Intro Thread for Orthodox Catechumens

I wanted to drop in and announce that today my family and I are officially Orthodox. After inquiring for a couple of years and becoming a catechumen for a year, my kids were baptized today. My first confession was the other day and it was like going to a soul doctor.

Confessing the ugly reality of myself was something that I was fighting over before confession. I was afraid the priest would stop me and say I couldn’t be Orthodox. I determined to confess truthfully and I was met with nothing but love and care. The priest had a mini “sermon” for me addressing what I was confessing—it was very much like going to get treatment. The Orthodox Church is truly a hospital for souls, and after Chrismation today, it felt like coming home after wandering through so many “teachings” over the years.

Upon leaving the church today, both of my priests gave me a big hug and I truly felt like a son to both of them. If this is but a small glimmer of the Kingdom, it truly is incredible, the love and grace of our King, Jesus Christ. I’m closer to middle aged, but in some sense, I feel like life is just getting started.

I just want to say thank you to everyone here for the insight and topics that have been a great help and resource over the last couple of years (from RVF to here). I am excited to continue on the path ahead. Wishing everyone an early Merry Christmas!
 
TheLoneReader said:
I wanted to drop in and announce that today my family and I are officially Orthodox. After inquiring for a couple of years and becoming a catechumen for a year, my kids were baptized today. My first confession was the other day and it was like going to a soul doctor.

Confessing the ugly reality of myself was something that I was fighting over before confession. I was afraid the priest would stop me and say I couldn’t be Orthodox. I determined to confess truthfully and I was met with nothing but love and care. The priest had a mini “sermon” for me addressing what I was confessing—it was very much like going to get treatment. The Orthodox Church is truly a hospital for souls, and after Chrismation today, it felt like coming home after wandering through so many “teachings” over the years.

Upon leaving the church today, both of my priests gave me a big hug and I truly felt like a son to both of them. If this is but a small glimmer of the Kingdom, it truly is incredible, the love and grace of our King, Jesus Christ. I’m closer to middle aged, but in some sense, I feel like life is just getting started.

I just want to say thank you to everyone here for the insight and topics that have been a great help and resource over the last couple of years (from RVF to here). I am excited to continue on the path ahead. Wishing everyone an early Merry Christmas!
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Congrats and may God grant you many years!
 
TheLoneReader said:
I wanted to drop in and announce that today my family and I are officially Orthodox. After inquiring for a couple of years and becoming a catechumen for a year, my kids were baptized today. My first confession was the other day and it was like going to a soul doctor.

Confessing the ugly reality of myself was something that I was fighting over before confession. I was afraid the priest would stop me and say I couldn’t be Orthodox. I determined to confess truthfully and I was met with nothing but love and care. The priest had a mini “sermon” for me addressing what I was confessing—it was very much like going to get treatment. The Orthodox Church is truly a hospital for souls, and after Chrismation today, it felt like coming home after wandering through so many “teachings” over the years.

Upon leaving the church today, both of my priests gave me a big hug and I truly felt like a son to both of them. If this is but a small glimmer of the Kingdom, it truly is incredible, the love and grace of our King, Jesus Christ. I’m closer to middle aged, but in some sense, I feel like life is just getting started.

I just want to say thank you to everyone here for the insight and topics that have been a great help and resource over the last couple of years (from RVF to here). I am excited to continue on the path ahead. Wishing everyone an early Merry Christmas!
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God bless and may Christ be with you!! Welcome to the brotherhood of God. Keep us updated of your journey.
 
Thank you! Our first communion in a Divine Liturgy was yesterday. We attend a fairly large parish (bursting at the seams now), and walking back to our seats we were met with hugs and many expressions of congratulations from people we know and people we hadn’t met. It truly felt like a coming home to a family.
 
TheLoneReader said:
Thank you! Our first communion in a Divine Liturgy was yesterday. We attend a fairly large parish (bursting at the seams now), and walking back to our seats we were met with hugs and many expressions of congratulations from people we know and people we hadn’t met. It truly felt like a coming home to a family.
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That is absolutely wonderful. If you don't mind me asking, which of the Orthodox Churches do you attend? (Greek, Russian, OCA, Antiochian, etc)
 
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