These are the ways our parish strives to root ourselves in the source & foundation of all existence.
Truth
Philosophia
Formal academic classes offered on topics in philosophy which unpack the concepts and language of antiquity in classical philosophers and the Church Fathers. The purpose is not only to better understand the Church Fathers, who either adopted or responded to these philosophies, but to shape the mind and heart toward seeing all of reality as a revelation of Wisdom: Jesus Christ. Some examples of types of courses offered include:
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Pathfinders of the Way (Ancient Philosophy)
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St Augustine’s Confessions
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God, Man, and Nature Through Plato’s Republic
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Patristic Theology (i.e. topics in Christology, Trinitarianism, and Ecclesiology, etc.)
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Patristic Philosophy (i.e. topics in metaphysics, ethics, psychology, etc.)
Climacus Club
The Climacus Club is a virtual book club (with occasional in-person meet-ups) that meets every other Tuesday from 7:30-8:45 pm via Zoom. The Club is for anyone interested in understanding their Orthodox Christian faith better, but who may not have the flexibility to meet in person every week. The books we read are carefully chosen to empower deeper understanding of the Orthodox faith for those at different stages of their journey. In the past we have read through books such as Colliander’s The Way of the Ascetics, Patitsas The Ethics of Beauty and St. Theophan the Reculuse's The Spiritual Life and How to be Attuned to It. We hope through our meetings to be able to grow in our ability to give an account of our faith and to be encouraged to better live it out.
Mystagogy
For the Newly Illumined
In the ancient church, after catechumens were baptized on Holy Saturday, they began a series of instruction called “mystagogy,” which means instruction in the mysteries. This instruction entailed furthering explaining the meaning of the sacraments and services. Following the spirit of this practice, the newly-illumined are given instruction in the Philokalia, an anthology of spiritual writings from the Church Fathers down the ages. St Nikodemos of Mount Athos, the main compiler of this text, provides a “syllabus” of readings which initiates the neophyte into the practices of the Jesus Prayer, of watching evil thoughts and guarding the heart, the practice of attentiveness in prayer, and the dangers of the passions and spiritual delusion.
Feasting on Scripture
A Bible Study Through the Church Calender
On certain intervals throughout the year, we host a Bible Study on Wednesday nights at 7:00pm following Vespers. The sessions correspond to particular festal cycles of the Church calendar and aims to read the Holy Scriptures in the context of divine worship.
Cycle 1: July - September (6 sessions)
Transfiguration
Dormition
Beheading of St John
Nativity of the Theotokos
Exaltation of the Cross
Cycle 2: November - December (5 sessions)
Synaxis of St Michael & All Angels
Entrance of the Theotokos
Conception of the Theotokos
Nativity of our Lord
Cycle 3: Lenten Season (6 sessions)
Cycle 4: Pascha to Pentecost (6 sessions)
Parables of Jesus
Ascension
Pentecost
Metanoia
For Catechumens & Inquirers
Metanoia Classes are primarily for inquirers and catechumens looking to enter the Orthodox Church. A year-long commitment, the “semesters” follow the major liturgical cycles of the Church of Nativity and Pascha. The Nativity Cycle aims to introduce inquirers to the major theological vision of Orthodoxy and attune them to the sacramental character of nature and community. The Paschal Cycle is more doctrinal in character, and unpacks the major tenets found in the Nicene Creed. Metanoia meets the second and fourth Saturday of the month at 4:30 pm before Vespers.
Education
Young Adults
Ages 18-35
Young adults meet twice a month for fellowship and formation. The first Friday of the month is always a discussion meeting, focusing on topics in ethics, apologetics, and theology. We meet in the parish hall and learn about the Orthodox Faith by engaging passages of the Church Fathers. On the third Thursday, we meet at a local restaurant for fellowship and socializing. Locations can be found on the Church Calendar. The Young Adult Group also has a dedicated GroupMe chat for socializing, coordinating, and receiving announcements.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship
Ages 18-25
OCF is the official campus ministry of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishiops in the United States.
Fr. Alexander Earl is currently the OCF affiliate for Furman University. They meet bi-weekly for prayer and discussion in one of the chapel classrooms. OCF is only open to Furman students.