Part 8 of 9 · 2 min read
Becoming Orthodox
In short There’s no rush. Joining the Orthodox Church usually takes several months to a year or more, and your priest guides you the whole way.
The usual path
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Keep coming
Go to the Liturgy regularly. If you can, try Vespers on Saturday evening too. Watch, listen and let it sink in.
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Talk to the priest
Tell him you’re interested. Priests are used to this, and it won’t be awkward. He’ll probably suggest reading and regular chats.
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Become a catechumen
A short service formally enrols you as a learner. You’re now part of the community, though you don’t receive Communion yet.
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Learn
Classes or one-on-one time covering the Creed, prayer, the sacraments and church life. Start a simple daily prayer rule as well.
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Choose a saint and a sponsor
You take the name of a patron saint. A sponsor (godparent; kum or kuma in Serbian) is an Orthodox Christian who walks with you.
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First confession
Usually just before you’re received. It’s a fresh start, not an interrogation, and the priest will help you.
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Be received
Either by baptism and chrismation (anointing with holy oil, “the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit”), or by chrismation alone if you were already baptised in the name of the Trinity. Practice varies by bishop. Your priest will explain what applies to you.
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First Communion
Usually at the same Liturgy. From there it’s a lifelong rhythm of prayer, confession, fasting and Communion.
Quick questions
Does my Protestant faith “not count”?
Your love for Christ and the Bible is real, and you bring it with you. Converts often say it felt like building on what they already had, not starting over.
Will I need to be baptised again?
It depends on the bishop and the parish. Some receive baptised Christians by chrismation, others baptise all converts. Your priest is the best person to ask.
Do I need to be Serbian, or learn Serbian?
Not at all. Picking up a few phrases is a nice gesture, but the faith is the same in any language.
When can I take Communion?
Once you’ve been received into the Church. Until then, you’re welcome to the blessed bread at the end of the Liturgy, and you can ask the priest for a blessing.
What about my family?
Many converts have Protestant or non-religious families. Go gently. You don’t need to win any arguments. Living it out is the best explanation.
Things you can start now
- Morning and evening prayers: five minutes from an Orthodox prayer book.
- A prayer corner: one icon on a shelf, maybe a candle.
- The Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Say it anywhere, anytime.
- Read the Gospels, slowly, a chapter at a time.