Inquirer/Catechesis classes
Catechumen is the name given by the early Church to persons who are in preparation for being Baptized, Chrismated and united with Christ in his Church. After a time as “Inquirers” begins a period of worshipping, prayer, fasting, and instruction in the faith, in preparation for baptism in the Church. In contemporary practice, those who have been previously baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity are received into the Orthodox Church by Chrismation and are not rebaptized.
In the early Church, during times of persecution and up to the time of St. John Chrysostom, the period of catechism lasted three years. During this time catechumens attended the first portion of the divine services which included Scripture readings and a homily. Catechumens left the Church prior to reciting the Creed and offering prayers of preparation for Holy Communion. Even though some of the litanies still in use today call for catechumens to leave, they are now allowed to remain throughout the full Liturgy, only they do not partake in Holy Communion.
The transition from “inquirer” to “catechumen”, is a serious step in which persons come to the realization that they are no longer simply exploring the Orthodox faith, but have firmly decided they wish to be life-long committed Orthodox Christians and are ready to actively prepare for baptism and/or Chrismation, through worship, study and participation in fasts and activities of the Church.
Catechesis in America varies among Orthodox jurisdictions and local churches. but typically lasts about a year, depending on the practice of the local bishop and the level of spiritual maturity and readiness of the catechumen. Local parish priests typically oversee the catechesis of those preparing to be received into the Church and have discretion to accommodate differing circumstances. Regular attendance of Liturgy is a primary part of catechesis.
All interested persons are considered “inquirers” and are free to attend Liturgy and other worship services, experience the community, read suggested introductory books on Orthodoxy and participate in catechesis classes. Non Orthodox do not participate in the Sacramental life of Holy Eucharist, Confession, Holy Unction, Marriage, etc. Otheriwse, it is important to participate as fully as possible in everything else during the time of catechism in order to discern when you are ready and prepared to make a firm committment to the Orthodox faith. You will then schedule a meeting with the priest for a private discussion of your preparation and intensions.
Your priest may recommend additional books for you based on your background and needs in addition to those listed below. All are welcome to begin attending catechism classes to bring questions you have; to learn about Church etiquette and begin to discuss various topics. We meet in the Fellowship Hall on the first Saturday of each month from 9-11AM. Watch for ocassional changes in the Church calendar on the website.
Orthodoxy is a life-long journey and we are learning until the last moment of our lives – mostly through repentance, worship and life together. A new convert to Orthodoxy once said to St. Sophrony, “I am a convert to Orthodoxy!” The saint replied, “That’s wonderful. I have been converting to Orthodoxy all my life!”
Each one of us progresses at his or her own unique pace according to the Grace of God in community with all the rest. We are always beginners. There are a universe of topics and thousands of years of history to explore on the journey and infinite depths to the mystery of divine Grace illumining the heart. As the famous mathematician Blaise Paschal came to understand later in his life, ‘The heart has reasons reason does not know.”
Among the topics to be discussed are:
- The Church as the Body of Christ
- Salvation, Sanctity and Eternal Life
- Worship
- Holy Tradition
- Iconography
- Establishing a prayer corner and prayer rule
- Orthodox phronema and approach to Scripture
- Church History
- The 7 Ecumenical Councils
- The Holy Theotokos
- Prayer, watchfulness and ascetical struggle
- Sacraments
- Confession
- Marriage and Monastic Life
There are thousands of books on Orthodoxy. Depending on your background in Christian faith, your priest may recommend specific books for you to read.
Along with a copy of the Orthodox Bible, the following books are recommended for all catechumens to read in preparation for their baptism/chrismation in addition to those recommended specifically for you by your priest.
- The Mountain of Silence – Kyriacos C. Markides
- The Orthodox Way – Kallistos Ware
- The Orthodox Church – Kallistos Ware
- For the Life of the World – Fr. Alexander Schmemann
- Wounded By Love – St Porphyrios
- Thinking Orthodox – Prof. Eugenia Constantinou
In preparation for Chrismation:
- Arrange with the Priest to make a life confession as soon after your Chrismation as possible. [Arrange this a month ahead]
- Talk with your priest about finding a godparent/sponsor [The priest typically finds someone for you or if you already have someone in mind, get the priest’s blessing before asking them.] At the time of your Baptism/Crismation, your sponsor will provide a baptismal cross, a candle and an icon. Feel free to discuss with your sponsor any preferance you have for the type of cross you prefer.
- Prayefully consider what Christian saint’s name you will receive as your baptismal name recognizing your new life in Christ. This is the name you will speak when you approach for Holy Communion. The Priest’s blessing makes the final decision based on your request or his suggestion, so talk with him about this.
- If you have already been baptized in the name of hre Holy Trinity, provide a baptismal certificate from your former Christian communion.
- During the time of your confession, discuss with your priest a beginning prayer rule and any questions you may have about other areas of Orthodox life.
