Acknowledgement
OrthodoxCatechism.org
(mirror
page)
“THE ORTHODOX CATECHISM”
Basic Teachings of the Orthodox Faith, by Metropolitan Archbishop Sotirios
(The Greek
Orthodox Metropolis of Toronto, Canada)
Foreword to Second
Printing
This
Orthodox Catechism is essentially a series of talks delivered on radio and
television in 1989, that is to say, before the fall of Communism. It was deemed
right to publish these lessons exactly as they were delivered, although two of
the examples given in them--one from Albania and another from Yugoslavia--are
no longer applicable. This second printing is being issued at the request of
many Christians.
Each
lesson concludes with a short prayer. Please do not only read these prayers,
but also live them, and send them up to Heaven with all of your soul's might,
for your own blessing and for the benefit of others.
Before
starting to study this book, let us cross ourselves and pray, "Christ, Who
is the true light, Who enlightens and sanctifies every human, open the eyes of
our minds, in order correctly to comprehend the lessons of this Catechism.
Touch our hearts with Your true light, so that we may receive not only Your
statutes, but also You Yourself as our Lord and our God. Come and abide with
us, sanctify us, and save us.
Foreword (1991)
In
terms of material goods, Canada is an earthly paradise. And it is not deficient
in the spiritual field. But things are difficult for Orthodox Christians. Their
numbers are small, only about two percent of the population of Canada. Their
Churches are few, and they are administered according to nationality. Religion
is not taught in the schools, only in the Churches and in religious education
classes. Television, radio, and the press are full of non-Orthodox ideas. It is
with difficulty that the clear water of Orthodoxy flows through into thirsty
souls. Together with its Communities our Diocese does whatever it can. To
assist our Communities, the Diocese offers our monthly newspaper,
"Orthodox Way"; radio programs; our weekly television program,
"Orthodox Voice"; and now the thirty-six catechetical lessons of the
Bishop in English and Greek, on audio tapes, video tapes and in this booklet
that you hold. It is for you and for every Christian. It is for every creature
of God. You will find in it all the basic truths of Orthodoxy, which every
Orthodox Christian should know and practise. Read it. Open your heart and
accept the life-giving water of our faith. Quench your thirst with it. Follow
Christ on earth and to eternity. God be with you.
Jesus
Christ the only Catechist