Welcome to
Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church
in Hickory, NC
Catechism
Orthodox catechism (also called catechesis) is the systematic instruction in the core beliefs, teachings, worship, and way of life of the Eastern Orthodox Church. It covers topics like the Holy Trinity, the Incarnation of Christ, the sacraments, prayer, the saints, and how to live as an Orthodox Christian. The goal is to nurture faith, prepare people for baptism/chrismation (if converting), or deepen the understanding of lifelong Orthodox believers.
 
It is open to both Orthodox and non-Orthodox inquirers. Orthodox Christians often attend for spiritual growth or a refresher, while non-Orthodox (inquirers or those exploring the faith) learn about Orthodoxy in a welcoming environment without any pressure.Both the Saturday evening in-person session and the Sunday afternoon online session cover the same information. Choose between:
  • Saturday 5:00 pm after Vespers (in-person)

OR

  • Sunday 4:oo pm (online): Zoom

Contact Deacon Demetrius for more information: deacon@archangelgabrielhickory.org

Learning How to Pray the Kathisma Psalms

Try reading one Psalm a day. This is an easy way to pray. 20 Kathismas cover the whole Psalter. Most monastics continually read the 20 Kathismas throughout the year as part of their prayer rule. Lay people can follow the Kathismas too. See Fr Paul for more information.

Books and online resources

Recommended Orthodox books:

The Orthodox Church “New Edition” by Timothy Ware (Bishop Kallistos of Diokleia).

Saint Silouan the Athonite by Saint Sophrony (Sakharov).

Becoming Orthodox by Fr. Peter Gillquist

Coming Home by Fr. Peter Gillquist

Thirsting For God by Fr. Matthew Gallatin

Arise O God by Fr. Steven Damick

The Religion of the Apostles by Fr. Stephen De Young

The Northern Thebaid. By St Herman of Alaska Brotherhood

Orthodox Worship, by Benjamin Williams and Harold Anstall

At the Ringing of the Bells: The Paschal Martyrs of Optina. Anna Larson Books.

Face To Face Knowing God. By Fr Stephen Freeman.

Fr. Arseny 1893-1973. Priest, Prisoner, Spiritual Father. Tr. By Vera Bouteneff.

Fr Arseny: A Cloud of Witnesses. Tr. By Vera Bouteneff.

The Blessed Surgeon: The Life of Saint Luke. Archdeacon Vasily Marushchak.

Journey to Reality by Zachary Porcu.

Finding the Church Jesus Built by Ezra Ham.

Online Resources

Please find and follow WWW.OCA.ORG. It has a wealth of Orthodox knowledge and topics. It is your go-to site whether you are Orthodox or just seeking.

FREE—4-volume series entitled The Orthodox Faith by Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko. Volume 1-Doctrine & Scripture. Volume 2-Worship. Volume 3-Church History. Volume 4-Spirituality.

Fr Josiah Trenham and his Patristic Nectar.

Fr Paul Truebenbach.

Fr Andrew Stephen Damick

Trisagion Films for a mix of Orthodox teachings.

Learning Our Orthodox Faith

In heaven there is one and the same love in the hearts of all, but on earth some there are that greatly love the Lord, others who love him in small degree, while still others love him not at all. 323.
Saint Silouan the Athonite. By St. Sophrony (Sakharov). SVS Press, 2021.

The Orthodox Daily Services Cycle:

Evening Service: 9th Hour, Vespers & Compline. 

Morning Service: Nocturns, Matins & First Hour.

Midday Service: 3rd Hour, 6th Hour. Divine Liturgy

Good Prayers for your Prayer and Icon Corner

Prayer of St. Ephrem

O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility patience and love to Thy servant. Yea, O Lord and King! Grant me to see my own transgressions and not to judge my brother. For Blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages. Amen.

Trisagion

Come, let us worship God, our King! Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God! Come, let us worship and fall down before the very Christ, our King and our God! Come, let us worship and fall down before Him!

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. 

Glory to thee, our God, glory to thee. O heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of blessings, and Giver of life: come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One. 

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (thrice)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for thy Name’s sake. 

Lord, have mercy. (thrice) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.

It is Truly Meet (Axion Estin) Honored on 7/13. Written by Archangel Gabriel

It is truly meet to bless you, O Theotokos, ever blessed and most pure, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: without corruption you gave birth to God the Word: true Theotokos, we magnify you.

Prayer of Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow

O Lord, grant me to meet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely upon Your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal Your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to me throughout the day with peace of soul, and with firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events let me not forget that all are sent by You. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray, pray You Yourself in me. Amen.

The Jesus Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.

Copyright 2026. ARCHANGEL GABRIEL ORTHODOX CHURCH / 4164 Henry River Rd. / Hickory, NC 28602

Fr. Paul: priest@archangelgabrielhickory.org / 828-409-4669‬

Orthodox Church in America (www.oca.org)

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Family Vespers & Cookout 6/13
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Welcome 5 Newly Illumined in Christ
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Paddle, Pray & Picnic 7/18
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Fundraiser Coffee Hour 6/21
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Yard & Craft Sale

Donate or shop on our new, virtual AGOC yard and craft sale website—open year-round. https://bit.ly/AGOCyardsale. All proceeds benefit AGOC. 

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NEW Weekly Church Cleaning