How to Become Orthodox

Come and see: the way into the Church begins at a parish door and a conversation with its priest.

To become an Orthodox Christian, start by attending services at an Orthodox parish and talking with its priest. With his blessing you become a catechumen, learning the faith and taking part in the Church's life, in English-speaking parishes often for six months to a year. You are then received into the Church by Baptism, or by Chrismation if already baptised in the name of the Trinity.

The way in begins simply: go to an Orthodox parish, stand through the services, and stay afterwards to meet people. Above all, talk with the priest. He will answer your questions, and in time he will ask what is drawing you, and whether you wish to begin.

Those who ask to enter become catechumens. The word means one who is being taught. In the early Church the catechumenate could last three years; in English-speaking parishes today it often lasts six months to a year, as the bishop and the parish judge right. The catechumen learns the faith, prays, keeps the fasts and the feasts, and comes to the services, and is already counted as one who belongs to Christ.

At the end of the catechumenate the person is received into the Church. One who has never been baptised is received by Baptism and Chrismation. One already baptised in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit may be received by Chrismation, the anointing with holy chrism; practice differs between jurisdictions and is the bishop's to decide. With reception comes the first Holy Communion.

Questions about Becoming Orthodox

What is a catechumen?

One who is preparing to be received into the Orthodox Church: learning the faith, praying, and taking part in the services, under the guidance of a priest.

How long does it take to become Orthodox?

In English-speaking parishes, often six months to a year as a catechumen, as the bishop and the parish priest judge right. In the early Church it could take three years.

Will I be baptised or chrismated?

Someone never baptised is received by Baptism and Chrismation. Someone already baptised in the name of the Trinity may be received by Chrismation. Practice differs between jurisdictions, and the bishop decides.

Where do I start?

At an Orthodox parish near you: attend the services, and ask to speak with the priest.

More questions about the Orthodox Church, answered ›

“Philip saith unto him, Come and see.”

John 1:46 (King James Version, public domain)

In Orthros

Orthros carries the daily prayers, the calendar of feasts and fasts, and the catechesis behind each, free to read, for those learning the faith as well as those raised in it.