How to Join the Orthodox Church

The Orthodox Church asserts that it is the same Church founded by Christ Himself during His earthly ministry. Not only the clerical lineage of Bishops and Priests, but the Traditions of the Church and her manner of worship, can be traced back to the Apostles. Therefore, the act of uniting oneself with the Church should be done freely, soberly, and with great care.

There is no formal status within the Orthodox Church prior to the catechumenate (catechumens are students or learners). All are welcome to attend services as frequently or infrequently as they wish prior to being made a catechumen, though regular attendance is required if one desires to become a catechumen. Please join us, observe our customs, learn the rhythms of Orthodox worship, and fellowship with those attempting to dedicate their lives to Christ.

One may be registered as a catechumen after several months of regular attendance and at least one face-to-face meeting with our priest, Father Seraphim Crossman. Once prayers for the making of a catechumen are read over an individual, their responsibility is to faithfully attend as many services as possible, begin to live an Orthodox life (at the center of which are prayer, fasting, and acts of charity), regularly attend catechism class (available most Sundays following Divine Liturgy, except in summer and Great Lent), and continue to meet with Fr. Seraphim. The purpose of the catechumenate is to prepare to experience the fullness of the Orthodox life and faith.

Catechism class, while never able to replace the Divine Services, is critical to receiving the Faith once for all delivered to the Saints. Our Tradition is primarily an oral tradition—that is, passed down directly to the faithful by those who have been appointed for that ministry. It is strongly suggested that one not engage in self-learning via the internet, as many so-called “teachers” have not been appointed by the Church, and their offerings can often do more to confuse and mislead than pass down the true Tradition, at the center of which is Christ and His Gospel, as interpreted by the Church Fathers.

The prayers for the making of a catechumen are usually read before Divine Liturgy on a designated Sunday. The prayers invoke spiritual protection for the individual, and emphasize their personal commitment to preparation for Baptism and Chrismation.

Today, preparation for entry into the catechumenate should last 4-6 months; the catechumenate itself lasts about one year. Everyone has unique circumstances, however, and the process can be longer or shorter as needed. Fr. Seraphim will guide the process and timing for full reception into the Church.

Please join us in worship as much as possible. The worship of the Church is the most important thing in the world. Please be aware, however, that only baptised, chrismated Orthodox Christians are permitted to receive Communion, Confession and Absolution, and other sacraments.

Feel free to contact Fr. Seraphim directly at fr.seraphim.crossman@gmail.com.