UNFORTUNATELY, it is a common observation that a large portion of today’s Orthodox Christians are not sufficiently informed about matters of faith, worship, and life. They have little knowledge about these topics, sometimes not even correct information, and even contradictory to what is taught by the Church of Christ, based on the Holy Scripture and its long Tradition.

This observation is not our own. It is expressed or formulated by official channels of its shepherds and ecclesiastical publications. Bishops have stated before the Hierarchical Synod: “There are sermons, both oral and written, but what is happening after all, why does our people remain uninstructed? What is the reason?” (magazine “Church” 2010, p. 405).

“Our people are uninstructed and let us question again whether this observation honors us, as well as who is responsible for the lack of instruction of our people” (“Church” 2013, p. 171).

Without intending to replace, even in the slightest, our ecclesiastical shepherds in their prophetic work, nor to ignore the existence of very important and lengthy books by significant authors who have dealt with the related topics (which we recommend for study), in this current Series of brief volumes, we offer to the interested clergy –as assistance in their work– and lay readers, a concise “bouquet” of texts that are easily read, comprehensible, cost-effective (in a time of crisis), and aspire to provide the necessary knowledge to every Orthodox Christian.