A catechumen (Greek: κατηχούμενος) is one who is preparing for baptism in the Church. In modern usage, catechumen can also refer to one who is preparing for chrismation (or another form of reception) to be received from a heterodox Christian communion.

In the ancient Church, the catechumenate, or time during which one is a catechumen, often lasted for as much as three years and included not only participation in the divine services but also catechesis, formal instruction from a teacher, often the bishop or appointed catechist. Exorcists often performed the catechetical role, as well, following their initial prayers of exorcism over the one being made a catechumen, which is the traditional manner of receiving a catechumen into the community of the Church.

Catechumens are understood to be Christians upon beginning their catechumenate, and should they die before baptism, they are traditionally given an Orthodox funeral.

As the Church eventually became the majority religion of the lands in which it sojourned, the catechumenate as an institution gradually died out in many places, as most Christians were being baptized shortly after birth. As Orthodoxy has moved into the West and Far East and begun gaining converts to the faith, the catechumenate has been significantly rejuvenated.

Catechetical instruction in Orthodoxy in America does not typically last the three years which was common in the time of St. John Chrysostom, but typically can last from six months to a year, depending on the practice of the bishop, his jurisdiction, and the level of spiritual maturity of the catechumen. Local parish priests typically oversee the catechesis of those preparing to be received into the Church.

The Orthodox Church has no formal catechism, a single body of work that details the specifics of its faith. This is one difference between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church, who does have a specific catechism.

Catechumen Lecture Series                                   

Catechumens are required to attend a series of lectures prior to baptism and chrismation.  The first set of lectures is scheduled prior to our celebration of the Nativity of Christ, and the second series is scheduled prior to Pascha. 

Attendance at the following Lectures are required:

    Before the Nativity of Christ:

• The True God
• Man
• Sin
• Jesus Christ the Son of God
• Repentance and Faith
• The Holy Spirit and the Saints
• The Church and the Most Holy Theotokos
• Prayer and the Holy Scripture

     Before Pascha:

• Holy Baptism and Chrismation
• Holy Eucharist
• Holy Repentance and Confession
• Holy Priesthood
• Sickness and Holy Unction
• Asceticism of Marriage and Monasticism
• Death and the Mystery of the Funeral
• Service:  Our Way of Life

Required Reading

Catechumens are required to read a series of books prior to baptism and chrismation.  These books can be purchased in the Saint Andrew Bookstore. In addition, Father Josiah has written an article called Starting Down the Royal Path: How to Become an Orthodox Christian, which must be studied by Catechumens. 

Article:

Starting Down the Royal Path: How to Become an Orthodox Christian  by Father Josiah

Books:

• On the Priesthood  by St. John Chrysostom, (1984)
• The Faith: An Orthodox Catechism by  Clark Carlton, (1997) OR
• Entering the Orthodox Church or The Mind of the Church by Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos
• For the Life of the World by Fr. Alexander Schmemann, (1998)
• Great Lent by Fr. Alexander Schmemann, (2001)
• The Way of the Ascetics by Tito Colliander, (1985)
• The Beginnings of a Life of Prayer by Archimandrite Irenei, (1985)

Suggested Reading:

• The Way or The Truth by Clark Carlton (1997, 1999)
• The Orthodox Way by Bishop Kallistos Ware, (1998)
• The Way of a Pilgrim (many editions)

Forms and Documentation

Catechumens must complete several forms and return them to the Priest prior to baptism and chrismation.  The forms can be downloaded using the links below. The forms must be completed and returned to the Priest at least one month prior to Pascha.  The forms to be completed are the following:

• Personal Information Form (MS Word Doc)
• Personal Information Form (PDF)
• Patron Saint Form (MS Word Doc)
• Patron Saint Form (PDF)
• Renunciations & Affirmations Form (MS Word Doc)
• Renunciations & Affirmations Form (PDF)
• Living the Orthodox Faith Form: Personal Prayer Rule, Scripture Reading, Confession, Fasting, Alms Giving and Service (MS Word Doc)
• Living the Orthodox Faith Form: Personal Prayer Rule, Scripture Reading, Confession, Fasting, Alms Giving and Service (PDF)

In addition, a copy of the catechumen’s Protestant or Catholic Baptismal Certificate must be provided (for economizable candidates).

Activities to Complete Prior to Baptism and Chrismation

• Confirm Godparent(s), and confirm that Godparents have proper materials for Great Saturday.
• Visit at least two other Orthodox Churches during catechumenate.
• Prepare and make life confession. Establish regular confession practice.
• Turn in a pledge card to the parish.
• Attend Lenten Services- these are your primary preparation.
• Present yourself for Catechumen Litany in Presanctified Liturgies- Wednesdays 6pm.
• Obtain a baptismal robe. See Cindy Joris, Cynthia Wright, or Elizabeth Beck for fitting.  Contact information will be provided during lecture series and can be obtained from church office. 
• Give Father $10 check made to “Antiochian Archdiocese” for your baptism/chrismation certificate.
• Review the Baptism/Chrismation Service once a week during Lent.  (Available as handout during lecture series and in link below.)

Baptism and Chrismation Service for Catechumens

Additional information and instructions for baptism and chrismation will be provided through the lecture series as Pascha draws near.