Agenda

The Orthodox faith is here “to immerse the man in the spiritual reality, beauty and depth of the Kingdom of God and to change his mind and heart” ( Fr. Alexander Schmemann). Orthodoxy can be startlingly different. The blazing colors, the pungent smell of incense, different music, and people moving around. Join us and let’s explore this Ancient Faith.

Week 1 – Thursday, February 12 (Sunday of the Prodigal Son)

What is Orthodoxy? The Orthodox Church is the oldest Christian church. As critics have pointed out for centuries, the church has changed very little since the Apostolic times. The goal of Orthodoxy is “partaking of the ultimate and all-embracing today of Christ.” There is a spiritual foundation, a way of thinking that has survived everything that has happened to Christianity over the last two centuries. We will explore this unique mindset, or the phronema, of the Ancient Church.

Week 2 – Thursday, February 19 (Sunday of the Last Judgement)

In the second week, we explore the first centuries of Christianity from the perspective of the Christians who lived it: Christ, His Apostles, the disciples, and the persecutions of the church. What was it like to live through this? We will attempt to capture the essence, the fear, the excitement, the energy, and the Spirit that allowed the church not only to survive but to thrive in these uncertain times. This is better than a movie because you are there.

Week 3 – Thursday, February 26 (Forgiveness Sunday – Great Lent)

The third week focuses on the heretics, fathers, and faith. The church was challenged from within. These challenges impacted and shaped all of Christianity, but did not change the Ancient Faith. Remarkably, every question and assault on the Christian faith that challenges us even today was raised, discussed, and resolved in the first centuries of the first millennium. Come and let’s open the books and take a closer look.

Week 4 – Thursday, March 5 (Sunday of Orthodoxy)

In week four, we will look at the ancient tools the church has given us, beginning with the Nicene Creed, the very foundation of Christianity. The Bible, prayer, and the Divine Liturgy are core to the Orthodox faith that has remained unchanged since Pentecost, when the truth of the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and God’s church. You probably already know some of these tools, but you should see them through the eyes of the Orthodox church. It is a whole new perspective.

Week – 5 Thursday, March 12 (Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas)

When you have a message as powerful as the scriptures, you will find a way to share that message with anyone who will listen. The next tool, scripture, and its manifestation in images. Not everyone can read letters, but almost everyone can see images. Every picture tells a story, and the Orthodox church tells that story in images as well as print. Icons have a different language. They are “written,” not painted. We will show you how to “read” these stories.

Week – 6 Thursday, March 19 (Sunday of the Cross)

“Only in the light of the Resurrection does life receive meaning.” The other tool is preparation, getting ourselves ready for the Resurrection. For Orthodox Christians, Great Lent is a very special time of the year. During Lent, we return to the beginning, Genesis, and start the annual process of renewal. We fast, we pray, and we give alms. When the time comes, we are ready for the resurrection and new life. See what that journey is like.

celebrate with a free buffet – Thursday March 19

At the end of the series, we will celebrate with a free buffet of delicious fasting foods. Greek, Ukrainian, and Slavic specialties. You will be surprised at what delicacies you can make without meat, eggs, and milk.

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