“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19)
Catechesis is instruction in the foundations of the Orthodox faith that helps a person consciously enter the life of the Church. Its goal is churching: not a body of knowledge, but the transformation of one's life according to the Gospel, the acquiring of a living bond with Christ and the church community.
Why catechesis is needed
Just as an infant is formed and grows in its mother's womb, so in the bosom of the Mother Church, which we enter from the baptismal font, the soul must grow throughout life towards life eternal. Catechesis helps one take the first steps on this path consciously and responsibly.
Who needs to be catechized
- When a child is baptized, the parents and future godparents attend the catechetical talks.
- When an adult is preparing for Baptism, he or she undergoes catechesis under the guidance of a priest.
The fruits of catechesis
- a Christian worldview and a conscious faith;
- regular participation in the Sacraments, above all in the Holy Eucharist;
- an active spiritual life, prayer, and works of Christian love.
How to begin
To take the course of initial instruction in the faith, please speak to one of the cathedral's priests. Detailed guidance for those preparing for Baptism can be found in the section Preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism.
May the Lord strengthen you in the knowledge of the faith and in life in Christ! ❤️