Becoming Orthodox
If you are exploring Orthodox Christianity, you are welcome at St. Philip. You may be coming from another Christian tradition, returning to the faith after many years, or simply beginning to ask questions about God and the Christian life.
Wherever you are in your journey, there is no need to have everything figured out before you come. Come and see, worship with us, ask questions, and get to know the life of the Church.
For those who are considering becoming Orthodox, the journey normally unfolds in stages.
Inquirer
The journey begins with inquiry. An inquirer attends the Divine Liturgy and other services, speaks with the priest, asks questions, and begins learning about the Orthodox Christian faith and way of life.
This is a time of discovery and discernment. There is no prescribed timetable, and no commitment is required simply because you are visiting or learning.
Catechumen
When someone desires to continue the journey toward becoming Orthodox, he or she may be received as a catechumen. This is the first formal step toward entering the Church. At a time arranged with the priest, a prayer is offered for those preparing to enter the Church, after which they are formally recognized as catechumens.
The catechumenate is a time of learning, formation, prayer, worship, and growing in the life of Christ. Catechumens participate regularly in the Divine Liturgy and other services, attend catechism classes, learn the teachings and practices of the Orthodox Church, and begin to live the Orthodox Christian life within the parish community.
The catechumenate may last a year or longer, depending on the individual. At St. Philip, we want this time to be more than simply learning information. It is an opportunity to become familiar with the worship, prayer, practices, and life of the Church and to grow in preparation for receiving Christ in the Holy Mysteries.
Baptism and Chrismation
The normal way a person enters the Orthodox Church is through Holy Baptism, followed by Chrismation, the sacramental anointing through which the newly baptized receives the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In some circumstances, a person who has already been baptized in another Christian tradition in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, using a baptismal practice recognized by the Orthodox Church, may be received through Chrismation rather than Baptism. The priest meets with each person individually to determine the appropriate path.
For adults, Baptisms and Chrismations are traditionally celebrated especially during Great and Holy Saturday, in anticipation of the Feast of Pascha. Other appropriate occasions include feasts with a baptismal character, such as Christmas, Theophany, and Pentecost.
A Journey, Not a Test
Becoming Orthodox is not simply completing a class or passing an examination. It is a journey into the life of Christ and His Church.
We encourage those who are exploring Orthodoxy to take the time they need, participate in the life of the parish, and speak openly with the priest.
If you are wondering whether Orthodoxy might be your spiritual home, we invite you to come and see.