Orthodox Learning Ladder

Pre-K

A. Make the Sign of the Cross and light candles reverently

B. Venerate icons and the Cross

C. Recognize that church is a holy place

D. Join simple congregational responses: Amen, Lord have mercy

E. Experience worship with the senses: seeing, hearing, smelling, touching

F. Additional

Kindergarten & 1st

A. Recognize clergy: priest, deacon, bishop

B. Identify parts of the church: narthex, nave, solea, altar, iconostasis

C. Practice bows, prostrations, and other prayerful gestures

D. Recognize common liturgical colors and vestments

E. Identify things we see and hear in worship: candles, incense, Gospel, censer, bells

F. Additional

2nd & 3rd

A. Recognize sacred objects used in worship and their purposes

B. Understand the role of clergy, chanters/choir, servers, and congregation

C. Recognize major moments of the Divine Liturgy

D. Understand incense, candles, processions, entrances, and blessings

E. Participate confidently in common prayers and responses

F. Additional

4th to 6th

A. Follow the basic structure of the Divine Liturgy

B. Understand litanies and their responses

C. Understand Confession and preparation for it

D. Establish and practice a simple personal prayer rule

E. Additional

7th & 8th

A. Explore the Divine Liturgy as the work of the whole Church

B. Understand the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Faithful

C. Trace Scripture throughout the Divine Liturgy

D. Explore Vespers, Matins/Orthros, and other services

E. Understand how the Church sanctifies time through daily, weekly, and yearly worship

F. Additional

9th & 10th

A. Explore the cycles of worship: daily, weekly, and annual

B. Understand the liturgical rhythm of feasts and fasts

C. Explore the theology of the Sacraments/Holy Mysteries

D. Examine how architecture, icons, incense, music, movement, and vestments work together in worship

E. Explore how worship forms Orthodox Christian life outside the church

F. Additional

11th & 12th

A. Explore the biblical foundations and symbolism of Orthodox worship

B. Understand the Proskomide/Prothesis and preparation of the Gifts

C. Explore the meaning of the Anaphora and Eucharistic prayers

D. Read and interpret Orthodox hymnography and liturgical texts

E. Develop an intentional adult life of prayer, fasting, Confession, Communion, and participation in worship

F. Additional