The Three Phases to Joining
Inquiring [Courtship] Phase
Catechumen [Engagement] Phase
Catechumen [Engagement] Phase
An inquirer may be exploring other churches, spiritual traditions, or religions at the same time they are inquiring about the Orthodox Church. Their family may be in different stages of figuring out the spiritual journey. This is a time of exploration and inspection, for reading, introspection, attending classes, and asking questions.
Catechumen [Engagement] Phase
Catechumen [Engagement] Phase
Catechumen [Engagement] Phase
A person in this stage is enrolled through prayer into what is called the catechumenate (cat-uh-cue-men-it) and becomes a catechumen or, an official learner. When someone becomes a catechumen, they don’t have all the answers, yet they are declaring that they want no other love, no other saving relationship, than Christ and His Church, and
A person in this stage is enrolled through prayer into what is called the catechumenate (cat-uh-cue-men-it) and becomes a catechumen or, an official learner. When someone becomes a catechumen, they don’t have all the answers, yet they are declaring that they want no other love, no other saving relationship, than Christ and His Church, and that they believe it is best found in the Orthodox Christian Church.
A catechumen ceases participation in all other churches, religions, services, practices, rites, rituals, and spirituality - for the rest of their life - in order to make room for the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. A catechumen begins to live as if they are an Orthodox Christian through consistent participation in a life of prayer, and in the rhythms of the Christian life.
Reception [Marriage]
Catechumen [Engagement] Phase
Reception [Marriage]
This is when a catechumen who was once an inquirer is officially received into The Orthodox Church by way of the sacraments of baptism and chrismation [anointing with holy oil]. This is when the real work begins, the ongoing physical participation in God’s Body, His Church.