We are hoping to run The Way, a course on the Orthodox Christian Faith, in Gauteng, possibly starting in September or October 2012.
The Way is a twelve-session course that aims to present the Orthodox Christian faith in an atmosphere of friendship, free exchange and trust. Each session consists of a meal together, a talk on a central aspect of Christian belief, free discussion in small groups, and a question and answer session, where participants can put questions to a panel.
The Way has been developed by the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge, England, under the oversight of Metropolitan Kallistos (Ware) of Diokleia. His Eminence Metropolitan Damaskinos, Archbishop of Johannesburg and Pretoria, has given his blessing for the course to be offered in Gauteng.
The Way has already been run in Cape Town, and if you would like to learn more you can read the blog of The Way in Cape Town.
Who is it for?
The course is for adults, aged 18 and over, and is for Orthodox Christians to increase their understanding of the Orthodox faith. It could also be useful for people who are preparing for baptism and christmation in the Orthodox Church, and for people from other Christian backgrounds and traditions who would like to learn more about the Orthodox Church and what Orthodox Christians believe.
It is intended for people who have completed high school, or have some high school education.
Time, place and other details
We are not sure exactly when the course will be offered, and this is a kind of advance notice to informpeople who might be interested, and ask for feedback from those who would like to take part.
Because of the nature of the course, it is important for people who sign up for it to commit themselves attend every session. If you do not think you will be able to attend at least 10 of the 12 sessions, it would be better not to sign up for it.
If you think you might be interested in taking part, please send e-mail with the subject “The Way” to Deacon Stephen Hayes, giving your name, e-mail address, phone number(s), snail mail address and parish (or, if not Orthodox, denomination) so that we can send you more information.
The thought so far has been to hold the course on Friday evenings, which will mean preparing a simple meal of fasting food (no meat, fish, eggs or dairy). Other times that have been suggested are Saturday afternoons or evenings, or on Sunday afternoon or evening. If you are interested in attending, please indicate which time would be best for you.
