Catechism

Catechism is an online program for anyone seeking a foundation in the Orthodox Christian faith. It is especially helpful for inquirers, catechumens, and parish members who want to understand the Church’s apostolic roots, worship, and teaching. No prior Orthodox faith knowledge is necessary.

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.
Proverbs 3:13

Course Format

No prior Orthodox faith knowledge is necessary.
Study online through recorded video lessons in the St. Paul Education Portal.
Enroll in the whole Catechism program to take its six classes in order, one class at a time. When you pass a class, the next class opens automatically unless an approval checkpoint is listed after it.
Each class has an 8-week completion period from enrollment. After classes 2 and 4, contact Fr. Matthias for approval before starting the next class.
Watch the required lessons and complete the quizzes and tests. Catechism requires a score of 100% to pass. Your enrollment page shows the current quiz attempts and time limits.
Classes you have already completed in another program count toward Catechism. Your completed classes are retained if you withdraw and enroll again.

What You Will Study

Explore the Orthodox understanding of salvation, Holy Tradition, the communion of saints, the origins of the Church, and the Divine Liturgy. Learn how Orthodox teaching relates to Roman Catholic and Protestant beliefs, and connect what you study with the prayer and sacramental life of the Church.

Course Curriculum

1. Where Did the Orthodox Church Come from? 201

Understand the Church’s beginnings after Pentecost.
Follow the growth of early Christian communities.
Recognize the development of church leadership and ministry.
Connect Orthodox life with its apostolic foundations.

2. Holy Tradition 201

Understand the meaning of Holy Tradition.
Recognize Scripture’s place within the Church.
Explore the contribution of the Church Fathers.
Distinguish the apostolic faith from local customs.

Approval checkpoint: After this class, contact Fr. Matthias Shehad before continuing.

3. Salvation in the Orthodox Understanding 201

Read teaching about salvation in the context of the whole Scripture.
Distinguish Christ’s saving work from the believer’s response.
Explain the place of baptism, chrismation, confession, and Communion in the spiritual life.
Connect repentance and perseverance with ongoing sanctification.

4. Intercession of the Saints 201

Understand what the Church means by intercession.
Distinguish intercession from Christ’s unique mediation.
Recognize the unity of the saints and living believers.
Explain the place of intercession in Orthodox prayer.

Approval checkpoint: After this class, contact Fr. Matthias Shehad before continuing.

5. Comparative Theology 201

Explain the Orthodox responses presented to the major doctrinal differences discussed.
Distinguish authority, received doctrine, interpretation, and changeable practice.
Connect salvation and sacramental participation with a lived response to grace.
Compare the specific denominational practices discussed while recognizing differences within Protestant traditions.

6. Liturgy Series 201

Follow the Raising of Incense and its meaning.
Understand the Offering of the Lamb.
Recognize the structure of the Liturgy of the Word.
Explore the Liturgy of the Faithful and its prayers.

Apostolic Faith

Build a clearer understanding of the faith handed down in the Church through Scripture, Holy Tradition, and the witness of the saints.

Worship and Christian Life

Understand the prayers of the Divine Liturgy and the place of repentance and the sacraments in our life in Christ.

Catechism Enrollment

Use the button below to sign in or create a St. Paul Education Portal account. You will be taken directly to Catechism, where you can enroll in the whole program and begin the first class. If you are already signed in, the button opens Catechism directly.

Enroll in Catechism