By default the path to baptism lasts for a minimum of one year. It consists of three stages: Inquiry, Catechesis, and Baptism.

Inquiry

At this stage the inqurier is interested in learning more about the Orthodox faith and participating in Orthodox worship. An inquirer may come to services, attend catechism classes, and visit with Orthodox Christians in an effort to learn more about the ancient faith of the Church.

Catechesis

Catechetical classes are offered throughout the year. Each cycle of classes consists of seven sessions, covering the basic tenets of Orthodox Christian faith and life. Once an inquirer has attended all seven classes and accepts the truth of the Orthodox faith, he may ask the priest to make him a catechumen—one who is formally preparing for baptism.

The catechetical classes are open to all—inquirers, catechumens, and those already baptized but seeking to deepen their understanding of the Orthodox faith.

These classes cover the following topics:

1) God the Father, basic comparative theology, and the Orthodox concept of deification

2) God the Son, the seven ecumenical councils, ancestral (not original) sin

3) Overview of church history, borders of the Church, conciliarity vs. papism vs. Protestantism

4) God the Holy Spirit, the role of the Holy Spirit in worship and in our lives

5) The Divine Liturgy; the all-night vigil; preparation for Holy Communion

6) Orthodox lifestyle, church etiquettte, the calendar and terminology

7) Orthodox moral theology, the ten commandments, the acquisition of the Holy Spirit

Classes are posted on our schedule: ordinarily they are held Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM at the church (except on great feasts or eves of feasts when the vigil is served) and are taught by the clergy of our parish. If a class is missed, it may be made up by attending the missed class during the next cycle of classes. Cancellations are announced via email. If you are not on the parish email list, please call Fr. Nathan at (207) 504-1601 to confirm before attending.

No catechetical classes are held on evenings when the vigil is served, as well as during the first week of Great Lent, Holy Week, Bright Week, and the Christmas season (January 6–19 new style).

Baptism

Catechumens must demonstrate a commitment to come to services regularly and on time. In addition to completing all seven classes, adults should memorize “Our Father,” “O Theotokos and Virgin, Rejoice,” and the Creed. The seven classes should be augmented by further reading under the guidance of the catechist, Orthodox talks and lectures, and other edifying materials.

By default the period of catechesis lasts for a minimum of one year; exceptions may be made for individual circumstances at the rector’s discretion

Once a catechumen has shown himself (1) to know and accept Orthodox doctrine and (2) to be committed to adopting Orthodox Christianity as a way of life (including prayer, fasting, and divine services), and there are no impediments, a date will be set for baptism in the Orthodox Church.