A guided introduction to Orthodox Christianity
Discover the Orthodox faith, one thoughtful lesson at a time.
Explore Orthodox Christian belief, Scripture, worship, history, and spiritual life through clear lessons, reflection, and source-connected study.
For inquirers, catechumens, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Orthodox Christianity.
Belief. Worship. History. Life.
Four learning areas
The faith is explored across four connected areas, drawn from the four-volume series The Orthodox Faith by Thomas Hopko.
Belief and Scripture
Doctrine, the Holy Trinity, Scripture, and Holy Tradition.
ExploreWorship and Church Life
The Divine Liturgy, the sacraments, and the rhythm of the Church.
ExploreThe Church Through History
The story of the Church from the apostles to the present day.
ExploreLiving the Faith
Prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and love of neighbour.
ExploreFoundations of Orthodox Christianity
A sequential introductory course of twelve short lessons, written for adult beginners and inquirers.
All twelve lessons are available to read, each with a brief knowledge check and an ungraded reflection.
View Course OverviewLesson sequence
- 1Welcome: Belief, Worship, and Life Together
- 2How God Reveals Himself
- 3Scripture and Holy Tradition
- 4The Holy Trinity
- 5Jesus Christ and the Incarnation
- 6The Cross and Resurrection
- 7The Church and Its Life
- 8Baptism, Chrismation, and the Eucharist
- 9Understanding the Divine Liturgy
- 10The Church Through History
- 11Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
- 12The Beatitudes and Love of Neighbour
A thoughtful learning approach
Each lesson is written for adult beginners. Unfamiliar terms are defined when first introduced, and the distinctions between Orthodox teaching, a source author's explanation, historical interpretation, and local custom are kept clear.
Lessons are short, source-connected, and unhurried. You can read a lesson, take a brief knowledge check, pause for an ungraded reflection, and return whenever you are ready.
Rooted in Orthodoxy is written to complement Father Thomas Hopko's four-volume series The Orthodox Faith, not to replace it or speak for it. Lessons are keyed to the source volumes so you can read alongside the original work, and the app sends you back to the books, to the wider Orthodox tradition, and to a local parish for anything beyond an introduction.
Rooted in Orthodoxy is an invitation to thoughtful learning. It does not measure faith, qualify anyone for baptism or sacramental participation, or replace a parish, priest, or catechist.
Rooted in Orthodoxy is an independent educational resource drawing on identified Orthodox Christian sources. It is not an official programme of the Orthodox Church in America and does not replace parish-based instruction or pastoral guidance.