HolyTransfigurationOrthodoxChurcH

Q. What is the Creed or Symbol of Faith?

A. A very brief statement of the Christian Faith.

Q. Who composed the Symbol of Faith?

A. The first Ecumenical Council composed the first seven articles and the beginning of the eighth, and the second Council completed the eighth and composed the other four articles.

Q. Is the mere committing of it to memory sufficient?

A. No, it needs to be appropriately explained for complete understanding.

In the fear of god and with faith and love draw near:

After the clergy have received communion and the curtain has been opened, the priest brings the chalice out to the people and chants this invitation. This call to communion expresses our spiritual orientation as we approach the great mystery of having a true personal relationship with God.

The brilliant future saint and bishop had numerous gifts in addition to his zeal and love of God. Besides being a scholar, linguist, scientist and writer, he also had many practical and technical skills. In Alaska he worked tirelessly on behalf of the people. He learned the Aleut and other native languages and created written alphabets for them, so he could translate the catechism, liturgical books and Bible for the natives and teach them to read. His famous book, The Indication of the Path to the Kingdom of Heaven has gone through countless editions in many languages, and is an Orthodox spiritual classic (from Firebird).

The following Psalms are especially appropriate for times of special need:

When Afraid: Ps. 27; Ps. 56
When Anxious: Ps. 46
When Disaster Threatens: Ps. 34; Ps. 91; Ps. 121
When Discouraged: Ps. 23; Ps. 37; Ps. 42; Ps. 55; Ps. 90
When Facing a Crisis: Ps. 34; Ps. 46; Ps. 118; Ps. 121
When Friends Fail: Ps. 27; Ps. 35
When Leaving Home: Ps. 27; Ps. 121
When Needing God's Protection: Ps. 27; Ps. 62; Ps. 91; Ps. 139
When Needing Inward Peace: Ps. 37; Ps. 85
When Needing Prayer: Ps. 4; Ps. 6; Ps. 20; Ps. 22; Ps. 25; Ps. 42; Ps. 51