Introduction

Preliminary concepts

1. WHAT IS AN ORTHODOX CATECHISM?

The Orthodox catechism is an instruction in the Orthodox Christian faith, taught to every Christian for the pleasure of God and the salvation of the soul.

2. WHAT DOES THE WORD "CATECHISM" MEAN?

Catechism translated from Greek means catechesis, oral instruction. Since apostolic times, this word has traditionally denoted the original teaching on the Orthodox faith, which is necessary for every Christian (see Luke 1:4, Acts 18:25).

3. WHAT IS NEEDED TO PLEASE GOD AND SAVE THE SOUL?

For pleasing God and for the salvation of the soul, it is necessary: knowledge of the true God and correct faith in Him; life according to faith and good deeds corresponding to it.

4. WHY DO WE NEED FAITH IN THE BEGINNING?

Faith is needed because, as the word of God testifies,

"Without faith it is impossible to please God"

(Hebrews 11:6).

5. IN ADDITION TO FAITH, WHY DO WE NEED TO LIVE BY FAITH AND DO GOOD WORKS?

С верой должны быть нераздельны жизнь по вере и добрые дела потому, что, как свидетельствует слово Божие,

«вера без дел мертва»

(Иак. 2:20).

6. ЧТО МЫ НАЗЫВАЕМ ВЕРОЙ?

По объяснению апостола Павла:

«вера есть… осуществление ожидаемого и уверенность в невидимом»

(Евр. 11:1). То есть: уверенность в невидимом, как бы в видимом, и уверенность в желаемом и ожидаемом, как в настоящем.