IT IS, unfortunately, a general observation that a large portion of today's Orthodox Christians are not sufficiently informed on matters of faith, worship, and life. They have only a little knowledge about these topics, sometimes incorrect, and even contrary to what the Church of Christ teaches, based on the Holy Scripture and its long Tradition.

This observation is not our own. It is expressed or stated by official voices of its shepherds and ecclesiastical publications. Bishops declared before the Hierarchical Synod: "Sermons are being preached, both orally and in writing, but what is happening after all, why does our people remain untaught? What is to blame?" (magazine "Church" 2010, p. 405).

"Our people are untaught, and let us ask again whether this observation honors us, as well as who is responsible for the untaught condition of our people" ("Church" 2013, p. 171).

Without having the intention to replace, even minimally, our ecclesiastical shepherds in their prophetic work, nor to overlook the existence of very important and extensive books by significant authors who have dealt with the relevant topics (which we recommend for study), in this current Series of brief booklets we offer to the interested clergy – as a help in their work – and lay readers, a concise "bouquet" of texts, which are easily read, understandable, do not cost much (in a time of crisis), and aim to provide the necessary knowledge to every Orthodox Christian.