Having turned from the world to Christ, one is enrolled as a Catechumen.

This is a very ancient Christian initiation as a learner about the life in Christ, daily prayer, Scriptures and ethics, and generally the way of life of the Orthodox Christian.

Here at the Prescott Orthodox Church, the Catechumenate generally lasts for a full liturgical cycle, about a year, as the Catechumen not only learns more about Christ, His Church, and the Bible, but also the feasts and fasting periods of the Christian life, tithing, responsible speech and actions in the public arena, and what it means to be a member of Christ's Holy Church.

It is important to remember that, although many Gentiles were converted during the years the New Testament was being written, no where in the New Testament does a Gentile or other new convert preach or teach. Even the inspired Apostle Paul waited many years before being sent on his missionary journeys, and even then, he was sent with Barnabas!

Staying on the spiritual 'straight and narrow' is simple, but not always easy, especially for those new to the Christian faith as a way of life.

We take the time for newcomers and catechumens to discover the challenges of Christian life, and give them the love and tools necessary to overcome the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Once the Catechumenate is completed, the Catechumen is prepared for Holy Illumination - entrance into Christ's Holy Church, by Baptism and Chrismation.

CLICK HERE to read more about Baptism and Chrismation.