Catechesis

The Lord said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19–20

For those enquirers and newcomers who wish to take steps towards being received into the Orthodox Church, a period of instruction (catechesis) and orientation is required. This has a solid historical precedent and is needed to ensure that the newcomer is properly prepared and nurtured, and that the integrity of the parish community (and by extension the whole Orthodox Church) is maintained.

In our parish, newcomers are encouraged to attend regularly for two or three months, before any formal teaching or instruction takes place. This is a necessary step to ensure that the desire to belong to our faith is rooted in a commitment to regular participatory worship in the community. This also demonstrates to us that a newcomer is serious about approaching God’s Holy Church. It is a chance for newcomers to get to know us, and we them.

In due course, if all is well, formal catechesis will be offered. This is held weekly on Monday evenings via Zoom, and is combined with face to face meetings and one to one discussions with Fr Mark. Fr Mark is assisted by Reader Andreas Moran in delivering the catechesis.

Here are some advisory steps for all enquirers and newcomers:

  1. Take your time – there is no rush. ‘Becoming Orthodox’ is not simply a matter of ‘joining’ the church. It takes a whole lifetime following baptism and/or chrismation, and it is better to take it slowly and prayerfully in the early stages.
  2. Attend Divine Liturgy regularly, each Sunday, as far as you are able. Discern prayerfully whether you are truly committed to making this sacrifice of time to be present to worship God amongst the community of believers.
  3. If you have questions ask Father Mark or Readers Nick and Andreas or Subdeacon George. Do feel free to stay for coffee after the liturgy and get to know people. These conversations will be an indispensable part of your learning; the relationships formed will help sustain you as you make your way towards the fullness of our Orthodox Faith.

Remember, we are here to follow Christ – everything we do, the services, the incense, the candles, the beauty of the liturgy, the chanting; our fasting, prayer and almsgiving are things which help us to actually do this, rather than becoming an end in themselves.

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Matthew 16:24