A Simple Catechism of the Orthodox Faith
- Who created us?
- God did.
- Who loves us more than anyone else loves us?
- God does.
- Who is God?
- God is the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
- Who is Jesus Christ?
- God the Son Who became man for our salvation
- What is the goal of the Christian life?
- Theosis or union with God
- What is theosis?
- Becoming holy, God-like
- How do we become holy?
- Through the Holy Mysteries and asceticism.
- What are Holy Mysteries?
- God’s transforming gifts of grace, the Sacraments
- What is grace?
- The uncreated divine energy and power of the Holy Spirit
- What are the first three Holy Mysteries?
- Baptism, Chrismation, and Holy Communion
- What do these accomplish?
- They give us the Holy Spirit, cleanse us from our sins, grant us eternal life, and they unite us with Christ.
- What must we do if we sin after Baptism?
- Repent and go to Confession.
- What is the greatest of the Holy Mysteries?
- Holy Communion
- What is asceticism?
- Spiritual exercise; obeying the commandments of Christ.
- What are the two greatest commandments of Christ?
- To love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
- Name four spiritual exercises.
- Prayer, fasting, almsgiving (acts of mercy), and spiritual reading
- Why do we go to Church?
- To worship God and to receive the Holy Mysteries.
- What is worship?
- Praising and thanking God for Who He is and all that He does for us.
- What attitude must we have as Christians?
- Humility, gratitude, and joy
- What happens when we die?
- Jesus Christ will judge us by His commandments, whether we really loved God and others, or not.
- Then what?
- Then those who love God will experience eternal peace and joy in God’s Kingdom, and those who do not love God will experience sorrow and misery.
