Know Who You Are in Christ.
A faith-based educational program rooted in Orthodox Christian tradition — equipping those in recovery with spiritual identity, theological grounding, and the tools for a transformed life.
About the Program
Education as a Path to Restoration
I AM Academy meets people where they are. Whether you are exploring faith for the first time, wrestling with questions about God and suffering, or walking through the 12 Steps and seeking a deeper understanding of a Higher Power — this program is for you. Courses begin with open inquiry and build toward Orthodox Christian formation, patristic wisdom, and a life transformed by the grace of God.
The I AM Academy curriculum is currently in development. We are building something intentional — not rushed. Courses will be offered to residents of I AM Residential and I AM Home, as well as to community members seeking deeper formation. All coursework will be accessible through our student portal. If you are interested in being notified when enrollment opens, reach out through our contact page.
Curriculum
Seven Tracks of Formation
Each track builds on the last — from open inquiry and personal testimony through scripture, recovery, Orthodox formation, patristic wisdom, and lived experience in the life of the Church.
Questions of Faith
An open, honest exploration of the big questions — suffering, meaning, belief, and the existence of God. Designed for anyone, regardless of background or belief, who is willing to ask hard questions and seek real answers.
- —Why Does God Allow Suffering?
- —Is There a God? Exploring the Evidence
- —Comparing World Belief Systems
- —Christian Apologetics: Reason & Faith
- —A Brief History of the Church
Journey to Orthodoxy
Stories of people who encountered the Orthodox Christian faith and found in it the fullness, depth, and continuity of the ancient Church. These testimonies share the questions they carried, the beauty they discovered, and the grace that led them home.
- —Searching for the Ancient Faith
- —Discovering the Life of the Church
- —Finding Healing in Worship and Prayer
- —The Beauty of Holy Tradition
- —Coming Home to Orthodoxy
Recovery & the Higher Power
A course built around the 12 Steps of AA/NA — with special focus on Step 3 and what it means to turn your will and life over to the care of God. Explores who God is, how to understand Him, and how faith sustains lasting sobriety.
- —The 12 Steps: A Spiritual Framework
- —Step 3: Who Is This God?
- —Understanding God Through Scripture & Tradition
- —Prayer as Surrender, Not Performance
- —Faith, Relapse, and Starting Again
Bible Study
A structured study of the Old and New Testaments through an Orthodox Christian lens — reading Scripture within the life of the Church, understanding typology, prophecy, and the continuity of God's redemptive work.
- —Introduction to the Old Testament
- —The Psalms: Prayer of the Church
- —The Prophets & Their Fulfillment
- —The Gospels: Who Is Jesus?
- —The Epistles & the Early Church
Identity & Restoration
A deep dive into what it means to be made in the image and likeness of God — and how addiction, trauma, and sin distort that image. This track walks through repentance, healing, and the restoration of personhood in Orthodox Christian tradition.
- —Image & Likeness of God
- —The Nature of Sin & Addiction
- —Repentance as Healing
- —The Passions & Virtues
- —Theosis: Becoming Who You Are
Patristic Wisdom
A study of the Church Fathers — their writings on the spiritual life, the battle against the passions, and the path to union with God. Draws from the Philokalia, the Desert Fathers, and key patristic texts.
- —The Desert Fathers
- —The Philokalia
- —St. John Climacus: The Ladder
- —Hesychasm & Inner Prayer
- —Nepsis: Watchfulness of the Heart
Living the Faith
For those who are ready, this track moves beyond the classroom into lived Orthodox Christian experience — visiting a local parish, participating in liturgy, and meeting one-on-one with our chaplain for personal spiritual direction.
- —Parish Visit & Introduction to Liturgy
- —The Divine Liturgy: A Guided Experience
- —One-on-One Chaplain Sessions
- —Spiritual Direction & Personal Formation
- —Discernment: Next Steps in Faith
Get Involved
Help Build the Academy
I AM Academy is being built by a community of people who believe in this mission. If you are a theologian, pastor, counselor, educator, recovered addict, or someone with a story to tell — we want to hear from you. We are actively looking for volunteers and contributors to help develop curriculum, lead tracks, and share their journey.
Theology & Curriculum
Orthodox priests, deacons, theologians, or catechists who can develop or review course content.
Recovery & 12-Step
Sponsors, counselors, or long-term sober individuals willing to contribute to the recovery track.
Paths to Orthodoxy
Converts from any background willing to share their journey on video or in writing for the testimonial track.
Education & Instructional Design
Teachers, instructional designers, or e-learning professionals who can help structure and deliver the curriculum.
Spiritual Direction
Guided by Subdeacon Jason
I AM Academy courses are developed and led under the spiritual direction of Subdeacon Jason, our contracted chaplain. Each track is grounded in Orthodox Christian tradition and shaped by years of pastoral experience in recovery ministry.
Chaplain & Course DirectorStudent Access
Student Portal
When the Academy launches, students will access course materials, reading assignments, video lectures, and discussion boards through our dedicated portal. In the meantime, reach out to express interest or ask questions.
Enrollment
Be the First to Know
The I AM Academy is not yet open for enrollment. If you are interested in the program — as a student, a volunteer, or a supporter — we would love to hear from you. Reach out through our contact page and we will be in touch when courses are ready to launch.