Orthodox Learning Ladder

Texts of Our Faith

Pre-K

A. Say and respond with common Liturgy words: Amen, Alleluia, Lord have mercy

B. Sing “Lord, Have Mercy”

C. Recognize/sing the Paschal Troparion: “Christ is Risen…”

D. Prayer of Ioannicus

E. Additional

Kindergarten & 1st

A. Learn and pray The Lord’s Prayer

B. Sing “As Many as Have Been Baptized…”

C. Learn the Jesus Prayer

D. Prayer for Guardian Angel Intercession

E. Additional

2nd & 3rd

A. Learn the Trisagion Prayers (“Holy God…,” “Glory…,” “O Most Holy Trinity…”)

B. Sing and understand the Trisagion Hymn

C. Learn “O Heavenly King”

D. Prayer of Intercession of Patron Saint

E. Additional

4th to 6th

A. Pray and understand the Prayer of St. Ephraim

B. Sing and understand the Cherubic Hymn

C. Learn the Nicene Creed

D. Learn the Prayer Before Communion (“I believe, O Lord…”)

E. Explore the Troparia and Kontakia of major Feasts

F. Additional

7th & 8th

A. Study the Nicene Creed

B. Pray and study Psalm 50/51

C. Learn and interpret selected Lenten and Holy Week hymns

D. Study the Beatitudes as both Scripture and liturgical text

E. Explore the Anaphora of St. John Chrysostom

F. Compare the Troparia/Kontakia of major Feasts and the theology they teach

G. Additional

9th & 10th

A. Study the Divine Liturgy as a theological text (especially the Anaphora)

B. Study selected Psalms used throughout Orthodox worship

C. Read and interpret a Paschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom

D. Study the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete (selected portions)

E. Compare important prayers of preparation and thanksgiving for Communion

F. Additional

11th & 12th

A. Read selected writings of the Church Fathers

B. Pray and study the Morning Prayer of St. Sophrony

C. Read selected texts from the Philokalia / ascetical Fathers

D. Examine key texts from the Ecumenical Councils

E. Study and interpret an extended liturgical/theological text independently

F. Additional