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,
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