The Faith Once Delivered: A Concise Introduction to Orthodox Theology is a clear, reverent, and accessible guide to the essential teachings of the Orthodox Christian faith. Written for inquirers, catechumens, clergy, seminarians, and faithful laypeople, this volume presents the doctrinal heart of Orthodoxy in a way that is both deeply rooted in Holy Tradition and understandable for modern readers.
Orthodox Christianity is not a recent invention, a private interpretation of Scripture, or a system of religious opinions. It is the apostolic faith handed down from Christ to His Apostles, preserved in the Holy Scriptures, confessed in the Ecumenical Councils, prayed in the Divine Liturgy, defended by the Fathers, and lived in the sacramental and ascetical life of the Church. This book introduces that faith with sobriety, clarity, and devotion.
Rather than treating theology as an abstract academic exercise, The Faith Once Delivered presents doctrine as the living confession of the Church. It explores the Orthodox understanding of God as Holy Trinity, the Incarnation of the eternal Son, the saving work of Christ, the role of the Theotokos, the nature of the Church, the Holy Mysteries, Scripture and Tradition, salvation, prayer, fasting, repentance, theosis, and the Christian hope of resurrection and eternal life.
Drawing upon the witness of Holy Scripture, the Nicene faith, the Church Fathers, and the liturgical life of Orthodoxy, this book offers readers a concise but substantial introduction to the Orthodox mind. It seeks to answer not only what the Orthodox Church teaches, but why these teachings matter for worship, holiness, and salvation.
This volume is especially useful for those coming from Protestant, Roman Catholic, Anglican, or non-denominational backgrounds who desire to understand Orthodoxy without caricature or confusion. It is also well suited for parish study groups, catechism classes, clergy formation, and personal theological reading.
In an age marked by religious novelty, doctrinal confusion, and spiritual restlessness, The Faith Once Delivered calls readers back to the ancient Christian confession: the faith once delivered unto the saints, unchanged in truth, inexhaustible in depth, and life-giving to all who receive it with humility.
This is not merely a book about Orthodox theology. It is an invitation to enter more deeply into the worship, doctrine, and life of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
Ideal for readers seeking:
A concise introduction to Orthodox Christianity
A catechetical resource for parish or personal study
A faithful explanation of Orthodox doctrine and practice
A bridge from Western Christian backgrounds into Orthodoxy
A traditional presentation of Christian theology rooted in Scripture, the Fathers, and the Church's worship
The Faith Once Delivered is a trustworthy companion for those beginning the journey into Orthodoxy and for Orthodox Christians who desire to understand more clearly the faith they confess, pray, and live.
