The Longer Catechism of the Orthodox, Catholic, Eastern Church

St. Philaret of Moscow

1. Chapter 1

Source: Rev. R. W. Blackmore, B.A., translation from *The Doctrine of the Russian Church* (Aberdeen, 1845). Reproduced in Philip Schaff, *The Creeds of Christendom, with a History and Critical Notes*, Vol. 2 (New York: Harper, 1919) — public domain (archive.org `TheCreedsOfChristendomV2`).

> Composed by St. Philaret of Moscow, examined and approved by the Most Holy Governing Synod of the Russian Church, published by order of His Imperial Majesty (Moscow, at the Synodical Press, 1839). The definitive 19th-century Russian Orthodox catechism, still one of the standard doctrinal references of the Orthodox Church.

CATHOLIC, EASTERN CHURCH.

EXAMINED AND APPROVED BY THE Most Hoty Governine Synop, AND PuBLIsHED FoR THE User or SCHOOLS, AND OF ALL OrTHopox CuRIs- TIANS, BY ΟΕΡΕΒ oF His Ιμρξκεῖαι, Masesty. (Moscow, at the Synod- ical Press, 1839.)

(The large Russian Catechism of Philaret, approved by the holy Synod (although omitted by Kimmel tu his Collection, and barely mentioned by Gass in his Greek Symbolics), is now the most authuritative doctrinal standard of the orthodox Greeco-Russian Church, and has practically superseded the older Catechism, or Orthodox Confession of Mogila. Originally composed in Slavono-Ruasian, it was by authority translated into several languages. We have before us a Russian edition (Muscow, 1969), a Greek edition (Χριστιανικὴ κατ' ὄκτασιν κατήχησις τὶς ὑρθοδόξου, KayoAcKi,¢ Kai ἀνατολικῖ ς ἐκκλησίας, Odessa, 1848), and a German edition (Auafihrlicher christlicher Katechismus der orthodox-katholischen orienta- lischen Kirche, St. Peteraburg, 1850).

The English translation here given was prepared by the Rev. R.W. Biaoxmone, B.A., formerly chap- lain to the Russia Company in Kronstadt, and published at Aberdeen, 1845, in the work The Doctrine of the Russian Church. On comparing it with the authorized Greek and German translations, we found it faithful and idiomatic. The numbering of Questions, and the difference in type of Questions and Answers, are ours. In all other editions we have seen, the Questions are not numbered. As this Catechism has never befure appeared in America, we thought it best to give it in full, although the Introduction and the First Part would be sufficient for this collection of doctrinal symbols. Comp. Vol. I. § 19, pp. 68-73.)

INTRODUCTION TO THE ORTHODOX CATECHISM PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTION.

1. What is an Orthodox Catechism?

An Orthodox Catechism is an instruction in the orthodox Christian faith, to be taught to every Christian, to enable him to please God and save his own soul.

2. What is the meaning of the word Catechism?

It is a Greek word, signifying instruction, or oral teaching, and has been used ever since the Apostles’ times to denote that primary zn- struction in the orthodox faith which is needful for every Christian. Luke i1.4; Acts xviii. 25.

3. What is necessary in order to please God and to save one’s own soul?

In the first place, a knowledge of the true God, and a right faith in