Oriental Orthodox Catechism
Learn about the Christian faith, from the Catechism of the Oriental Orthodox Church, that “the Lord shall be made One, and His name One.”
www.OOCatechism.com
Oriental Orthodox Catechism
§1.1 - Introduction
“We believe in One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church” (Nicene Creed).
§1.1.1 - What is the Church?
The Church is the divine institution which Christ Himself established, saying, “Upon this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of hades will not prevail against it.”¹ This institution has been preserved for nearly 2,000 years, being passed down to us by its holy hierarchs, “through the laying on of hands, of the priesthood,”² and by the grace and mercy of our God.
The Church is comprised of two groups, and is composed of two parts: clergy and laymen, heavenly and earthly,³ respectively.
The Church is one,⁴ outside of which there is no salvation,⁵ for there is “One Lord, one faith”⁶ and “one body”⁷; as it is written, “There is salvation in no one else.”⁸
§1.1.2 - A Prayer For This Lesson
Lord, help us to understand the mystery of Your Holy Church, and allow us to partake of this mystery. And we thank you, O God, for preserving this institution, according to Your grace and mercy toward us, Your people.
Teach us about your truths, and bless us, that, along with your bishops, priests, and deacons, we also may strive to serve your Church, in whatever manner You will, for the sake of the salvation of the world.
We pray these things, together with Your holy saints, in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit— One God. Amen.
References:
- Holy Bible, Mt. 16:18.
- Holy Bible, 1 Tim. 4:14.
- Augustine, Ench., Ch. 56.
- Article of the Nicene Creed.
- Cyprian, Ep. 72, P. 21.
- Holy Bible, Eph. 4:5.
- Holy Bible, Rom. 12:5.
- Holy Bible, Acts 4:12.
About
Learn about the Christian faith, from the Catechism of the Oriental Orthodox Church, that “the Lord shall be made One, and His name One.”
