From Inquirer to Newly Illumined
You are already convinced enough in your mind that you want to become Orthodox, but it seems like the Church/Priest are not quite sure about you. What’s up with that?
Inquirer Phase
A lot of Inquirers have already engaged with books like Ware’s book or one of the Evangelical Orthodox convert books before stepping foot into a parish. Often today that’s via Social Media, particularly YT videos. We know about those who were attracted by the media but don’t those who were repelled.
My introduction was more formal – multiple classes at Fuller Seminary in the mid-late 1990’s. These took me from nothing to accepting that the Orthodox Church is a legit church with ancient claims just not the One True Church.
More Formal Inquirer Process
You like the videos and the class discussion even more. You have enough questions to be an Inquirer for years like I was (2007-2009 or so). In the end your questions may not be answered and you walk away.
But now you are even more dissatisfied anywhere else you attend. You don’t take communion there because it’s fake. The messages don’t have the depth that the Orthodox messages had. You’ll probably give up and stay home.
In my case, I worked on the objections over the years Sometimes it was by respectfully arguing with the Orthodox you know. Sometimes were less respectful than others.
I got through my last objections by answering questions in groups of Muslims. The subjects I was stuck on were unstock in a matter of days and I realized my objections were all gone (Fall 2023).
I went to another parish. Asked the priest if I could become a Catechumen, he said show up Wednesday night. There was no formal Catechumen reception, no weekly prayers. It was just a sporadic Wednesday book reading group. It didn’t meet starting in March/April during Lent and took off for the Summer. You were expected to meet with the priest one on one but his schedule was packed and he cancelled a lot.
Return to St Michael’s
I returned back to St Michael’s where there was a new priest. I met with him after Vesper’s and then for a couple of hours later that week. There were some complications coordinating with the previous priest, but they were sorted in a few weeks.
I was told 3 months minimum as an Inquirer and 1 year minimum as a Catechumen. It was 6 months as an Inquirer and 16 months as a Catechumen.
Inquirer Phase
Some of what can make the Inquirer’s Phase take “longer” is the lining up of cohorts to start Catechumen Class. Several weeks are taken up orienting new Catechumens and spacing out starting times minimizes that.
What you think the Catechumenate is
You think that being a Catechumen is learning things about the Orthodox Church. With Father D you figure out it’s also about learning ascetical practices – most particularly the Jesus Prayer.
What the Catechumenate Really Is
Everything about the Catechumenate is preparing you for your first communion.
Life Confession
When you start the catechumen process you dread making your life’s confession. Towards the end you can’t wait for it. Tip: Get your worst sins out of the way first. Your priest may be too shocked to hear the rest. It’s OK.
At the Church Doors
Exorcism, Confession of the Nicene Creed (wording may be awkward).
Your baptism is the funeral for your Old Man. You are buried with Christ so Christ can rise up with you out of the waters. The Catechism process is preparing you for your funeral which happens at baptism.
The Priest guards the Eucharist. It’s so full of life that it’s deadly to those who are unprepared. He’s responsible if he lets you take it too soon.
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