Goldendale, Washington, June 24, 2026
Photo: orthodox-catechism.org
A newly published catechism examines how the ancient Fathers of the Church approached the work of catechesis and what their example offers to Orthodox Christians today.
Orthodox Christian Catechism in a Neo-Pagan World, written by John Coffman and published by the Institute for Research in Orthodox Christian Catechism (IROCC), is available for purchase at $19.00 through orthodox-catechism.org.
Originally submitted in 2021 as a Master of Theology thesis at the University of Balamand, the work is the result of four years of research into how the ancient Fathers approached catechism.
The book is presented by IROCC as the most comprehensive study of Orthodox catechism available in English and as the first broad examination of the ministry for Orthodox Christians in the English-speaking world. It covers the definitions and purposes of catechism, historical and Patristic approaches to the practice over two thousand years, findings from interviews with contemporary parish catechists, pastoral considerations for catechists and parishes, and the movements of divestiture and investiture through which the catechumen passes.
The work also addresses Orthodox theological language, specific components of catechetical instruction found among the Fathers, and relevant Scriptural and Patristic readings.
IROCC describes itself as a meta-catechetical platform intended to serve as a one-stop resource for catechists developing their own lessons.
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