Outlined below are the basic steps to become an Orthodox Christian. However, everyone's journey will look a bit different. Each step assumes that the inquirer has been in regular contact with Fr Thomas and that he has given you a blessing to move through each stage.

1. Attend church services regularly and often 

When we call ourselves "Orthodox," we automatically define ourselves by our communal worship practices. Orthodoxy means the "right glorification" or "right worship" of God. Readings books, watching videos, having theological disucssions, and attending classes should ultimately lead one to stand before God in thanksgiving and worship for everything He has done and continues to do for us.

In order to move on to the next step, the catechumen must have faithfully attended the Divine Services of the church for a minimum of three months. To apply to the Catechumenate, you need to create a parish ChurchConnect account (under the Log-in tab above), and fill out the Application to the Catechumenate form. It may take up to 24 hours for your account to be approved.

2. Formally enroll into the Catechumenate Program

After a period of discernment, and with the blessing of Fr Thomas, the inquirer will be formally enrolled among the catechumens. This means that the inquirer has professed an intention to become a member of the Orthodox Church and is undergoing instruction in the essentials of the Orthodox Christian faith.

Both a spring and fall cohort will have opportunities for the same instruction. Catechumens must complete a minimum of eight class sessions on the fundamental doctrines and practices of the Orthodox Christian faith as partial fulfillment of the catechumenate. The church calendar publicizes the date and location of all classes. Please see your parish ChurchConnect account or our website for our events calendar.

Other aspects of catechumen preparation include formation in Orthodox prayer and fasting, participation in charitable service to others, and social integration into the parish community. More information about this appears on the Preparation for Catechumens form on your ChurchConnect account.

3. Reception into the Orthodox Church

After successful completion of the above requirements, a free and unconstrained intention to enter fully into the eucharistic communion of Orthodox Christianity, and with the blessing of Fr Thomas, a date will be set for formal reception into the Orthodox Church.

The manner of reception, according to the ancient Tradition of the Church, will depend on a number of factors and determined in consultation with Fr Thomas.