ENTERING THE ORTHODOX CHURCH by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos

Author: Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos

Paperback 203 pages

Entering the Orthodox Church is an important contribution to the pastoral care of those entering the Orthodox Church.

After an introductory section on catechetical instruction in the Orthodox tradition, the first seven ‘Catechisms’ set out in the book draw upon the parable of the prodigal son. For each ‘lesson’ there is an outline, followed by a discussion of what the selected aspect of the parable – for instance the behaviour of the elder son – can teach us. The remaining nine Catechisms are based on the Creed, looking first at the Creed as a whole and then at the individual articles. Each Catechism is followed by questions and answers on all the points covered, to make sure everything has been understood.

After a chapter on the service in which the Sacrament of Baptism takes place, the book concludes with an essential reminder about the need for spiritual guidance for those recently baptised. This is a very valuable and practical handbook, and has proved extremely popular.

Fr John Romanides looks in depth at how Christians must pass through purification to reach illumination, at which stage prayer of the nous in the heart “is proof that somebody has become a temple of the Holy Spirit.” And someone who is glorified “no longer knows God in prophecies and knowledge and prayers, but knows Him directly.” Considering life after death, Fr John concludes by expounding the true nature of Paradise and Hell.

The account of dogmatic teaching given in this remarkable volume of Empirical Dogmatics is comprehensive and compelling, with many surprises. It will appeal not only to theologians but to everyone interested in what Orthodox Christians believe and why.