Foreword to Second Printing

This Orthodox Catechism is essentially a series of talks delivered on radio and television in 1989, that is to say, before the fall of Communism. It was deemed right to publish these lessons exactly as they were delivered, although two of the examples given in them -- one from Albania and another from Yugoslavia -- are no longer applicable. This second printing is being issued at the request of many Christians.

Each lesson concludes with a short prayer. Please do not only read these prayers, but also live them, and send them up to Heaven with all of your soul's might, for your own blessing and for the benefit of others.

Before starting to study this book, let us cross ourselves and pray, "Christ, Who is the true light, Who enlightens and sanctifies every human, open the eyes of our minds, in order correctly to comprehend the lessons of this Catechism. Touch our hearts with Your true light, so that we may receive not only Your statutes, but also You Yourself as our Lord and our God. Come and abide with us, sanctify us, and save us.