Form II Catechesis

Orthodox catechesis consists not only of the doctrinal teachings of the church, but also of the reading of the scripture, being edified and inspired by the lives of the saints, and engaging in praxis (patterned configurations of action, experience, and meaning.) To that end, we have divided catechesis into categories for Form II and above.

Scripture:

The members of our committee use various Charlotte Mason curricula, each of which has its own plans for reading scripture. As long as you are consistently reading the Bible with your students (generally focusing on the narrative portions in this form), and having them narrate them, they will benefit.

Here are a couple of quotes from the Fathers for your encouragement:

“By reading the Bible you are adding yeast to the dough of your soul and body, which gradually expands and fills the soul until it has thoroughly permeated it and makes it rise with the truth and righteousness of the Gospel.” + St. Justin Popovich, How to Read the Bible and Why

“In order to fulfill the commandments of Christ, you must know them! Read the Holy Gospel, penetrate its spirit and make it the rule of your life.” + St. Nikon of Optina

Doctrine:

Form II, Year 1: The Path to Confession, by Fr. Artemy Vladimirov 

This beautifully-illustrated book is full of gentle but sober counsel from Fr. Artemy. It is divided into 16 topics, so it can be read to your students every other week or you can divide each topic in half to read some of it each week of the school year.

Form II, Year 2: The Law of God for Children
Based on the classic catechetical work for adults, The Law of God, this book is meant to "introduce children to the foundations of the Orthodox faith in a simple and accessible format and to help them understand the most important truths of the Gospel: love for God and our neighbor, mercy, compassion, and hope." (from the inside cover description). It is divided into 25 short chapters, which leaves a few extra weeks of the school year for using our seasonal plans instead of regular catechesis reading.

Form II, Year 3: The Good Samaritan: A Children's Catechism, by Fr. Michael Shanbour
"This beautifully illustrated, hard cover book follows the patristic model of sin as illness, Christ as the Medicine and the Church as the Hospital for the healing of the soul." For planning purposes, you should know that it consists of an introduction and thirteen interrelated chapters that will complement your scripture readings as the book traces the story of salvation through history. You can either spread the chapters out over a school year, or move on to some of our devotional recommendations for Form III after finishing this book.

Lives of the Saints - Please see the Biographies page for a list of age-appropriate biographies of saints. (link will be added when page is ready)

Praxis - Please see the Praxis page for a list of practices for Orthodox Christians and some tips for choosing some to incorporate.