Becoming Orthodox

We warmly welcome all our visitors and are honored by your visit.

Are you learning about the Orthodox Church and are interested in being received in? If so, read on. And please don't hesitate to reach our priest (see our Contact page) to make a connection.

What is the overall process of being received in to the Church?

The first step is being an "inquirer" -- someone who is being introduced to the Church, its theology, and its practices. This is an informal state and just means you're learning, asking questions, and observing. As an inquirer you are also making connections to people in the parish and "soaking it all in". This is a period of discernment to decide if you want to pursue being an Orthodox Christian in earnest. This is also a good time to begin attending the "intro" course, Orthodoxy 101, and of course attend as many services as you are able. There are no formal requirements at this stage, just come and see.

The second step is being a "catechumen", which means "one who is learning the faith.” Here "learning" doesn't only mean head knowledge but our bodies and actions -- that is, "learning" to adapt to a life in Christ within the Orthodox Church. As the prayers say when entering the catechumenate, "Grant him (her) to walk in Your commandments, and to observe those things that are acceptable before You; for if a man does such he shall find life in them." (Source) It is the primary phase of preparation for Baptism and Chrismation.

The third step is being Baptized and Chrismated. Baptism is the act of dying with Christ and being raised to new life, and Chrismation is receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit when anointed with a special Holy Chrism (oil) -- who empowers us to live a Godly life. (Note: In some instances at our Bishop's discretion, if you have already been baptized in another Christian body, you will only be Christmated, which we consider to complete anything lacking in the Baptism you received).

This three-fold process is sometimes likened to marrying a spouse -- being an inquirer is like courting, the catechumenate is like being engaged, and baptism is like marriage. Each stage has a different level of closeness and commitment.

2. How do I become a catechumen?

To be enrolled as a catechumen, approach our priest and let him know of your interest and intention to be received into the Church. One is often enrolled as a catechumen after consistently attending services for a number of months and has shown commitment to continuing on the path towards Baptism. The actual process of becoming a catechumen involves a short prayer service in which you publicly and firmly pledge your intentions.

Once someone has become a catechumen, they are certainly considered a Christian and, in a partial way, already part of the Church, but not yet fully an Orthodox Christian (so, for instance, they would not receive the sacraments, but could receive an Orthodox funeral if they pass away). In the New Testament era this phase could be analogous to the "God Fearer" -- a gentile (e.g. a formerly pagan Roman or Greek) who attended synagogue services and heard from the Torah, and even aided the synagogue, but hadn't yet been circumcised and joined the full Judean way of life.

3. What do I do as a catechumen?

During this catechumen phase, if you haven't yet, you'd be expected to consistently attend various "Orthodoxy" catechesis courses offered (Orthodoxy 201 and 202) and begin contributing to the life of the parish (e.g. become a financial steward and help in some other physical way such as regularly helping with chores, singing in the choir, bringing food to potluck, etc). You would also be actively being formed to the Orthodox Christian life under the guidance of the priest, including both life-giving spiritual practices (fasting, almsgiving, prayer, etc) as well as dying to unGodly aspects of your life and embracing the Christian walk. This is important to do this under the guidance of a priest, so you ought to set up regular "check in" appointments with the priest to discuss any challenges and to receive counsel.

Your life as a catechumen will not just be with the priest, by any means -- make sure to connect with others, form friendships, and get to know the family you will "marry into". As part of this, if you haven't yet, try to discern who will be a good sponsor for you (more on that below). You'd also select a patron saint (more on that below, too).

This period of a catechumen can last a wide range of time depending on the individual's readiness -- this can range from just a few months to years or more. A common length is about one full calendar year, which gives a catechumen time to experience a full year of liturgical services and have time to really adapt and show their commitment.

The period of being a catechumen is ultimately of being a "learner" and not a "teacher". Catechumens (and those recently baptized, for that matter) ought to bear witness to “all the good that God is doing” in their lives, but for deeper or trickier questions to invite a more experienced lay person or priest into the conversation.

4. What is a sponsor, how do I choose one, and what do they do?

A sponsor, sometimes called a God-parent, will help mentor you in your preparation for baptism as well as afterwards. The priest is a great choice for asking questions and voicing concerns, but there is only one of him and sometimes it is helpful to have more people you are comfortable talking to. You need at least one sponsor, but you can have two (one of each gender). They can be of different families. The purpose of sponsors are to help mentor you in your preparation for baptism as well as afterwards. Typically they will be members of our own parish, and should be in good standing and they will become your closest spiritual family in the church.

Our priest can help give you advice and guidance on choosing a sponsor, and before you ask someone to be your sponsor, you should run them by our priest. Our priest will also seek their input on your readiness for baptism. Please pray for your sponsor as they have a large responsibility, just as they will pray for you throughout your life.

The sponsor will also help you prepare the objects necessary for your baptism/chrismation. It is up to you and them on who will get each and how you'll pay for it, but the minimal items needed include a candle (can be a simple candle or one decorated), a baptismal robe, and a cross necklace. If you have any questions or need recommendations, again, please check with our priest.

5. What should I know about choosing a patron saint?

A patron saint is an advocate or intercessor to God with whom you have a strong connection. Once you are baptized you will typically go by that saint's name. The norm is to choose a patron saint with your same given (legal) name (either first or middle), although it's not a requirement -- if there's another saint with whom you have a special connection, you may go with him/her instead. A patron saint is typically of your same gender but not necessarily.

Having a patron saint is indeed a biblical concept (see 1 Corinthians 15:29: "Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are they baptized for them?" -- that is, is helps capture a concept of patronage typical in the Roman culture of that time, as well as a confidence in the resurrection (that they, and you, will be raised).

Once someone is baptized into our church, they will celebrate their patron saint's namesday each year. If you don't know when this is, you can ask your sponsor or priest.

Before you are baptized, make sure to choose a patron saint and run it by our priest. If you haven't yet, start honoring your patron saint in your thoughts and actions, and ask him/her to pray for you.