Navigating Orthodox Initiation: A Catechumen Roadmap

From inquirer to the baptismal font—discover our detailed catechumen checklist, confession preparation guidelines, and time-tested wisdom for those embracing the Orthodox faith

The following is adapted from a handout used in person for a class presentation at Saint Mark Greek Orthodox Church in Boca Raton, Florida, and is geared toward the catechumens of our parish. This was an integral part of class 5 of Discover Orthodoxy.

You can check out the whole series here: Class 1: History and Dogma, 2: Scripture, Saints, and Holy Tradition, 3: The Holy Mysteries, 4: Personal Devotion and Salvation, 5: Entering the Church.

Preface

Everyone who becomes Orthodox as an adult is received after a time of instruction. For our faithful catechumens this is a pivotal moment in their spiritual journey. In our in-person class, we discussed the practical steps that would guide them toward full communion with the Orthodox Church—the living Body of Christ that has faithfully preserved the Apostolic Faith for two millennia.

The path our catechumens walk mirrors that of countless believers throughout Church history. From the earliest days, those seeking to join the Christian community underwent a period of instruction, prayer, and spiritual formation before receiving the Holy Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation. This ancient wisdom recognizes that becoming Orthodox isn't merely about acquiring information—it's about transformation of the whole person.

As St. Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:3-4). The steps below will help prepare catechumens for this spiritual reality inherent in baptism.

The journey ahead involves both practical preparations and deeper spiritual commitments. Catechumens will select a godparent to guide them and stand with them; choose a patron saint whose intercessions will strengthen them; and begin incorporating Orthodox practices into their daily rhythm of life. These external steps reflect the internal transformation already underway—a gradual reorientation of heart, mind, and soul toward Christ and his Church.

While the focus today is on practical “next steps,” these outward actions serve a greater purpose. As the Apostle Paul teaches, “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter” (2 Thess. 2:15). The practices of Orthodox life—prayer, fasting, almsgiving, confession, and participation in the Divine Liturgy—are not empty rituals but spiritual medicines that heal the soul and draw us closer to God.

Orthodox parishes will have various approaches for catechumens to what is next, but what is essential is the same everywhere—to keep your eyes fixed on the ultimate goal: union with Christ. The journey doesn't end with baptism or chrismation—it truly begins there, as one enters fully into the life of the Church and continue growing “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13).

Dear catechumens: Let us approach these next steps with joy, recognizing that you stand at the threshold of receiving the fullness of the Apostolic Faith—the pearl of great price for which the wise merchant gladly sold all he had to gain it (Mt. 13:46).

May God strengthen you as you prepare to enter the ark of salvation.

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Catechumen Checklist
Complete the Following Before Baptism/Chrismation Date

Affirmation

☐ Fully affirm the Creed and the Orthodox Faith.

☐ Embrace the Church’s teachings and structure.

☐ Renounce “former delusion” and/or false teachings.

Sponsors

☐ Choose a Godparent—ideally a faithful member of our community—and ask them.

☐ Select a Christian name and a Patron Saint—if you have a Christian name already, that's the best place to start.

☐ Learn about your Saint and Nameday.

Devotion

☐ Obtain a Bible, a prayer book, an icon—and if possible, a cross necklace and a prayer rope.

☐ Begin practicing basic daily Orthodox prayers and devotion.

☐ Attend Divine Liturgy as frequently as possible.

Incorporation

☐ Attend other services and catechism classes as much as possible.

☐ Begin contributing as a steward of the parish.

☐ Schedule an appointment for your first confession closer to your baptism.

Memorization

☐ Commit the Lord’s Prayer and the Nicene Creed to memory.

Finalize

☐ Attend a final meeting before your baptism/chrismation, which will include guidance on Holy Week and receiving Holy Communion.

Next Steps

If you are already a catechumen and feel ready to join the Church, please speak with the clergy about the next steps for you. If you are not yet a catechumen and wish to begin this journey, reach out to clergy right away.

Your catechesis does not end with the end of catechism classes, or after your baptism and chrismation. In the early Church, in fact, some teachings were specifically reserved for the week after the catechumens were baptized. Becoming Orthodox is a lifelong calling, and it’s vital to continue immersing yourself in spiritual growth and learning, especially during your first year in the Church.

• Participate in study sessions such as Discover Orthodoxy, attend Bible studies, and other ongoing ministries (e.g., you could volunteer to be an usher).

• Join our annual study event in August, which is on a different topic each year.

• Through prayer, study, and community, continue deepening your understanding of the faith and strengthening your relationship with Christ and His Church!

• Beware of the internet! Self-appointed experts on YouTube and X will often insert pet ideas into their material. Your local community is to be preferred to “Internet Orthodoxy.”

• Recommended Resources: Ancient Faith Ministries, GOArch.org, SaintMarkBoca.net, SimplyOrthodox.info, Daily Orthodox Readings App, OrthodoxWiki.

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A Simple Orthodox Examination of Conscience to Prepare for Confession

(Following the Ten Commandments)

Confession is always under the guidance of a father confessor, and you should always seek the guidance of your father confessor. But sometimes people aren’t sure where to start in an examination of conscience for confession, so here is one possible meditation you can do prior to confession.

Pray before you begin:

“Lord, help me to see where I have failed to love You and my neighbor. Give me the courage to confess my sins truthfully and the desire to return to You with all my heart. Amen.”

1. Have I been faithful in my prayers, attending Divine Liturgy, and keeping God at the center of my life?

(1st Commandment: "You shall have no other gods before Me.")

2. Have I placed my trust in superstitions, spiritual shortcuts, or material things rather than trusting God, his saints, and the guidance of the Church? Have I been “medicating” with alcohol, drugs, or anything else?

(2nd Commandment: "You shall not make for yourself a carved image.")

3. Have I neglected to show reverence toward God, used His name carelessly without proper reverence, or spoken disrespectfully about holy things?

(3rd Commandment: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.")

4. Have I honored Sundays and feast days by attending church and setting aside time for God, prayer, alms, and rest?

(4th Commandment: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.")

5. Have I shown love and respect to my parents, family, my bosses, and those in authority? Have I spoken or acted harshly toward them or anyone else?

(5th Commandment: "Honor your father and your mother.")

6. Have I been angry, resentful, or unwilling to forgive someone? Have I caused harm to others through my words, actions, or neglect?

(6th Commandment: "You shall not murder.")

7. Have I committed impure actions, engaged in inappropriate conversations, entertained lustful thoughts, watched pornography, or engaged in sexual behavior outside marriage?

(7th Commandment: "You shall not commit adultery.")

8. Have I stolen or taken what doesn't belong to me? Have I been selfish, lazy, or wasteful with my time, resources, or responsibilities?

(8th Commandment: "You shall not steal.")

9. Have I lied, gossiped, or been dishonest in my words or actions?

(9th Commandment: "You shall not bear false witness.")

10. Have I allowed envy, jealousy, or greed to grow in my heart? Have I been dissatisfied with what God has given me?

(10th Commandment: "You shall not covet.")

Conclude by praying:

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Guide me to live in obedience to Your Commandments, loving You and my neighbor in all that I do. Amen.”