The Royal Path

“The process of becoming an Orthodox Christian can be compared very closely to the process of becoming a married person, for it involves the same basic movements of courtship, engagement, and marriage. When a person first becomes interested in the Orthodox Church, a series of initial interactions take place. Perhaps one visits for a Liturgy, researches Orthodoxy online, or engages in a conversation with a friend who is Orthodox. If these initial interactions are blessed, a more studied process of inquiry follows which can be compared to the process of courtship. One who launches into this dance with the Church is called by the Church an inquirer or a seeker.” – Fr. Josiah Trenham Ph.D, Starting Down the Royal Path: How to Become an Orthodox Christian

However, if Sunday morning is not ideal, we have the Divine Liturgy many times throughout the week, as well as other services where you can visit and experience the ancient faith.

After launching into the “dance” as an inquirer for at least a month and determining with their Priest that it is appropriate for them, one can then become a Catechumen and begin formal preparation for being received into the Orthodox Christian Church. Becoming a Catechumen is done simply, typically before a Divine Liturgy, when the Priest reads a prayer over the inquirer officially listing him/her in the “catechumenate.”

Each catechumen receives a packet with all of the requirements for the catechumenate, a couple of laminated icons, and other information.

What is a Catechumen?

In the ancient Church, the catechumenate, or time during which one is a catechumen, often lasted for as much as three years and included not only participation in the Divine Services but also catechesis, or formal instruction from a teacher, often the Bishop or appointed catechist. Catechumens are understood to be Christians upon beginning their catechumenate, and should they die before baptism, they are traditionally given an Orthodox funeral.

As the Church eventually became the majority religion of the lands in which it sojourned, the catechumenate as an institution gradually died out in many places, as most Christians were being baptized shortly after birth. As Orthodoxy has moved into the West and Far East and begun gaining converts to the faith, the catechumenate has been significantly rejuvenated.

Catechetical instruction in Orthodoxy in America does not typically last the three years but typically lasts from nine months to a year, depending on the practice of the Priest and his parish, the guidance of his Bishop, and the spiritual preparation and maturity of the catechumen.

The Orthodox Church has no formal catechism, a single body of work that details the specifics of its faith.

St Nina In Orlando Requirements

1. Catechumen Classes by Fr. Andrii Syrkin

   Catechumens are required to attend a series of classes prior to Baptism and Chrismation. Attendance at all classes is mandatory unless one receives a blessing to be absent from the Priest. Catechism classes typically begin in the Fall.

   At the current time, due to time constraints, the parish’s catechism classes can be found online.

2. Attendance at Divine Services

   Catechumens are expected to participate in the life of the Church to the best extent that they can. This means coming to Saturday evening and Sunday morning services, as well as attending during the week, when possible.

   In addition to this, it is very important for catechumens – and all Orthodox Christians – to attend major Feastdays throughout the year and Lenten Services during Great and Holy Lent before Pascha (Easter).

3. Regular Meetings with the Priest

   Catechumens are required to meet with the Priest every month and a half, at the very least. At these meetings, they will get a prayer rule (a set of prayers to be prayed morning and evening) and a fasting rule. These meetings are also the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns.