Foundations of Orthodox Christianity

Foundations of Orthodox Christianity in 2022

In 2020, The Good Shepherd presented its catechism program, Foundations of Orthodox Christianity. Like many Parish initiatives, it went online and was able to continue under our two lockdowns. We celebrated the fruits of this course with the baptism and chrismation of our newest members of the community.

Resuming in 2021, Foundations of Orthodox Christianity is presenting a new and expanded course based on Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev's book series Orthodox Christianity and the official catechism of the Archdiocese.

This course is suited for those who are seeking to become Orthodox, existing Orthodox who seek to reacquaint themselves with the Faith and people who simply wish to enquire and learn more.

The sessions will take place in person twice each month from February to November and will run for approximately 75 minutes. Sessions will be delivered in-person at the Religious Centre and simultaneously online via Zoom following the Sunday Liturgy.

To register your interest in participating in the course, send us an email to introduce yourself. We will respond with details about how to connect with our sessions.

Details

The Good Shepherd Orthodox Church, located in Clayton, Melbourne, is a living witness to the power of the Gospel and the fullness of the Christian Faith in modern, secular Australia.

We are a vibrant Australian Christian community under the direction of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand & the Philippines, which belongs to the jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East.

The Church of Antioch is the continuation of the Christian community founded in Antioch by the Apostles Peter (who served as its first bishop) and Paul. The Patriarchate of Antioch is the oldest of the ancient Patriarchates constituting the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ.

All services are in the English language and are streamed online via Facebook and YouTube. The Good Shepherd hosts regular online meetings for fellowship, prayer, patristic reading and children’s Sunday school.

Blog

From Doubt to Knowledge: St. Thomas and the Path of Faith

Sdn Tim Grace

April 19, 2026 10:00 AM

In this sermon for the Sunday of St. Thomas, Sub Dn. Timothy Grace explores the spiritual journey from crippling doubt to unshakable faith — and ultimately to the knowledge of God. Drawing on the Church Fathers, including St. Gregory the Great, St. John Chrysostom, and St. Cyril of Alexandria, he shows how doubt, surrendered to Christ, becomes the foundation for transforming faith. A message for all who struggle with uncertainty on the journey toward God.

The Wonder, the War Zone, and the Weariness: A Pascha Sermon

Fr. Geoff Harvey

April 13, 2026 10:00 AM

In this Pascha sermon, Fr. Geoff Harvey reflects on John 1:5 — “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” — through three themes: the wonder of the empty tomb, the spiritual war zone of human history, and the weariness that Christ meets with resurrection. A message of hope and transformation for all who carry the light of the risen Christ into their daily lives.

More...