Glory to God and welcome home brother!
First Steps into Orthodoxy
- Thread starter Teedub
- Start date
Glory to God and welcome home brother!
Congratulations
would be great to hear your experience of being a catechuman and the Chrismation
The catechumen process was fairly straightforward. Attend a local church (or one where you feel comfortable to use as a 'base' if you live abroad or move around) a few times and get to know the preist. Say that you're interested in becoming enrolled and he'll ask you some questions. You'll be assigned a catechist - this can be the preist himself but oftentimes they're too busy so it will be a longtime and highly dedictated Godly member of the congregation.
You'll likely have weekly sessions with them either in person or online in a course format. No exam at the end, it's more to give you a thorough understanding of what you're 'signing up for' as well as theological and some historical education in the faith. Again, no tests but if you're not committed and clearly engaged in the process then I imagine that the catechist would explain to the preist that you're in need of extra work or something - I honestly don't know. I did enquire as to whether some people drop out half way though and was told that it happens quite a lot, particularly among young men who jump in two feet first with buckets of enthusiasm and that it burns out quickly in some cases once they realize it's serious business that requires homework etc. Similarly, you're not expected to be perfect straight away. I'm still not super strict with the fasting - I was at first even with the every Wed/Fri ones but was told to ease into it otherwise you're at risk of overwhelming yourself and doing it as a mere duty as opposed to something voluntarily and spiritual.
I'm not sure how individualized the catechumen schedules/programs are, but I do know they do differ from person to person a little bit. I think if you're more intellectually inclined (which most people posting on forums like this tend to be) you may be given a more intensive one with more reading. This was implied when I talked to the catechist about his experience with previous catechumens he'd mentored (if that's the right word).
As for timeframes, I imagine like the above it's somewhat personal but minimum 6 months - max a year is what I would guess for most people who are able to commit to weekly lessons. All the above is my experience, and I imagine will be similar everywhere, but perhaps not identical.
As for the Chrismation itself, it was great. Low key in my case but obviously very spiritually rewarding and just a really nice experience overall. Don't worry about having to 'perform' or anything like that - the only thing you're required to do is read some passages that you'll have in front of you. The priest should guide you through the ceremony to make it as stress-free as possible as it's supposed to be about being welcomed into the church as opposed to being a perfect reader/speaker of passages.
Happy to answer any further questions
You'll likely have weekly sessions with them either in person or online in a course format. No exam at the end, it's more to give you a thorough understanding of what you're 'signing up for' as well as theological and some historical education in the faith. Again, no tests but if you're not committed and clearly engaged in the process then I imagine that the catechist would explain to the preist that you're in need of extra work or something - I honestly don't know. I did enquire as to whether some people drop out half way though and was told that it happens quite a lot, particularly among young men who jump in two feet first with buckets of enthusiasm and that it burns out quickly in some cases once they realize it's serious business that requires homework etc. Similarly, you're not expected to be perfect straight away. I'm still not super strict with the fasting - I was at first even with the every Wed/Fri ones but was told to ease into it otherwise you're at risk of overwhelming yourself and doing it as a mere duty as opposed to something voluntarily and spiritual.
I'm not sure how individualized the catechumen schedules/programs are, but I do know they do differ from person to person a little bit. I think if you're more intellectually inclined (which most people posting on forums like this tend to be) you may be given a more intensive one with more reading. This was implied when I talked to the catechist about his experience with previous catechumens he'd mentored (if that's the right word).
As for timeframes, I imagine like the above it's somewhat personal but minimum 6 months - max a year is what I would guess for most people who are able to commit to weekly lessons. All the above is my experience, and I imagine will be similar everywhere, but perhaps not identical.
As for the Chrismation itself, it was great. Low key in my case but obviously very spiritually rewarding and just a really nice experience overall. Don't worry about having to 'perform' or anything like that - the only thing you're required to do is read some passages that you'll have in front of you. The priest should guide you through the ceremony to make it as stress-free as possible as it's supposed to be about being welcomed into the church as opposed to being a perfect reader/speaker of passages.
Happy to answer any further questions
In your personal life did you experience or notice any persecutions, did you perhaps go through some testings?The catechumen process was fairly straightforward. Attend a local church (or one where you feel comfortable to use as a 'base' if you live abroad or move around) a few times and get to know the preist. Say that you're interested in becoming enrolled and he'll ask you some questions. You'll be assigned a catechist - this can be the preist himself but oftentimes they're too busy so it will be a longtime and highly dedictated Godly member of the congregation.
You'll likely have weekly sessions with them either in person or online in a course format. No exam at the end, it's more to give you a thorough understanding of what you're 'signing up for' as well as theological and some historical education in the faith. Again, no tests but if you're not committed and clearly engaged in the process then I imagine that the catechist would explain to the preist that you're in need of extra work or something - I honestly don't know. I did enquire as to whether some people drop out half way though and was told that it happens quite a lot, particularly among young men who jump in two feet first with buckets of enthusiasm and that it burns out quickly in some cases once they realize it's serious business that requires homework etc. Similarly, you're not expected to be perfect straight away. I'm still not super strict with the fasting - I was at first even with the every Wed/Fri ones but was told to ease into it otherwise you're at risk of overwhelming yourself and doing it as a mere duty as opposed to something voluntarily and spiritual.
I'm not sure how individualized the catechumen schedules/programs are, but I do know they do differ from person to person a little bit. I think if you're more intellectually inclined (which most people posting on forums like this tend to be) you may be given a more intensive one with more reading. This was implied when I talked to the catechist about his experience with previous catechumens he'd mentored (if that's the right word).
As for timeframes, I imagine like the above it's somewhat personal but minimum 6 months - max a year is what I would guess for most people who are able to commit to weekly lessons. All the above is my experience, and I imagine will be similar everywhere, but perhaps not identical.
As for the Chrismation itself, it was great. Low key in my case but obviously very spiritually rewarding and just a really nice experience overall. Don't worry about having to 'perform' or anything like that - the only thing you're required to do is read some passages that you'll have in front of you. The priest should guide you through the ceremony to make it as stress-free as possible as it's supposed to be about being welcomed into the church as opposed to being a perfect reader/speaker of passages.
Happy to answer any further questions
The primary problem I've had over the past few years is pornography but I'm about 100 days into a 'reboot' and I've had lots of benefits (including in my relationship). And as I said I struggle with the fasting at times. But aside from that, I've not experienced anything else. Is that the kind of thing you were referring to?
Thats great, the fasting can be difficult in the beginning but I can tell you from personal experience Iv been doing it for 2 years now and I dont find it that difficult anymore you will start to develop fasting fitness your body will become accustomed to it, the fasting is important you will notice that it helps control your flesh a bit more combined with prayers, I still make mistakes and sins but it becomes gradually less and less frequent as time goes by, not sure if you have gone through a great lent yet?
I also want to mention that I didnt get into all the fastings all at one, I first only did the big calendar fasts the nativity of Christmas and resurrection during easter (great lent) then wednesdays and fridays I started first with abstaining from wine (not the oil and meat yet) then after a year I went into the full calendar fast when great lent ended and Iv been following the full calendar fast plus wednesday, friday and sunday until after litury (if I go to church on that sunday).
Every person is different has different strengths and weaknesses and maybe your priest will advise you, its not a cookie cutter advice for everyone. What could also help you on the days you struggling as your body adjusts is a peanut butter without oil in it, dates, chia seeds, smoothies, honey, these foods have high energy and also some protein so you will still be keeping the fast.
I wish you the best in your journey
What is the difference between the Greek, Russian, Serbian, Antiochan, etc. Orthodox churches? I am considering visiting one, but had no idea there were so many Orthodox churches nearby, and that there were different types.
Iakobos
Orthodox
Differences would include the language the services are held in, the ethnic composition of the parishes, and small cultural differences in the details of worship, style of iconography, use of pews or not, and so forth. They are all in communion with one another and hold the same beliefs, celebrate the liturgy the same way and so forth. As an Orthodox Christian you can go receive communion at any of those Orthodox churches regardless of which you come from (though of course you may need an introduction from your priest to demonstrate that you are properly prepared to partake).
There are certain political stereotypes such as Greek churches being liberal or Russian churches being right-wing but these concerns are secondary to correct worship which can be found in any of these churches.
There are certain political stereotypes such as Greek churches being liberal or Russian churches being right-wing but these concerns are secondary to correct worship which can be found in any of these churches.
Different histories, from different parts of the world. Try attending many of them, and see which ones has a crowd and priest you like the most.
Most Orthodox Churches make the same sign of the cross, which is something you will see a lot.
Note: I make the same above sign of the cross (1-4) with #5 in the middle (solar plexus), which I learned in an Orthodox Church's Sunday school as a child.
An Explanation of the Traditional Russian Orthodox Three-bar Cross
An Explanation of the Traditional Russian Orthodox Three-bar Cross (also called the Eight-pointed Cross) The symbolism of the "com...
easterncross.blogspot.com
Ethiopian and Armenian Orthodox we not in communion with though they were excomminicated in the year 450AD for heresy, Im hoping some day that issue will be resolved but as of right now us eastern Orthodox are not allowed to worship or have holy communion with them because we only recognise one canonical church, but try anyone of those you mentioned, if possible more than one so you can be exposed to the different cultures.
I see Putin thereMost Orthodox Churches make the same sign of the cross, which is something you will see a lot.
Note: I make the same above sign of the cross (1-4) with #5 in the middle (solar plexus), which I learned in an Orthodox Church's Sunday school as a child.
An Explanation of the Traditional Russian Orthodox Three-bar Cross
An Explanation of the Traditional Russian Orthodox Three-bar Cross (also called the Eight-pointed Cross) The symbolism of the "com...
Essentially all the differences are superficial.
For example the Greeks might do their sermon after the Gospel reading, whereas Russians do their sermon at the conclusion of the Liturgy. You will find differences in small things like this, but the Liturgy is the same. The Church is one.
One other thing to be aware of is the difference in Calendar. If you go to a Greek church on Dec 25th you will find them celebrating Nativity. However on the same day the Russian church will be still fasting in preparation for the Nativity which would fall on January 7th. The Calendar issue is unfortunate in my opinion because it would be better if the entire church celebrated the same feasts on the same day, but it is not a salvific issue. This is probably the main difference you will find between the churches. The rest will be things like language used, style of chanting and other superficial things.