"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Matthew 28:19
"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."
Mark 16:16
"Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
John 3:5
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Acts 2:38
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
John 14:6
"The Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."
1 Timothy 3:15
Four Steps.
One Door.
01
Meet the Priest
Schedule a meeting with Father to discuss your background, your questions, and your desire to explore the Faith. There is no pressure β only welcome.
02
Attend a Liturgy
Come and see. The Divine Liturgy is the heart of Orthodox life β ancient, unchanged, and alive. You are welcome to attend after speaking with the priest.
03
Begin Catechism
Catechumens attend structured instruction covering the Creed, the Sacraments, the Holy Fathers, the Liturgy, and the moral life of a Christian.
04
Holy Baptism or Chrismation
When the priest judges you ready, you will receive Holy Baptism (if not previously baptized) or Chrismation β entering into full communion with the Church.
Catechism is not a
formality.
It is a transformation. The ancient Church prepared catechumens for one, two, even three years before Baptism β because what is received must be truly received.
At St. Nektarios Parish, catechism covers the Holy Creed, the Seven Sacraments, the Holy Fathers, the Divine Liturgy, the canonical tradition, fasting and prayer, and the moral life of the Orthodox Christian.
The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed
The Seven Holy Sacraments
The Divine Liturgy β its meaning and participation
The Holy Fathers and Ecumenical Councils
Fasting, Prayer, and the Holy Traditions
The moral and ascetic life of a Christian
The Holy Traditions β Fasting Cycles, Feasts, and Sacred Time
Canonical Orthodoxy and Church history
"You cannot have God for your Father if you do not have the Church for your Mother."
St. Cyprian of Carthage
On the Unity of the Church, 3rd century
Common
Questions
Everything you want to know before taking the first step.