Orthodox Christianity 101
The 2026/2027 Orthodoxy 101 class began on September 16, 2o26
The class meets on Wednesdays at 7 pm both in person and via Zoom.
Registration for the 2026/2027 class year is NOW OPEN!
The purpose of this class is to provide a broad overview of the Church’s faith and life, beginning with our worship. It’s intended for those who wish to explore Orthodoxy; for those who wish to become members of the Church here at St. Paul’s; and for those members of our parish family already Orthodox but interested in broadening and deepening their faith.
We will look at the Liturgy and the sacramental life: why do we worship the way we do? We’ll explore the Bible and look closely at the New Testament and who the Lord Jesus is. We’ll study the history of the Church, looking specifically at the question: where did all the many thousands of different denominations come from? We’ll discuss repentance, personal spiritual disciplines like prayer, almsgiving and fasting, stewardship, Christian moral values, dealing with our sins, the development of the virtues and living faithfully. And the most important question of all: what does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ in Orange County in 21st century America?
Please join us!
COURSE CONTENT
Click on Date to expand and contract each night’s content
September 2026
September 16, 2026
TOPIC
What on Earth is the Orthodox Church? And Basic Principles of Living in Preparation for Becoming an Orthodox Christian.
READINGS
Chapter 1 of Orthodoxy by Metropolitan John Zizioulas (PDF)
“A Rule of Prayer” (web link): https://orthodoxyoftheheart.com/2021/10/23/a-rule-of-prayer/
September 23, 2026
TOPIC
A Tour of St Paul’s: Art, History, Theology and Jesus
WATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEOS
September 30, 2026
TOPIC
Liturgy: Why Do We Worship the Way We Do?
WATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEOS
October 2026
October 7, 2026
TOPIC
Looking at the Divine Liturgy: A Commentary & Explanation – Part 1
Excerpted from Orthodox Christianity 101 Notebook
WATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEOS
October 14, 2026
TOPIC
Looking at the Divine Liturgy: A Commentary & Explanation – Part 2
oc101
Excerpted from Sacred Symbols that Speak (Volume 1)
Excerpted from The Orthodox Christianity 101 Handbook
WATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEOS
October 21, 2026
TOPIC
Looking at the Divine Liturgy: A Commentary & Explanation – Part 3
READ: Worshipper’s Guide to the Divine LiturgyWATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEOS
October 28, 2026
TOPIC
Saint Paul’s Feastday Great Vespers – No Class Tonight
November 2026
November 4, 2026
TOPIC
Looking at the Divine Liturgy: A Commentary & Explanation – Part 4
Finish Reading: Divine Liturgy with CommentaryWATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEOS
November 11, 2026
TOPIC
Preparing the Bread & Wine for Worship
November 18, 2026
TOPIC
Living A Sacramental Life: Baptism, Chrismation, Marriage, etc.
READINGS
READ: Pages 163-196
Pages 163-196: “What We Believe About the Sacraments”
from Introducing the Orthodox Church by Anthony Coniaris
From the Orthodox Christianity 101 Handbook
oc101
From the Orthodox Christianity 101 Handbook
From the Orthodox Christianity 101 Handbook
From the Orthodox Christianity 101 Handbook
WATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEOS
November 25, 2026
TOPIC
Come for Liturgy: Thanksgiving Eve Celebration of the Liturgy — No Class Tonight.
December 2026
December 2, 2026
TOPIC
What Are Icons & Why Do We Have Them in Our Churches?
READINGS
“What We Believe About Icons” from Introducing the Orthodox Church
Excerpted from the Orthodox Christianity (OC) 101 Handbook
WATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEOS
December 9, 2026
TOPIC
Living Icons, Being Holy: The Saints and their Witness to Jesus – Part 1
READINGS
READ: Pages 119-138
“What We Believe about the Saints and the Theotokos”
from Introducing the Orthodox Church by Anthony Coniaris
Everything Is Like an Ocean: On the Essential Role of the Saints
Everything Is Like an Ocean: On the Essential Role of [...]
The Way of the Saint
The Way of the Saints by Father Thomas Hopko [...]
December 16, 2026
TOPIC
The Liturgical Year: Seasons of Feasting and Fasting
READINGS
READ: Pages Pages 93-110
“What We Believe about the Church Year”
from Introducing the Orthodox Church by Anthony Coniaris
Read: Epiphany and the Blessing of Water
https://stpaulsirvine.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Eiphany-and-the-Blessing-of-the-Water.pdf
WATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEOS
December 23, 2026
TOPIC
NO CLASS TONIGHT. Attend Christmas Services!
READINGS
December 30, 2026
TOPIC
NO CLASS TONIGHT. Attend Services for New Years and Epiphany!
READINGS