It's a little theology and a lot of history, and the combination makes for an insightful journey through Orthodox Christianity.

On Wednesday, the second of a three-part lecture called "Journeys to the Ancient Church" was presented by Hieromonk Mark, pastor of St. Ignatius Orthodox Christian Church in Twin Falls. The series, which involves a lecture, videos and a question-and-answer period, discusses the origins and traditions of the first-century Christian church.

The discussion Wednesday night was, "Which came first, the Bible or the church?"

"Obviously, the Bible is a product of the church," said Father Mark, as he explained about the origins and editing of the Old and New testaments.

The Septuagint - the ancient Greek translation of the Jewish scriptures - is the text the New Testament apostles quoted from in their day.

This was just one piece of information provided at the lecture. There were many more.

Before the lecture began, Father Mark told the Times-News that the first century church was involved with temple worship and synagogue rituals - distinct differences between Orthodox Christianity and Protestantism.

Though the church has evolved over the centuries, he said, its core is the same. The differences are of maturity.

"It's like a new baby and what that person becomes as an adult," he said. "Some might not recognize him as an adult, but it's the same person. They (the baby and adult) are identical in their core."

Only 14 people attended Wednesday, but Father Mark says he's not disappointed.

Neither are those who attended.

"It's a good first start," said Hilber Nelson, a member of the parish board that organized the series. The church plans to do more in the future, including developing a page on the church's Web site about the lecture topics.

"The church, the temple, remains invisible in a lot of ways," Nelson said of St. Ignatius. "Some people think it's Greek, some think it's Russian. ... This really helps to open the door and start a discussion."

About half of those who attended the lectures so far have been nonmembers, he said.

"It was interesting," said Milenko Kulasevic. "I learned a lot."

Kulasevic, 28, originally from Serbia, moved to Twin Falls about 13 years ago, but he's been a believing Orthodox Christian his whole life. He started attending St. Ignatius with his wife, Irma, about five years ago once he learned there was an Orthodox church in the area.

He looks forward to the next discussion, he said.

The final lecture, "What do icons, incense and chanting have to do with worshipping God?" will be held Nov. 18. The lecture is free and open to anyone, church member or not, who is interested in learning more about the church's history and rituals.

This is the first time the series has been held at the church, Father Mark said, but it likely will not be the last.

Andrew Weeks may be reached at 208-735-3233 or aweeks@magicvalley.com.