Becoming Orthodox
54 writings in Becoming Orthodox. Clear
Becoming Orthodox
Do I need to take an Orthodox name?
No, it’s not absolutely required. But there’s a good chance your priest will talk with you about it. The practice varies by parish and diocese.…
Becoming Orthodox
What if my name is already a saint’s name?
You keep it. When someone becomes Orthodox through baptism or chrismation, they receive a Christian name, the name of a saint who becomes their patron…
Becoming Orthodox
Can I keep my baptismal name from another church?
If you are received by chrismation, yes. At St. Michael, if you were baptized in another Christian tradition by immersion in the name of the…
Becoming Orthodox
What is the process for former Catholics?
If you’re Catholic and want to become Orthodox, how you’re received depends on how you were baptized. At St. Michael, if you were baptized by…
Becoming Orthodox
What is the process for former Protestants?
Protestants enter the Orthodox Church after a period of preparation called the catechumenate, and are received by baptism or by chrismation. At St. Michael, if…
Becoming Orthodox
What is the process for former non-Christians?
You’ll become a catechumen and prepare for baptism. Preparation involves understanding what the catechumenate is and why it matters more for someone coming from outside…
Becoming Orthodox
Will I need to be baptized?
It depends on whether you’ve already been baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. At St. Michael, if you…
Becoming Orthodox
Will I need to be chrismated?
Yes, almost certainly. Chrismation is how you’ll become Orthodox. Chrismation is the mystery (what some call a sacrament) where you’re anointed with holy oil and…
Becoming Orthodox
What if I was already baptized as a baby?
It depends on how you were baptized. At St. Michael, if you were baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy…
Becoming Orthodox
What is the reception service like?
The reception service is short, and it happens right before or during the Divine Liturgy. What you’ll experience depends on how you’re being received. If…
Becoming Orthodox
What should I expect on the day I’m received?
You’ll be received into the Church during a Divine Liturgy, and you’ll receive Holy Communion for the first time that same day. It’s a full…
Becoming Orthodox
Who should be my sponsor (godparent)?
Your sponsor should be an Orthodox Christian who’s actually living the faith and can guide you in it. Not just someone who shows up on…
