Ὅστις θέλει ὀπίσω μου ἐλθεῖν
Becoming Orthodox.
There is no rush. The Church has walked seekers home for two thousand years; she will walk with you too.
The path
Inquirer · catechumen · illumined
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Come and see
Attend the services. Read a little. Talk with the priest when you are ready. There is no commitment in coming.
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Become a catechumen
When you are ready, the priest receives you as a catechumen — one being taught. You begin to participate in catechesis, the Liturgy of the Word, and the prayer life of the parish in a deeper way.
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Be illumined
In time — months or years, however long it takes — you are received by baptism or chrismation. The Church now feeds you the very life of God in the Eucharist.
There is no curriculum to graduate from. There is the Liturgy, the saints, the Fathers, the parish — and your own heart, learning to pray.
What inquirers say
Most who walk this path say the same thing: it took longer than they expected, and was harder than they expected, and was the best decision they ever made. The Church does not rush. She will not rush you either.
Resources
- Speak with the priest. Most parishes have an inquirer's class or a catechumens' meeting.
- Read the early Fathers — Ignatius, Athanasius, Basil, Gregory the Theologian, John Chrysostom.
- Read the lives of the saints in the calendar.
Common questions
What inquirers ask
I was baptised in another Christian tradition. Am I baptised?
That is a pastoral question. The priest will walk through it with you.
Do I have to change my name?
You may take a saint's name at chrismation if you wish. Many do. It is not required.
What about my family?
Bring them with you when you can. Pray for them when you cannot.
How long does it take?
Long enough that it is not a casual decision. Often a year or two. Sometimes longer.
Where do I start?
Show up on Sunday. Speak with the priest after Liturgy.
A first prayer
Pray for me, a sinner.
Send your name; the priest will remember you at the altar. This is the oldest petition in the Church.
Come and see
Sunday is the best place to start
The Liturgy is the answer to half the questions you'll think to ask. Just be there.
Begin the conversation
Say hello.
Fill this out and the priest will personally follow up. Nothing is binding; there is no expectation. The first step is just hello.