DISCOVER THE ANCIENT FAITH
An Invitation to the Orthodox Christian Church
Discover a Church that has withstood 2,000 years of changing politics, shifting trends, and cultural adaptation by continuing to practice and preach the unaltered Christianity of the early Church.
Here, you will find a two-thousand-year history of consistent theology, deeply reverential worship, and a path to salvation rooted in the fullness of living just as Christ taught and the Apostles witnessed. Learn how the early Church worshipped, what the Old and New Testaments reveal about ancient Christian life, and how that very same scriptural life is lived today.
Embrace the Christianity you have always known in your heart. Come and see.
Class Details & Registration
This class provides a broad, welcoming overview of the Orthodox Church’s faith and life. It is designed for:
Those wishing to explore and ask questions about Eastern Orthodoxy.
Inquirers seeking to become full members of Christ's Church here at St. Anna’s.
Cradle or practicing Orthodox Christians interested in broadening and deepening their faith.
When: September 2026 through March 2027. Classes meet on Sundays in the Small Hall, shortly after Coffee Hour fellowship.
Materials: We will use Know the Faith by Rev. Michael Shanbour, alongside specially prepared weekly handouts.
To Register: Contact Jessica Rentz, our parish catechist, jessica@saintanna.org, or Fr. Christopher Flesoras at frchris@saintanna.org, or call the Church Office at 916-772-9372.
COURSE SCHEDULE (2026-2027)
FALL 2026
September 20: Welcome!
Topic: Welcome to the Orthodox Church & Overview of Study
September 27: Lesson 1
Topic: A Walking Tour of our Holy Sanctuary
October 4: Lesson 2
Topic: What is the Church? (Handout)
Reading: Shanbour, Chapter 1: The Church
October 11: Lesson 3
Topic: Worship, Prayer, the Jesus Prayer, and the Prayer Rope (Handout)
Reading: Shanbour, Chapter 2: Grace
October 18: Lesson 4
Topic: The Aim of the Christian Life (Handout)
Reading: Shanbour, Chapter 3: Salvation
October 25: Lesson 5
Topic: The Rites of Christian Initiation (Handout)
Reading: Shanbour, Chapter 4: Justification by Faith
November 1: Lesson 6
Topic: What Orthodox Christians Believe (Handout)
Reading: Shanbour, Chapter 5: Tradition and Scripture
November 8: Lesson 7
Topic: Introduction to the Liturgical Day (Handout)
Reading: Shanbour, Chapter 6: The Eucharist and Liturgical Worship
November 15: Lesson 8
Topic: The Liturgical Day Continued: Great Vespers, Compline, and Orthros (Handout)
November 22: Lesson 9
Topic: The Liturgical Day Continued: The Divine Liturgy (Handout)
November 29: NO CLASS (Thanksgiving Weekend Break)
December 6: Lesson 10
Topic: The Ordained Ministries (Handout)
Reading: Shanbour, Chapter 7: Ordination and Priesthood
December 13: Lesson 11
Topic: The Mystery of Confession (Handout)
Reading: Shanbour, Chapter 8: Confession and Repentance
December 20 & 27: NO CLASS (Nativity Break)
WINTER & SPRING 2027
January 3: NO CLASS (Theophany Break)
January 10: Lesson 12
Topic: Holy Unction & Anointing (Handout)
January 17: Lesson 13
Topic: Revisiting the Holy Sanctuary
Reading: Shanbour, Chapter 9: Icons, Veneration, and Worship
January 24: Lesson 14
Topic: Canonization (Handout)
Reading: Shanbour, Chapter 10: Intercessions of the Saints
January 31: Lesson 15
Topic: Holy Relics (Handout)
February 7: Lesson 16
Topic: Most Holy Theotokos, Intercede for Us! (Handout)
Reading: Shanbour, Chapter 11: Veneration of the Virgin Mary
February 14: Lesson 17
Topic: Asceticism, Monasticism, & Chastity (Handout)
February 21: Lesson 18
Topic: The Sacrament of Marriage & Family Life (Handout)
February 28: Lesson 19
Topic: Orthodox Christian Missions (Handout)
March 7: Lesson 20
Topic: Orthodox Christian Stewardship (Handout)
Note: Special Prayer for our Catechumens following the Divine Liturgy
March 14: Lesson 21
Topic: Contemporary Moral Issues (Handout)
March 21: Lesson 22
Topic: Preparing to be Received into the Holy Orthodox Church (Handout)