The Spiritual and Educational Center of the Apostle and Evangelist Mark of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa, in collaboration with representatives of the Association of Orthodox Scientists, has published a teaching kit on the fundamentals of Orthodox doctrine titled “First Steps of Faith” on the fundamentals of Orthodox doctrine for Orthodox schools in the African Exarchate.
The kit includes a student workbook and a teacher’s guide, which contains suggested lesson plans as well as numerous activities for student participation.
Given that most Orthodox schools in the Exarchate lack the ability to use multimedia presentation equipment, the textbook is printed in A4 format with colorful design and features a large number of illustrations.
The manual includes topics devoted to the study of biblical history from the Old and New Testaments, the feasts and sacraments of the Orthodox Church, the fundamentals of Orthodox Christian morality, hagiography, and traditions of piety.
In total, the collection includes 64 unique stories that will help young Orthodox Christians in African countries gain a deeper understanding of their faith.
The target audience is students aged 9–12, though the materials may also be of interest to Orthodox youth who have not previously received such knowledge.
Orthodox schools in Malawi and Uganda have already received the teaching materials.
Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa
