St. Brendan the Voyager Church

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Catechumen Class

Catechesis Requirements at ASONA

What is a Catechumen?

A catechumen (Greek: κατηχούμενος) is one who is preparing for baptism in the Church.

In the ancient Church, the catechumenate, or time during which one is a catechumen, often lasted for as long 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. Catechetical instruction in Orthodox parishes 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 oversee the catechesis of those preparing to be received into 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.

Attend Services Regularly:
  • Sunday Liturgy (weekly)
  • Vespers (weekly)
  • Feasts & Seasonal
Forms
  • Parishioner Info
  • Pledge Form
  • Orthopraxis Form
  • Patron Saint Form
  • Renunciations and Affirmations Form
Attend Classes:
  • New Member Class
  • Fall and Spring Catechumen Lecture Series
  • Bible Studies, Special Lectures, Lenten Retreats, Homilies as offered by ASONA and other local churches
Reading Materials:
  • The entire Bible or at least the New Testament and Psalms
  • “Starting Down the Royal Path“ by Archpriest Josiah Trenham, Ph.D.
  • Light from the Christian East, by James Payton
  • The Orthodox Church – Kallistos Ware
  • The Faith – Clark Carlton
  • For the Life of the World – Alexander Schmemann
  • Orthodox Spirituality – Metropolitan Hierotheos
  • Find an AncientFaith.Com Podcast series to listen through. (I do recommend The Intersection of East and West to start!)

Final Preparations for Baptism & Chrismation
  • A baptismal Cross, Candle, and a Baptismal Garment.
  • Review weekly the Baptism and Chrismation Service
  • Pray through the Communion Prayers
  • Schedule your “Life Confession”
Practical
  • Get the ASONA prayer book, or Orthodox Daily Prayers.  Pray daily and try to memorize the prayers.
  • Sign Up for the ASONA text/email list
  • Attend Coffee Hour and get to know your Church
  • Attend and help with Special Events (Lectures, Services, Outreach, etc.)
  • Two Interviews – discuss with and report to Fr. John
  • Visit at least two other parishes in the area
  • Visit a monastery (St. Anthony’s and St. Paisius are nearby.)
  • Come to an unofficial confession quarterly (after vespers, or by appointment)
  • Select a Godparent/Sponsor – discuss and then confirm with Fr. John
  • Write a Letter, Essay or schedule a Discussion – “Why I want to become Orthodox?”

List of Activities to Complete in Preparation for Baptism & Chrismation

 

St. Brendan Orthodox Church

2011 Commercial Way, Unit 1
Bullhead City, AZ 86442
928-910-2186

Recent Posts

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  • St. Brendan Parish Pandemic Preparedness
  • Baptisms in Bullhead City

A Directory of Arizona Orthodox Churches

Schedule of Services

Wednesday    6 pm   Vespers and Bible study

Saturday        6 pm    Great Vespers

Sunday         10 am   Hours and Typika

St. Brendan Orthodox Church

St. Brendan Orthodox Church is a satellite mission of All Saints of North America Orthodox Church in Youngtown, AZ.

Orthodox Calendar



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