Christ the Savior-Holy Spirit Orthodox Church
Archpriest Steven C. Kostoff
4285 Ashland Ave, Cincinnati OH 45212 - (513) 351-0907

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Orthodox Church in America | Midwest Diocese
FALL ADULT EDUCATION CLASS 2009

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Updated November 6, 2009


Our Fall Adult Education Class will begin Monday evening, November 9, and last for the usual six sessions (to Dec. 14).  We will be reading the book Fellow Workers With God - Orthodox Thinking on Theosis, by Norman Russell.  Here is at least a tentative schedule of how we will cover the book:
 
Session I -      Introduction & Ch. 1
Session II -     Ch. 2 & 3
Session III -    Ch. 4
Session IV -   Ch. 5
Session V -    Ch. 6
Session VI -   Ch. 7 & Epilogue
 
It is not necessary - though strongly encouraged - to read the book in order to attend the classes.  I believe that the discussion can still prove to be fruitful for anyone who is present.  The theme of theosis is what "it is all about" in being an Orthodox Christian.  We will learn how that term embraces the deepest hopes that we have in the Gospel.

~ Fr. Steven


October 20, 2009
Dear Parish Faithful,

The book for our Fall Adult Education Class - Fellow Workers with God - Orthodox Thinking on Theosis, by Norman Russell - has arrived. I believe this particular book is going to be excellent. The Foreword to the book was written by Dr. Peter Bouteneff. And he writes the following:
 
A feature that will make this book stand out, and make its readers especially grateful, is the author's ability to communicate the full depth and range of his knowledge of the subject in a way that is accessible and understandable.  This should not be taken for granted, for as many authors (and their bemused readers) know, it is rare that a specialist cares enough to rethink his or her subject in non-specialist terms.  Russell has taken the time to translate his scholarly approach into clear writing for a lay audience, casting aside the mantle of prestige to address people where they actually are.
 
I cannot imagine a more reliable or a more approachable cross-section of this vital aspect of ancient and contemporary Orthodox thought.  It will no longer be possible to use "theosis" in a way that is facile, "over-spiritualized," or abstract.  We have now lost any excuse to do so.
 
A great endorsement from Dr. Bouteneff.    Personally, I can't wait to get started!  Be that as it may, I would be willing to wait an extra week to begin if that means more of you can make it to the opening session.  I say that because a "few" of those committed informed me that they probably could not make it to the first session on November 2.  So, perhaps we could wait one more week and begin on Monday, November 9.  Once again, let me know if that would work better for you.

~ Fr. Steven