People come to the Orthodox Church from every direction: from other Christian churches, from no church at all, from a spouse’s faith, from a book, from a single unforgettable Liturgy. However you arrived, the path from here is the same, and it is walked at your own pace, with a priest and a parish beside you.
First, just come
There is no sign-up sheet. Come to services, stay for coffee hour, ask questions. Most people who become Orthodox spent months, sometimes years, simply attending before they decided anything. That time is not wasted; it is how the faith takes root. When you are ready, tell Fr. Tikhon you would like to talk about becoming Orthodox.
The catechumenate
After that conversation you may be enrolled as a catechumen, which means a learner. A short prayer is said over you at the door of the church, and from then on you are prayed for by name at every Liturgy. Catechumens meet with the priest, read, attend services and learn the faith from the inside. Nobody is rushed. Most catechumenates last somewhere between six months and a year and a half, depending on where you started.
Being received
Reception into the Church happens in one of two ways. Those who have never been baptized, or whose baptism was not in the name of the Trinity, are baptized and then chrismated (anointed with holy oil, the gift of the Holy Spirit). Those who come with a Christian baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are usually received by chrismation and a confession of faith, with the priest and bishop deciding what is appropriate. Either way, you receive Holy Communion for the first time at the next Liturgy, and the parish celebrates with you.
Godparents
Every person received into the Church has a sponsor, a godparent, an Orthodox Christian who stands with you at your reception and walks with you afterward. If you do not know anyone, Fr. Tikhon will help you find someone. Many lifelong friendships have started this way.
If you are already Orthodox
Welcome home. If you have moved to the area, or have been away from the Church for a while, please introduce yourself to Fr. Tikhon and consider making St. Mary’s your parish. Membership is simple; ask at coffee hour or through the Contact page.
If your spouse is Orthodox and you are not
You are part of this parish already. Come as often as you like, take part in everything except Communion, and let any further step be as slow and free as you need it to be. Nobody here will pressure you.
Questions worth asking
Do I have to give up my heritage? No; the Church has room for every nation. Do I have to know everything first? No; the faith is learned by living it. What if I have doubts? Bring them. Doubts are questions that have not found their answer yet, and the Church has been answering questions for a long time.