Popular “Orthodox Handbook” series to be revised
The Department of Christian Education [DCE] of the Orthodox Church in America recently announced plans to revise the four “Elementary Handbooks on the Orthodox Church: The Orthodox Faith” published in the 1970s.
The popular four-book series was written by Father Thomas Hopko, illustrated by Father John Matusiak, reviewed and edited by Bishop [now Archbishop] Dmitri of Dallas and the South, and officially endorsed by the OCA Holy Synod of Bishops. Over the years the series has undergone numerous reprintings and has been translated, fully or in part, into 16 languages.
According to DCE representatives, the present plan is to revise and correct the volumes on Doctrine, Worship and Spirituality. The volume on Bible and Church History will be expanded into two separate books. A sixth book on Jesus Christ, which will explain how the Lord’s biblical titles are understood in Orthodox doctrine, celebrated in Orthodox liturgical worship, and applied to Orthodox spiritual life, will be added to the series.
The plan also calls for the inclusion of discussion questions to facilitate the series’ use in Church school classes and discussion groups and to package the books in a more “user friendly” format.
Suggestions for improving the series are welcome, and may be sent to Father Thomas at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).