Discover Orthodoxy: Entering the Church

Class 5: Next steps for catechumens, the Lord's Prayer, understanding the Liturgy, and more...

Note: this is the 5th part of a 5 part series on the basics of Orthodox Christianity, presented at Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida in 2025. Here are parts 1, 2, 3, and 4. Later this week we will share our “catechumen checklist” and examination of conscience.

“Blessed is the Kingdom, of the Father, and of the Son…”

Entering the Kingdom of God is what Orthodox Christianity is all about. While “Heaven” is part of this, Orthodoxy is not merely about a distant heavenly hope but involves an active, engaged life of faith in the here and now. Orthodoxy provides a holistic framework for spiritual growth—through stewardship, fasting, and a disciplined commitment to the communal life of the Church, Orthodox Christians strive to align themselves with God's will and prepare their hearts for his Kingdom.

The Spiritual Discipline of Orthodox Fasting

In Orthodox Christianity, fasting is more than abstinence; it is a spiritual discipline that prepares the soul to encounter God. Rooted in Scripture, fasting encourages humility, repentance, and self-control. As Jesus said, “When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face that your fasting may not be seen by others” (Mt. 6:17–18). Inspired in part by Christ’s 40-day fast in the wilderness (Mt. 4:1–2), Lent in particular (and fasting in general) is a way of imitating Christ while growing closer to God. This holy exercise focuses the heart on prayer, repentance, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the great feast of Pascha—the celebration of Christ's resurrection.

Orthodox fasting is guided by practices upheld for centuries. The strictest fast excludes meat, dairy products, fish (except on certain feast days), olive oil, and wine. On strict fasting days, all animal products and wine (and often other alcohol) are avoided, but shellfish remains permitted. I like to joke that chickpeas are also allowed any time—falafel may be the world’s first faux meat for Lent, created by Egyptian Christians in the 4th century.

Far beyond changing eating habits, fasting is meant to transform the heart and soul. Believers are encouraged to “fast in secret” without boasting or comparing their fast with others. Pairing fasting with additional prayer, scripture reading, and generosity toward others ensures that the practice deepens spiritual growth. “Clean Monday,” the first day of Great Lent, symbolizes a fresh start, encouraging believers to begin their fast with spiritual and physical preparation.

While fasting guidelines are challenging, they are adjusted for life circumstances. Children, the elderly, and those with health conditions adapt their practices while remaining connected to the Church’s rhythm. With guidance from priests and participation in communal worship, Orthodox Christians learn to fast with humility, allowing the practice to soften their hearts, redirect their priorities, and strengthen their dependence on God.

Icons, Worship, and Entering the Sacred Life

Orthodox Christians are guided in their spiritual journey by tangible expressions of faith, such as the veneration of icons. Far from being mere decorations, icons are windows into the divine, vividly representing the lives of saints and key moments in salvation history. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18). Icons remind us of these unseen, eternal realities.

By incorporating icons into daily prayer, believers bring a piece of the Kingdom’s reality into their homes, fostering an environment of faith and devotion. Other practices, such as lighting candles, employing prayer ropes, and reciting the ancient prayers of our faith, help keep the focus on Christ and ensure that devotion remains a daily practice, not just an occasional obligation.

We encourage all catechumens to obtain an icon, a prayer book, an Orthodox Study Bible, a cross necklace, and a prayer rope, and to begin practicing basic daily prayers. And as always, to attend Divine Liturgy.

The Discover Orthodoxy class series was originally conceived by Fr. Steven Klund of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Wilmington, NC. Here is Fr. Steven’s engaging presentation of this class:

Becoming Citizens of the Kingdom Through the Church

Entering the Kingdom of God is inseparable from the Church—the Body of Christ. Through His Church, we are invited to become “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19).

Participation in the Church’s sacraments—particularly baptism and chrismation—is the starting point for becoming a full-fledged citizen of the Kingdom. Baptism marks the spiritual rebirth that leads to eternal life, as Christ explained to Nicodemus: “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (Jn. 3:5).

Catechumens preparing for baptism are encouraged to start getting to know Orthodox Christians in the community, and preparing to ask one of them to be a godparent. Catechumens should also start looking at saints to receive a patron saint—if there is one with the same or similar name, that is ideal.

Stewardship: Offering Time, Treasure, and Talent

Stewardship is an essential part of Orthodox Christian life, calling believers to contribute their time, treasure, and talents for the benefit of the Church. At its core, it is an act of gratitude for God’s blessings—“Freely you have received; freely give” (Mt. 10:8)—and is vital for sustaining ministries, children’s programs, and other everyday operations of the parish. For those unable to give financially, volunteering time or offering skills remains just as important. The aim of stewardship is not merely to maintain the Church but to ensure its continued growth for future generations.

At our parish, stewardship is made practical through an app, which allows our members to pledge, participate in activities, and contribute toward the Church’s ongoing work. By offering part of what God has given them—whether it’s time, skills, or resources—believers actively take part in building a thriving community. Stewardship is a spiritual practice that strengthens both the Church and each individual’s connection to the Body of Christ.

Below is the video of the class, which is about 1 hour and 48 minutes long:

Conclusion: Striving for the Kingdom

Orthodox Christianity is a comprehensive, transformative approach, revealed by God, for those seeking to enter the Kingdom of God. The pathway begins with repentance, humbly turning from sin toward Christ (cf. Mt. 4:17), and continues with active participation in the Church’s life. Whether through stewardship, fasting, prayer, or sacred traditions, believers are called to live out their faith in ways that shape both their inner lives and their communities.

This journey is lifelong. Entering the Kingdom is not confined to a single moment but is a continuous process of striving, repenting, and growing toward holiness. The reward, as Christ promised, is eternal: “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).