GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA
GREEK ORTHODOX PARISH/COMMUNITY OF ST GEORGE, BRISBANE
INFORMATION FOR CATECHUMENS
The Orthodox Christian Church is the faithful continuation of the Church which Our Lord Jesus established through His Apostles in the first century AD.
The Church welcomes all people who seek to experience the saving grace of the Triune God in the community of His People regardless of ethnic origin, gender or previous religious affiliation.
You may have been led to the Orthodox Church for a number of reasons. But before you are received into the Church you must ask yourself:
- Do I believe in God the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
- Do I believe that Jesus is the Son of God come in the flesh to save us from sin and death?
- Do I believe that the Orthodox Church is the ‘one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church’ of the Nicene Creed?
- Am I willing to commit myself to Christ and His Church understanding that this entails a change of mind (metanoia – repentance) and a new life in Christ?
To help you answer these questions the Church provides you with a period of time in which you can learn about your new faith and test your commitment to it. This is called the catechumenate and usually lasts a number of months. During this period you enter into the ranks of the catechumens (those people who are being taught about the Orthodox Faith with a view to being received into the Church).
Catechism Course
Throughout your catechumenate you will need to be in regular contact with your local priest.
For residents of Brisbane a course on the Orthodox Faith will need to be completed as part of the preparation process. Please contact your local parish priest for more information.
Reception Into the Orthodox Church
After the completion of the course you may be received into the Orthodox Church by Holy Baptism and/or Chrismation (Confirmation) depending on your circumstances.
If you have any questions please contact Fr Dimitri on (07) 3249 1000 – frdimitri@gocstgeorge.com.au
May God bless you on your spiritual journey.