to the nations
- The Early Martyrs, The Administrative Structure of the Church, The Development
of the Administrative Structure of the Church, The Development of the Liturgical
Life of the Church.
History of the Church (Part 2)
Byzantium, 325 AD – 850 AD
- The Ecumenical Councils, The Nicene Creed, The Fathers of the Church
History of the Church (Part 3)
- The Church in Captivity, Moscow: The Third Rome, The Ancient Patriarchates Today
The Trinity, The Person of Jesus
- The Biblical foundation
- The Historical foundation
Holy Tradition and the Bible
Theosis and Salvation
- An Orthodox Perspective on Spiritual Growth
Life after Death
The Sacramental Life of the Church (Part 1)
- Prayer as an expression of Sacrament
- An Orthodox perspective on Sacrament
The Sacramental life of the Church (Part 2)
- A survey (from a Biblical and theological foundation) of the Sacraments
of Baptism, Chrismation and Confession
The Sacramental life of the Church (Part 3)
- A survey (from a Biblical and theological foundation) of the Sacraments
of Ordination, Marriage and Holy Unction
The Divine Liturgy (Part 1)
- The Liturgy of the Catechumens
- The Liturgy of the Eucharist
The Divine Liturgy (Part 2)
The Historical Development of the Liturgy
The Saints of the Church
The Interior of the Church
- Orthodox theology in Church architecture and structure
Iconography
- The Church Triumphant vs. The Church Militant
The Church Calendar (Part 1)
- The measurement of time in the Orthodox Church
- The daily and weekly calendars of the Church
- The twelve major feasts in the Orthodox Church
The Church Calendar (Part 2)
- The moveable calendar of the Church
- The fasting calendar of the Church
- The calculation of the day of Pascha (Easter in Orthodoxy)
- The New vs. the Old Calendar
The Church Calendar (Part 3)
- Holy Week and the Journey to Pascha (Easter)
Contemporary Moral Issues
- The Orthodox position on contemporary moral issues such as contraception,
abortion, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, homosexuality, capital
punishment, euthanasia, and more. A brief discussion on each.
Living an Orthodox Lifestyle (Part 1)
- Beginning to Pray
- On fasting, prayer and almsgiving
Living an Orthodox Lifestyle (Part 2)
- Living the Liturgical life of the Church
The Problem of Orthodox Fundamentalism
The Role of Monasticism in the Orthodox Church
The Eastern and Western Churches
- The differences between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Catholicism and
Protestantism
- The relationship of the Orthodox Church with the churches of the West
- The Orthodox Church and the World Council of Churches
We welcome all visitors who may wish to come and experience an Orthodox Christian Liturgy. For those who wish to become Orthodox Christians, it is important for you to regularly attend Church on Sundays while taking this class. The schedule of worship services is as follows: