Orthodox Christian Faith and Worship
George C. Papademetriou
ISBN 978-1-935244-31-8
With a Foreword by Ioanna Buttlar Clarke
From the Patriarchal Blessing of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: “Orthodox Christian Faith and Worship is not only a scholarly contribution but a spiritual legacy, bearing witness to the authenticity and vitality of Orthodox Christianity in our modern age.”
About the Book
The ministry of Orthodox Christian instruction and catechism is shared by lay people and priests to instruct the faithful. This book provides organized information about our faith, including its source, its doctrines, and its methods of worship, in support of this ministry.
About the author
Rev. Dr. George C. Papademetriou was Professor Emeritus of Theology and Director of the Library at Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, Massachusetts. He wrote and lectured extensively on comparative theology, Saint Gregory Palamas, and philosophy of religion. He also served the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America as a priest for over sixty years. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including Introduction to Saint Gregory Palamas.
About the Cover Icon
The front cover icon of the Pantokrator is by George Kordis. Photograph by Athena Sacco. Courtesy of St. Sophia/Ss. Faith Hope & Agape Greek Orthodox Church of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
Contents
I: The Orthodox Christian Faith
Source of the Faith
The Doctrine of God
Cosmology – the Creation of the World
The Coming of the God-Man Jesus Christ
The Meaning and Procession of the Holy Spirit
The Church – Meaning, Goal, and Attributes
The Holy Mysteries – Sacraments
Divine Grace and Redemption in Christ
The Future Life – Life after Death
Christian Ethics
II: Worship in the Orthodox Church
The Space and Manner of Worship
The History of Christian Worship
The House of Worship
Hagiography or Iconography
Holy Objects Used in Worship
The Divine Liturgy and Other Services of the Orthodox Church
Services of the Holy Sacraments
Special Services
III. Seasons of Worship: Feasts
Why Feasts?
Immovable Feasts of the Lord
Movable Feasts of the Lord
The Feasts of the Theotokos
Feasts of the Saints
