Table of Contents
Introduction: How to Learn About Orthodoxy xi
Part 1 Inside the Temple
1 "Enter His Gates" 3
The Narthex, Praying with Icons, Venerating Them, Making the Sign of the Cross
2 The House of God" 11
Church Architectural Styles, Wraparound iconography. Why No Pews?, The Saint of the Day
3 "So Great a Cloud" 21
Loving the Theotokos, The Prayers of the Saints
4 "Upon This Rock" 38
Quick History Lesson, Bast and West Divide, Filioque, Conciliarity
5 "A Sacrifice of Praise" 47
Baptism, Holy Water, The Perils of Service Books, Beauty in Worship, Music, Tradition
6 "Partakers of the Divine Nature" 68
Theosis, Saints, Skepticism, Miracles
7 "Christ and Him Crucified" 85
Icon of the Crucifixion, Models of Atonement, The Light of God, Lamentations for the Crucified Christ
8 "Image of the Invisible God" 98
Iconoclasm, The Iconostasis, Images of Christ, Images of the Theotokos, The Image Behind the Image
9 "Your Body Is a Temple" 112
Icons in the Apse, The Altar, Divine Energies, Relics
10 "Into the Sanctuary" 125
The Antimens, A Valid Euchanst, liturgical Implements, Various Crosses
Part 2 Inside the Liturgy
11 "Reconciling the World" 137
Immaculate Conception, Original Sin, Sin as Sickness, Salvation as Healing, Christ the Champion
12 "Not Counting Their Trespasses" 147
Lowe's Offering, The Meaning of Ransom, Pressing the Metaphor, Take the Earliest View
13 "The Lord Is King" 157
Tardy Worshipers, Confession, New Calendar, God's love, Repentance, Hymns for the Theotokos
14 "Lord, Have Mercy" 174
Mercy, Forgiveness, The Love and Compassion of God, The Nature of Sin
15 "Awake, Sleeper" 191
Satan, The Nous, Watchful Prayer. God's Presence in the Heart
16 "Time for the Lord to Act" 216
Kairos Time, Doctrinal Development, Chanting the Scriptures, Mercy
17 "Choose This Day" 229
Love and Forgiveness, Processing with the Gifts, Free Will, Synergy, The Power of Choice
18 "Where Two or Three Are Gathered" 250
The Kiss of Peace, Love and Communion, The Holy Gifts, Mysteries, Closing Prayers
Part 3 Inside the Community
19 "When You Fast" 271
Keeping the Fast, Expecting to Agree, Typical Moments from Coffee Hour
20 "Each Person Is Tempted" 283
Late-Night Phone Call, Battling Temptation, Desiring Holiness, Praying for Each Other
21 "Make Disciples…Baptizing Them" 288
Baptism and Chrismation, Exorcism, Saints' Names, Anointing Oil, Harrowing Hell
22 "A Great Mystery" 307
Marriage and Remarriage, Betrothal, Crowning, Marriage in Heaven?, The Best Wine
23 "Built His House upon a Rock" 319
House Blessing, Icon Corner, Spontaneous vs. Written Prayers, Meal Blessing
24 "Those Who Have Fallen Asleep" 330
Preparing the Body, Feast of the Dormition, Feast of the Transfiguration, Mercy Meal, The Funeral
Conclusion: "Go and Do Likewise" 343
Significant Feast Days 346
Notes 347
Recommended Reading 355
Index 358