What is the purpose of a catechism (teaching through questions and answers)?

First: to present an understanding of the faith, with the goal of knowing God and His work of salvation. St. Clement of Alexandria (second century) differentiated between the knowledge of the Gnostics, who believed that man can only be saved through his own rational knowledge; and the knowledge that is based on the sanctification of the mind through the divine grace of God, submitting to faithfully learn about God and build a relationship with Him, and asking for His grace in our lives. As St. Jude the apostle mentions “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) and St. Peter, “receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls” (1 Pet. 1:9). St. Paul also invites us to faith, saying “but without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). And “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). We therefore escape from the corruption that is in the world on account of lust (2 Pet. 1:4). St. Paul the apostle said, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12–13), so that we may enjoy the holy life by faith working through love (Gal. 5:6).

Second: the principles of catechism are not based on a set of rules that are memorized dryly or in discussions bereft of the spirit of love. St. John Chrysostom says that the fruit of an ounce of love is better than that a ton of discussion. I hope that the effect of this book will be to spread the spirit of love and to invite the spirit of joy and humility to work in the lives of all the faithful all over the world, from the little children to the elderly. As the son of Sirach says, a believer does not cease from his labor till the last breath of his life. “Stand fast in your covenant and become familiar with it and grow old in the work of your commandments” (Sir. 11:18).

2 Cf. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catechism

Third: I urge that the youth, especially those who live in the lands of immigration, revise this work in a way that suits all ages as they ask the Holy Spirit to work in them and in us.

Fourth: I hope that this work may facilitate the creation of Church Education programs that would benefit every individual in the Church.

Fifth: to present the richness of Church life and its potential in Jesus Christ, and the spirit of hope looking forward to the future under the guidance of the divine Holy Spirit; and to connect the process of learning to the spirit of fatherhood or brotherhood that everyone who encounters God the Lover of Mankind experiences.

Sixth: to enjoy the fiery Spirit that knows neither sluggishness or lethargy but lifts us from glory unto glory (2 Cor. 3:18), with constant renewal and growth in true knowledge.

Seventh: to spread the spirit of evangelism and to witness the work of the Holy Trinity in every believer, regardless of age or background, with a spirit of wisdom and discernment.

Eighth: to confirm that education, worship, evangelism, and service in all their forms represent different instruments harmonizing to create a symphony of love, which gladdens our God and makes the heavens rejoice, along with the heavenlies and the saints who departed from this world and are yet still members of the One Christian Church.

Ninth: to demonstrate that adherence to tradition (that which is delivered) does not imply stagnation and falling under the slavery of the letter; but the spirit.

Tenth: to bring the work of the Holy Trinity into contact with every aspect of our lives, so that we recognize the divine presence, even in our dreams, which are not subject to our will.