The Ages

 The Ages of Grace

Age of Patriarchs Explore the ancient world from Creation through Alexander the Great. The story of the world narrates the history of Israel, as we discover the first civilizations of Mesopotamia, unlock the mysteries of the Ancient Egyptians, and study the history and literature of Ancient Greece, from its mythological beginnings through its annexation by Rome.

Age of Apostles Explore the ancient world from the founding of Rome through the fall of the western empire. The story of the world narrates the history of the early Church, as we witness the development of the great empire of Rome and come to understand the culture into which the Apostolic Faith was born. Study the history and literature of Ancient Rome, from its mythological beginnings through its fall from glory, while becoming acquainted with the lives of the Apostles.

Age of Triumph Explore the Middle Ages from the fall of the western empire to the fall of Constantinople. The story of the world narrates the history of the Church as we witness the glory of Byzantium and the triumphs of Orthodoxy. From the ecumenical councils and the baptism of Russia, to the fight for Orthodoxy waged by great saints such as St. John of Damascus, St. Gregory Palamas and St. Mark of Ephesus, study the history and literature of the Dark and Middle Ages, while entering into the age of the triumphant Church.

Age of Captivity Explore the 16th and 17th centuries, the Renaissance and Reformation and the exploration of the New World. The story of the world narrates the history of the Church, as we witness the birth of new ideas in the West and behold the struggle of the Orthodox Church under the dominance of Turkish rule. Through an in-depth study of Renaissance artists, Protestant reformers, and New World explorers, wrestle with the ideas that changed the western world while witnessing the great asceticism that prepared the Orthodox Church for life in the modern world.

Age of Monasticism Explore the 16th through 18th centuries from the colonization of the New World through the Revolution and framing of a New Government. The story of the world narrates the history of the Church as we witness the birth of a New World and the renewal of Orthodox monasticism. From the Captain John Smith and General George Washington, to St. Paisius Velichkovsky and the Philokalia, come to understand the events that gave rise to the dawn of a new nation and the renaissance of grace in the Orthodox Church.

Age of Mission Explore the 19th century to modern times, from westward expansion and the Civil War to World War I and II. The story of the world narrates the history of the Church, as we witness the growth of a nation and the worldwide struggle for power. Discover the miracle of grace, God raising up saints as the Church suffers under the dominance of Communism. Follow the footsteps of the North American saints, those who planted the seed of Orthodoxy in America, the story of an age of grace still unfolding.