Learning
According to the Gospel of John, salvation consists of knowing the only true God (John 17:3). But this knowing is not what many in the modern world understand knowledge to be, limited to book learning and resulting from rationalistic argumentation. It is an intimate form of knowing, a relationship of love, faithfulness, and communion. It is sacramental.
Saint Elizabeth Church welcomes all who are drawn to the One True God known in holy Orthodoxy. Our parish consists of many converts to the faith, and we provide a welcoming atmosphere to those desiring to learn more about it. This can be done through the simple act of attending our liturgical services, for it is in divine worship that the fullest experience of God occurs.
For those who desire instruction about the faith, we have several interesting classes as well.
Orthodox Studies
Our Orthodox Studies class is designed for "inquirers," people from non-Orthodox, non-Christian, or even non-religious backgrounds who are interested in learning about our faith. This class—consisting of topical conversations lead by Father John—meets Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. after vespers. It is attended by many of our parishioners and sample presentations by Father John can be found on our Orthodox Studies page.
Catechesis
Our Catechesis class is designed for our catechumens—those who, after prayer and discernment, have resolved to become Orthodox Christians and require a wide exploration of the faith in its entirety. Our catechism class surveys the entire range of learning that prepares one for sacramental reception into the Church. It meets Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m., and also during the second half of the Sunday Divine Liturgy. Catechesis typically takes a brief break following Pascha in the spring.
Book Groups
Our parish also hosts two regular book study groups. They explore various books written by Orthodox authors and provide a great opportunity for discussion and fellowship. The men’s group meets at the church every other Saturday at 9:00 a.m., breakfast is provided. The women’s group meets the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m., childcare can be provided if you contact us in advance.
Online Resources
For those who would like to learn about the Orthodox faith online, we strongly recommend exploring the vast content of Ancient Faith Radio, which offers many podcasts, blogs, and special presentations designed for inquirers, such as the following:
Speaking the Truth in Love, compelling commentary on Christian belief and behavior—by Fr. Thomas Hopko
The Lord of Spirits, the seen and unseen world in Orthodox Christian tradition—by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen DeYoung
The Aesthetic Lives of Mothers, encouragement, inspiration, and help for moms raising kids through different ages and stages—by Annalisa Boyd
Person to Person, dedicated to exploring contemporary Orthodox spiritual issues in the context of everyday life—by Paul Karos and Dr. Harry Boosalis
Glory to God, thoughts and reflections on Orthodox theology and life—by Fr. Stephen Freeman
We Are Orthodoxy, stories of young adults—by Youth & Young Adult Ministries
Be the Bee, finding God in everything, everyday—by Youth & Young Adult Ministries
As Iron Sharpens Iron, recovering authentic manhood through Orthodox Christianity—by Fr. Michael Butler, Fr. Hans Jacobse and Paul Lloyd Robson
Give Me a Word, a collection of daily and weekly homilies from the seminarians, faculty, and honored guests of St. Vladimir’s Seminary
Through a Monk’s Eyes, looking at the world from the Celtic shores of Scotland—by Fr. Saraphim Aldea
Daily Orthodox Scriptures, a journey together reading through the bible in one year—by Fr. Alexis Kouri
Daily Orthodox Scriptures for Kids—by Fr. Alexis Kouri
Search the Scriptures Live—by Dr. Jeannie Constantinou
The Whole Counsel of God, verse by verse through the scriptures—by Fr. Stephen DeYoung
We also recommend Ancient Faith Radio’s streaming music channel, offering a 24/7 window into the riches of Orthodox liturgical music. And the Orthodox Arts Journal has a wealth of information for learning about Orthodox liturgical arts more broadly, including iconography.
Finally, the Orthodox Church in America has a wonderful question & answer page, and hosts online all four volumes of The Orthodox Faith by Father Thomas Hopko (of blessed memory), a classic and comprehensive overview of the Orthodox faith.