Bible Study Classes

New Bible Study Courses

Produced by All Saints of North America Orthodox Library

Eastern American Diocese, ROCOR

These four popular study courses were presented by Priest Fr. John Moses, to parishioners at All Saints  of North America Orthodox Church and are now available for purchase.

Introduction to the Apocrypha

This nine week course introduces listeners to the books of the Holy Bible sometimes called “the Apocrypha”, but always part of the Bible of the historical Christian Church (i.e. the Orthodox Church).  In each of these classes, Fr. John discusses individually 15 of the apocrypha books.  In addition to their content, he presents historical aspects of these Sacred Texts, and gives listeners important thoughts about why these books of scripture remain relevant to Christians today.  Fr. John’s lecture notes and collected student notes are included with the audio recording (wma format) of each class to help guide listeners in their learning.  An annotated bibliography of relevant literature, created by the staff of All Saints of North America Orthodox Library, is also included.

World Religions: Islam

In this five week course students are provided with an historical outline and cultural context of Mohammed and the rise of Islam.  The theological beliefs and practices of Islam, including the “five pillars” of Islam are introduced.  The final class discusses the Orthodox Christian response to Islam and Muslims living in today’s world.  The course materials consist of four audio recorded class meetings on CD (wma format), Fr. John’s lecture notes and collected student notes, and an annotated bibliography highlighting important resources for further reading and research.  The first class is a showing of a film on Islam produced by PBS and is not included with the course.  Directions on how to obtain the film are given.

Introduction to the Jesus Prayer and Hesychism

The material for this four week course is based on the book by St. Ignatius Brianchaninov,  On the Prayer of Jesus.  The purpose of the class is to help Orthodox Christians begin to practice the Jesus prayer.  The course guides participants in understanding how the prayer opens the heart through repetitively calling on the name of Jesus. The course begins with a discussion of the power of the name of Christ and references many passages in the Old and New Testaments.  Instructions for beginners wishing to practice the Jesus prayer are given including how to prepare to pray, pitfalls to avoid, the nature of the pilgrimage, and material aids.  The dangers of delusions, difficulties that can arise, and controversies surrounding the prayer complete the study.  Students practice the prayer in each class.   The course includes Fr. John’s lecture notes, a CD record of each of the four classes and an annotated bibliography of important resources on this subject for further reading.

The Orthodox Way of Death and Dying

In this five part course, Fr. John offers students an understanding of the Orthodox Church’s teachings about the immortality of the soul, and Orthodox teachings on life and death.  F. John also talks about the modern funerary business, the attempt to hide grief in modern society, ethical issues related to death and modern science, and Orthodox pastoral care for both the dying and the departed.  The course includes 5 CDs (recorded in wma format), syllabus, class outlines, and student notes form these lectures held in the parish library at All Saints.  Also included are prayers and liturgical services for the dying and departed, a recipe for kolivo often used at All Saints of North America Church for memorial services, and a library reference guide that identifies books, articles and Internet resources for further study.

All Courses are packaged in three ring binders. 

These four courses are recorded and available on CD-ROM in wma format.

Introduction to the Apocrypha (9 classes)

World Religions: Islam (5 classes)

Introduction to the Jesus Prayer and Hesychism (4 classes)

The Orthodox Way of Death and Dying (5 classes)

Each course consists of the recording of the classes on CDs as presented by Fr. John Moses along with lecture notes and student notes, and an extensive bibliography.  These materials can be used to present the subjects to groups or they can be listened to by individuals for self-study. Order these classes today.

For more information about Bible study and religion classes contact Fr. John Moses