Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church
A Parish of the Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese of the USA,
Canada, and Australia
62 Harvard Avenue
Allston, MA 02134
Dear _________________,
If you are reading this letter, it means that you have been recently blessed as a Catechumen. Many
Years (Orthodox lingo for “congratulations!”)! Since the time of the early Church, Catechumens (in
Greek meaning “those who learn the faith”) were recent converts to Christianity who strove to learn
about the Orthodox Faith in preparation for Holy Baptism.
Originally Catechumens were only allowed to participate in the first public part of the Divine Liturgy
(known as the Liturgy of the Catechumens) and were asked to leave before the second part (the
Liturgy of the Faithful). This practice was in place for the protection of both the Eucharist and the
community in times of persecution, as well as to protect the Catechumen from the Mystery of the
Eucharist until the time of their baptism. Now almost all churches and many monasteries allow
catechumens to stay throughout the whole service.
The period of Catechesis in the Orthodox Church should be seen as a journey. It is important to
use the time wisely and spend it in prayer, spiritual growth and education. It is certainly not easy,
as you will face many questions about your faith and spiritual foundation that often take courage
and patience to work through. After your catechism is complete, and you and the priest have
agreed that you have worked hard to learn about and participate Orthodoxy, you can think about
possible dates for baptism/chrismation into the Orthodox Church.
Please use the resources given to you by the Church, and enjoy this time of spiritual growth and
formation. The following “tools” will reinforce your foundation as you learn more about the Holy
Orthodox Faith. If you have any questions, please be brave, and ask either Father Patrick or Father
Michael. They are more than happy to arrange a time to talk!
PLEASE NOTE: While this packet should serve as a real list of requirements before
Baptism/Chrismation, please know that there are always exceptions. Do not feel overwhelmed or
distressed by all of the criteria in the packet. Firstly, these are all for our benefit. Secondly, they are
meant to steer us towards God. Please try your hardest to fulfill them, but feel free to consult a
priest if you have any questions or concerns. The most important thing is that you do all of this
under the direction of a priest, so as not become complacent or overwhelmed.
Included in this packet:
Diptych of Icons: Find a place in your house (preferably facing east) where you can set up an
“icon corner.” This is only your first installment. In time you can add more to your shrine.
-1-
Prayer Rope (buy in bookstore): This is a traditional spiritual “sword” that allows you to pray an
ancient prayer known as the “Jesus Prayer.” For every time that you say the prayer, you count one
bead in between your thumb and forefinger. The prayer goes like this: “Lord Jesus Christ, son of
God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” It is well known for its concise “punch.” You can pray it at any
time of the day, and anywhere. It provides an opportunity for you to “pray without ceasing” as St.
Paul commands in his letter to the Thessalonians. The Jesus Prayer is not magic, but as the
Gospel says, there is power even in Jesus’ name. Strive to focus on the prayer and you will not
regret it! For more information regarding the Jesus Prayer please speak with Fr. Patrick or Fr.
Michael.
Morning, Day and Evening Prayers (you can find a complete Orthodox Prayerbook at the
bookstore or online at http://www.myriobiblos.gr/texts/english/prayerbook/main.htm): Also included
in this packet is a Daily Prayerbook. This includes morning prayers, prayers during the day and
evening prayers. You can simply read these prayers in front of your icons, making the appropriate
bows (with a “sign of the cross”) wherever they appear. If you do not have time to do all of these
prayers you can speak to a priest to work out an abbreviated version. Again, please see one of the
priests for questions.
Catechumen Requirements: The Catechumen requirements will give you a general sense of
what your journey will look like. You should try to attend Divine Liturgy and other services as
consistently as possible, as well Orthodoxy 101 and private meetings with the priest. Please review
these requirements and set up a time to meet with a priest for further questions/directions.
Meditations on the Divine Liturgy: This is a wonderful introduction to the Divine Liturgy of St.
John Chrysostom (the service that occurs on Sundays, with a few exceptions). The service is
packed with meaning and wonderful prayers; Nikolai Gogol provides an excellent starting point for
newcomers interested in entering more deeply into the Divine Services.
Journal Sheet (“Catching the Grace of the Day”): This will allow you to more easily keep a daily
journal if you so choose.
Liturgical Calendar (buy at bookstore): The Liturgical Calendar produced by St. Herman of Alaska
Press and/or the HROC wall calendar provides you with a daily reading of scriptures, the saints
commemorated for each day, and a breakdown of feast days and fast days for the entire liturgical
year. This is a wonderful resource for focusing your life around the Liturgical cycle. We do this in
order to try to catch the grace of each unique day.
*Please note: Holy Resurrection follows the “Old” Calendar Liturgical Cycle. Without getting into too much historical detail, this simply
means that you will see two dates in the Calendar (i.e. May 5/18). The first date (5) is the “Old” Calendar date and the second date is the date that
we follow in the normal American calendar. All this to say, simply use the second date when you are searching for each particular day (i.e. if it is
May 18th today, then I will go to the calendar and find May 5/18, which will be the right day). The number 5 just tells me that it is May 5th in the “Old
Calendar”. If you have any questions about this, don’t hesitate to ask.
Daily Online Calendar (Readings and Saints of the Day): www.orthodoxinfo.com
God bless you in your journey!
-2-
Pre-Chrismation/Baptism Requirements
Book List
1. Abba Dorotheos
2. The Orthodox Church
3. Confronting and Controlling the Thoughts
4. The Arena
5. Holy Fathers: a Sure Guide to Orthodoxy
6. The Art of Prayer (Abbott Chariton)
7. Article #1: Icons
8. Article #2: History of the Church/Tradition
9. Article #3: Liturgics
Orthodoxy 101
You should attend (at least) one semester of Orthodoxy 101 classes before considering
Baptism/Chrismation. Depending on your knowledge of the Faith (Biblical Studies, Church History,
the Sacraments, the Creed, etc.) you may be expected to attend more or less frequently.
Consistent Church attendance
As a Catechumen, you need to exemplify commitment and consistency in Church attendance.
Despite the fact that you will not partake of the Eucharist until you have been fully received into the
Orthodox Church, it is important to immerse yourself in the various services and sacraments. The
Divine Services are both instructive and transformative. You can read thousands of books, the
Bible and all of the Church Fathers, but nothing compares to experiencing the Liturgy in its fullness.
Sundays and the Great Feast days of the church are very important; Saturday evenings are highly
recommended; and weekday services, if you are available, are truly a blessing.
Consistent Daily Routine
In accordance with the blessing and rule given by the priest, the Catechumen should exemplify
consistency in his/her daily prayer rule:
 1 Chapter/day of the Gospel
 1 Chapter/day of the Epistle
 Learn/Do ___ Jesus Prayers
 Morning/Evening Prayers (from Prayer Book)
 Record Gospel Message (Catching the Grace of the Day)
Observing Liturgical Calendar
 Fasting Periods throughout the year (ask about this at Orthodoxy 101): A typical
“fasting” diet consists of abstaining from all animal products and (depending on the
strictness of the fast) fish, wine and oil. Generally the rule is to keep a fasting diet every
Wednesday and Friday and then the 4 major fasting periods (found in the Calendar). There
are various exceptions throughout the year as well. It is recommended that you discuss
your diet with a priest before trying to start a full fasting regimen, especially if you have
certain allergies/restrictions that may inhibit you from keeping the fast.
 Awareness of periodical Fast Days and Feast Days (see in Liturgical Calendar)
 Reading Lives of Saints of the Day (http://www.westsrbdio.org/prolog/): Please note
that you will have to use the first of the two dates in the Liturgical Calendar to reference
-3-
the saints of the day on this website (i.e. May 5/18, you would use May 5 as oppose to
using May 18 for the actual Liturgical Calendar)
 Bible Readings for the Day (see in Liturgical Calendar): See description of Liturgical
Calendar.
Daily Journal (recommended)
You should try to keep a daily journal of all of the events of the day, including various insights that
you may have gleaned from the different readings. You will find copies of a sheet entitled “Catching
the Grace of the Day” enclosed in this packet. This may help in organizing your thoughts when you
look at the readings for the day.
Regular Meetings with Priest
You should contact the priest to set up meetings at least once a month (increasing in regularity as
your Baptism/Chrismation approaches). As the priest is very busy, it is important that you take the
initiative in scheduling these counseling meetings. It will definitely help in your journey!
Internet Resources
As with any other topic of interest, there are many resources online concerning Orthodox theology
and practice. There are, however, many bad resources online as well (similar to other topics of
interest). In your browsing online, practice discernment in realizing that some sites that call
themselves Orthodox are not necessarily in line with Orthodox teaching. The Orthodox thing to do
is to talk to a priest about anything that you find that raises questions in your mind.
Dedication to the Church
It is important that you participate in and help with the events of the Church before considering
chrismation/baptism. Becoming part of the Church also means becoming part of a human
community. While this community transcends time and space, as we are connected to the “cloud of
witnesses” that surrounds us, we also must commit to a specific community, as this is the training
ground for unity with Christ.
Pilgrimage
Monasticism has always played a foundational role in Orthodoxy throughout the centuries. For this
reason, and also for the spiritual benefit that you will receive, you should try to attend one or two
pilgrimages to the Monastery before your chrismation/baptism. It is always refreshing and
rejuvenating to spend time in spiritual retreat with monks and nuns (“martyrs” of the faith).
Sponsor Assignment
You may be given a sponsor during your Catechumenate who will be able to field general
questions/concerns
Please contact Fr. Patrick Tishel as soon as possible to discuss ministry involvement:
Fr.Patrick@holyresurrectionchurch.org
-4-
I agree to strive to complete the above requirements to the best of my ability, by the grace of God and under the
spiritual direction of Fr._______________ before the time of my christmation/baptism.
_________________________________________________
Catechumen Signature
Date
_________________________________________________
Pastor Signature
Date
_________________________________________________
Sponsor Signature
Date
-5-