Ministry Profile: Introduction to Orthodoxy as Outreach
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For
several years, the parish of St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church of
Greenwood, Colorado has offered an Introductory Class to Christianity
and Orthodox Theology. The course has been instrumental in bringing
people to the faith and in educating them about our church's rich
heritage and traditions. There is no doubt that the class has become
one of their primary vehicles for catechism and adult religious
education. The course is offered twice a year, once in the fall and
once in the spring, over a ten-week period and attendance is robust. It
is not unusual to have over thirty participants with over half of those
coming from outside the parish.
Many of the participants have heard very little about Orthodoxy and are just beginning to investigate our faith; others come to the class having read about the faith extensively. Those who were raised in the Orthodox faith are also encouraged to attend the class and many in the parish have done so. The class is also a requirement for our Church School Teachers, Advisors, etc.
This Introduction to Orthodoxy class has contributed to the religious education, and more importantly the spiritual formation of the parish in a significant way. The offering of such a class could be seen as a requirement for successful ministry in America.
To review the syllabus and listen to the class, visit:
stcatherinechurch.org/audio/classes/introduction/
The Department of Outreach & Evangelism is working with the clergy of St.
Catherine to provide the lectures, text & articles for implementation of the course
in other parishes.
