The period of the catechumenate typically lasts a year or more. The importance of this period is formation more than information. This formation comes through participation in prayer, fasting, worship, fellowship, and study.
Those interested in becoming Orthodox should contact the priest to ask about current catechism class offerings.
How to Become a Catechumen
Those interested in becoming a catechumen at St. Herman Church should attend vespers and liturgy for 1-2 months. During this period, they should also watch Watch all 7 videos of “Finding the Church that Jesus Built Version 2.0” by Dn. Ezra Ham (from St. Elijah Church in Oklahoma City). Videos are available on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbDsxw-e0m3mNYL-Dy7VJZLHgv3EO8m-w
Companion study guide for this series is available here via Amazon publishing.
(Alternatively, you can watch the original series (8 videos of Version 1.0) here and use its study guide here.)
After completing the video series and talking through any questions they have with the priest, if they still want to join the Orthodox Church, then they should request to be enrolled as a catechumen.
The Work of Catechumens
Catechumens need to attend services and catechism classes, prepare their life confession which is to be done before baptism or chrismation, pray and read the scriptures daily, and work through the Catechism Media Plan and the contents of the Catechism Media folder.
Catechumen Expectations can be found here, as well as in the Catechism Media folder.
The resources below are not exhaustive, but are valuable resources for inquirers and catechumens that will help with their appropriation of an Orthodox ethos.
Orthodox Terminology
Orthodox Christianity uses many special terms—some from Greek, Slavonic, Arabic, or ancient Church usage—that may be unfamiliar to those outside the Church or may carry different meanings in other contexts.
This dictionary is a helpful resource for inquirers, catechumens, and anyone seeking to better understand the language of our faith and worship. Familiarity with these terms can deepen your experience of the services and teachings of the Church.
A Dictionary of Orthodox Terminology
Catechumen Classes
Please see our view our Calendar for official times. Catechumen classes are usually every Sunday after coffee hour. You also don’t have to be a catechumen to attend. Inquirers are welcome, as well as lifelong Orthodox Christians.
Zoom Links for Fr. Matthew’s Sunday Catechism Classes – Here