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.