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Catechumen ProgramThe term Catechumen comes from the Greek word, κατηχούμενος (katecoumenos). This term essentially refers to someone who is being taught by word of mouth, the Gospel and the teachings of the church. We see an example of this word in Galatians 6:6: "Let him who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches" (RSV).
The Catechumen is on a journey to reception into the Church by Baptism and Chrismation. Catechumen Programs go back to the very beginning of the Church. St. Paul's missionary journey's and epistles served the Church in this manner as did the rest of the Apostles teachings. Click the button below to view or download our Catechumen Manual. |
More about the Catechumenate
A catechumen is one who is preparing for baptism in the Church. In modern usage, catechumen can also refer to one who is preparing for chrismation (or another form of reception) to be received from a non-Orthodox Christian communion.
In the ancient Church, the catechumenate, or time during which one is a catechumen, often lasted for as much 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.
Catechumens are understood to be Christians upon beginning their catechumenate, and should they die before baptism, they are traditionally given an Orthodox funeral.
As the Church eventually became the majority religion of the lands in which it sojourned, the catechumenate as an institution gradually died out in many places, as most Christians were being baptized shortly after birth. As Orthodoxy has moved into the West and Far East and begun gaining converts to the faith, the catechumenate has been significantly rejuvenated.
Catechetical instruction in Orthodoxy 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 typically oversee the catechesis of those preparing to be received into the Church.
Before becoming a catechumen you will be expected to attend Liturgy until you and the priest are confident about your decision. You will then will be received as a catechumen by prayers. During your catechumenate you will be expected to attend Liturgy regularly. As a catechumen you are a part of the community, “by intention” and should begin to participate in the various activities and disciplines of the Church.
In the ancient Church, the catechumenate, or time during which one is a catechumen, often lasted for as much 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.
Catechumens are understood to be Christians upon beginning their catechumenate, and should they die before baptism, they are traditionally given an Orthodox funeral.
As the Church eventually became the majority religion of the lands in which it sojourned, the catechumenate as an institution gradually died out in many places, as most Christians were being baptized shortly after birth. As Orthodoxy has moved into the West and Far East and begun gaining converts to the faith, the catechumenate has been significantly rejuvenated.
Catechetical instruction in Orthodoxy 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 typically oversee the catechesis of those preparing to be received into the Church.
Before becoming a catechumen you will be expected to attend Liturgy until you and the priest are confident about your decision. You will then will be received as a catechumen by prayers. During your catechumenate you will be expected to attend Liturgy regularly. As a catechumen you are a part of the community, “by intention” and should begin to participate in the various activities and disciplines of the Church.