We thank you for expressing interest in learning more about the Orthodox Christian Faith. We welcome everyone, including our own members, to grow in knowledge of the Church teachings and traditions.
If you have decided to enter into the process of preparation to become a member of the Orthodox Christian Church, the following is an outline of the process—its guidelines and requirements.
Regular Church Attendance- Worship of God is at the center of Orthodox life and spirituality. Worship is not only an experience of learning but a way that God’s mystical grace comes to us, touches us and changes us. A catechumen is expected to attend Sunday Matins (?) and Divine Liturgy each week as well as special services throughout the year. Some examples of the other services are: Great Lent- Compline on Monday evenings, Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday evenings, Salutations on Fridays evenings; Holy Week- Bridegroom Services (Sun-Tue evenings), Holy Unction on Wed. evening, Holy Friday services and Pascha midnight services; Paraklesis Service- offered once a week and during August Fast; Great Feasts of the Holy Cross (Sept. 14th), Christmas (Dec. 25th), Theophany (Jan. 6th), Pentecost(date determined by Pascha) and Dormition of Theotokos (Aug. 15th).
Instructional Class Attendance- Orthodoxy means “right doctrine” or “true worship.” In other words, the Orthodox Church has specific teachings and traditions regarding the nature of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church; as well as what it means to be a follower of Christ and how to live as a Christian. A catechumen is expected to attend the Instructional Classes, known as “Intro to Orthodoxy” in our parish. These classes are offered in 6-week spans, 2 to 3 times per year and are required for catechumens before they can become Orthodox Christians. Preparation and active participation are expected of each person in the class.
Spiritual Guidance- In the Orthodox Church, one does not determine and follow their own spiritual path without the advice and guidance of A spiritual father. Personal accountability is essential to growth in Christ along with intellectual knowledge and church attendance. In a spirit of love, the spiritual father watches over the growth and progress of the spiritual child. The priest will help the catechumen in a spiritual self-examination to prepare for Holy Confession when they become members of the faith. The priest will also help deal with personal questions, issues, problems that arise before and after joining the Orthodox Faith. The catechumen is expected to participate in spiritual guidance and counseling with the priest of the community.
What is a Catechumen?
A catechumen is defined as “one receiving instruction in the basic doctrines of Christianity before admission to communicant membership in the Church.”
FAQs
What is Matins?
1
Matins in the Orthodox Church is a morning service of psalms, hymns, readings, and prayers that prepares the faithful for the Divine Liturgy and commemorates the Resurrection and/or the saints of the day. It combines communal chanting and scriptural reflection, often including the Gospel reading and the hours' hymns, fostering spiritual watchfulness and thanksgiving. The faithful are usually still and quiet during Matins.
Are there two services on sundays?
2
Matins precedes the Divine Liturgy and is not a separate service; it is the preparatory morning prayer that leads into and enriches the Eucharistic celebration.
How should I dress for Church?
3
When attending an Orthodox church, it’s best to wear modest, respectful clothing—men typically wear dress shirts or slacks and women wear dresses, skirts, or modest pants with shoulders covered. Avoid revealing, casual, or overly informal attire (shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops) out of respect for the sacred space and liturgy.
Are Children allowed in the service?
4
Children are welcome to participate fully in Orthodox services, learning the prayers, hymns, and rituals alongside their families. Unlike some places of worship that restrict or separate children, our tradition embraces their presence as part of the living parish community and their spiritual formation.