BecomeOrthodox

Become Orthodox Christian

Learn About the Orthodox Catholic Faith

Welcome! We are happy you are interested in learning more about the Orthodox Catholic faith. We hope the following information answers your initial questions. To find out more, visit an Orthodox Catholic Church near you.

Become

Orthodox Christian

Return to the Faith

Why Orthodox Christian?

Where Can I Learn About Orthodox Christianity?

You are always welcome to attend a Sunday Divine Liturgy (worship service) at any Italo-Greek parish in the Archdiocese or at any other Orthodox Church in your area. We also offer a list of resources that explain the Orthodox Catholic faith at the bottom of this page.

What if I think I want to become an Orthodox Christian?

God calls and we respond. Through the process of Christian initiation, men and women at all stages of the faith journey come together in a non-threatening and non-pressured environment and atmosphere to learn more about the Orthodox Catholic Church. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process by which men and women become members of the Orthodox Catholic Church. The process takes place within the context of the church community, and after a suitable period of formation, culminates in the reception of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. With the exception of Roman Catholics, (who are generally received by confession, profession of faith and Chrismation), members of other Christian faith communities are normally brought into the Church by baptism, however, at the discretion of the bishop alone, this requirement may be waived and only under extraordinary circumstances.

RCIA presents a forum for shared spiritual growth and a means to explore the Orthodox Christian tradition through Scripture, divine worship, liturgies, Church teaching and social interaction and outreach, all in the midst of the Orthodox Catholic faith community.

Formation in the Orthodox Christian faith includes several areas:

Scripture: The stories of God’s people and God’s revealing of Himself to us.

Teaching: What Orthodox Christians believe.

Prayer: How we communicate with God.

Liturgy: How the community worships.

Mission: How we live out what we believe.

Religious Education Office

Office of Evangelization

RCIA Steps

RCIA Q & A

Who may attend RCIA?

The process of initiation is for adults who…

· are unbaptized and want to become Orthodox Christians through the sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation) and Eucharist;

· are members of the Roman Catholic Church who want full sacramental membership in the Orthodox Church through confession, profession of faith, Chrismation and Eucharist;

· are Christians (in another faith community or tradition) who want to become Orthodox Christian through the sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation) and Eucharist;

· attend an Italo-Greek parish because of a loved one or spouse and are not sure if the Orthodox Church is for them, but are willing to ask questions;

· are young adults (age 14 and over) who desire of their own free will to learn about the Orthodox Christian faith.

How long does it take to become an Orthodox Christian?

It takes “as long as it takes.” Becoming an Orthodox Christian is an ongoing and life-long commitment. The process usually takes at least a year but may take longer depending upon the individual. Those who opt to begin the process meet once a week and begin to attend Sunday Divine Liturgy. Those who are ready to make the commitment to become members of the Orthodox Church usually do so on Forgiveness Sunday of each year and are received into the fullness of membership either on Epiphany or at the Easter Vigil the following year. Once a commitment is made, the individual becomes what is known as a catechumen.

What if I change my mind?

By coming to inquire and finding out what is involved an individual is not making a commitment. During the first few months an individual is free to leave the process at any time. An individual may take all the time needed before making a commitment. There is no pressure and an individual should feel free to decide when he/she is ready to make such a commitment.