In today’s modern age, it has become a habit to use the terms ‘person’ and ‘individual’ as though they were synonyms, often using them indifferently to express the same thing, however, these two terms have opposite meaning. What this session will explore is the difference between these two terms, and how the goal of our life is a mode of existence and a reflection of the inner life of the Trinity. A relationship and communion, not only with God, but also with our neighbour, that calls us to transcend our human nature as we to strive towards personhood through and in Jesus Christ.

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Christ is very clear about the connection of His Cross to our personal cross as an acceptance of the journey up the mountain of Transfiguration. Christian asceticism is not about one’s efforts to become a ‘better person’, but about the synergy of transformation of our humanity with Christ in the life of the Church. The holy fathers emphasise the labours necessary to achieve some measure of humility to learn from the meekness and humility of Christ. By striving to live in that spirit we become witnesses to the Truth – the Lord Jesus Christ. We should be ready to give an account of our faith or may even be called to serve the Word of God in one of the ministries of the Church.

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One of the greatest struggles facing Orthodox Christians today is in understanding how the Church and the World relate, and how we are meant to live as Orthodox Christians in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile to (especially traditional) Christianity. In this session, we will be looking at how the Church has related to the world both when society at large has been Christian, as well as in societies hostile to Christianity. We will especially seek to understand how science and faith can interrelate and complement each other. Finally, we will explore the ways in which we can be a “light on a hill,” sharing our Christian faith with others in both words and especially deeds.

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