I. Origins: 1. Judaic Context 2. Christ the Person II. History: 1. Apostolic Age 2. Christian Hellenism III. Liturgy & Sacraments 1. Sacramental Iconography 2. The Divine Liturgy Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, Israel Click Down Arrow at Lower Right Corner to bring in next item.

Scriptural-Liturgical Context of Christ: Genesis, the Psalms, the Prophets & Wisdom Literature as received by Judaism are the context of Christianity 2. Jesus, Christ - entered this context - He is the “new wine” in every Context. EXAMPLES: Adam & the Fall: Christ, the new Adam Amarteia? He does not “miss the mark” (sin) Promise to the Fathers: Christ’s Kingdom Royal Messianism: He is the King-Prophet-Priest He is the Davidic Messiah I. Origins 1. The Essential Judaic Context:

Crucifixion & Resurrection: Axis Mundi in Time “End of Time” (Salvation History) Direction of Time Capacity of the Physical to be “Spirit-bearing” Restored Reflection & Understanding: i.e., the Paul & the 12 Apostles Councils of Nicea & Constantinople: the “Creed” TeachingTeaching MiraclesMiracles BaptismBaptism BirthBirth Written TextWritten Text Canon ListCanon List Beginning of 2 nd Century

II. Historical Sub-Contexts - #1. The Apostolic Age (33 AD...): Pentecost thru death of those taught by the Apostles... continuation of Apostolic teaching 33 AD - Crucifixion & Resurrection. Those Jews who accept Christ as the Resurrected Messiah are eventually ejected from the Temple Liturgy as the re-entry & “remembrance” of the acts of God, along with use of incense, vestments, etc., are continued by the ejected Christians. Vespers is an example of continuity / discontinuity of context & content. St. Peter (6th Cent. icon from Mt. Sinai Monastery)

His letters are earliest Christian Scriptures after the Septuagint. His letters contain more “theology” than any other part of the New Testament, with the exception of John “the theologian’s” Gospel & Revelation Why is it possible to “live in Christ ?” 1. because Christ is fully human, like us, but as we were meant to be The “intention of God & right intentions of mankind” come together in Him 2. because of how humans are created (for oneness with God), AND 3. because Christ is also fully God. Paul’s Mission to the Gentiles