How to Become Orthodox: A Clear Beginner’s Guide to the Journey
Introduction
Entering the Orthodox Church is not a quick decision or a checklist. It is a journey of healing, a slow and steady walk toward Christ within His ancient Church.
If you’re curious, searching, or drawn toward Orthodoxy, this guide will show you what the path typically looks like — gently, realistically, and without pressure.
This article is written for:
- Inquirers
- Catechumens
- Protestants exploring Orthodoxy
- Ex-Muslims and people from non-Christian backgrounds
- Anyone beginning to seek the ancient Christian faith
It is not theological instruction, nor is it a priest’s voice.
It is a clear, beginner-friendly roadmap so you know what to expect, what to avoid, and how to walk this path with peace.
SECTION 1 — What Does It Mean to “Become Orthodox”?
Becoming Orthodox means:
- Entering the ancient Christian Church founded by Christ and the Apostles
- Learning to live a sacramental life
- Allowing your heart to be healed by Christ
- Becoming part of a local parish community
- Submitting to the guidance of the Church, not personal interpretation
Orthodoxy is not a “switch of labels” or a new ideology.
It is a way of life — prayer, repentance, humility, worship, and union with God.
The journey is slow, personal, and unique for each person.
There is no pressure to rush and no reward in “becoming Orthodox fast.”
SECTION 2 — The Difference Between Inquirer & Catechumen
Inquirer
Someone exploring the Orthodox faith.
Not yet committed. Learning, asking questions, attending services.
Catechumen
Someone the priest has formally received as preparing for baptism/chrismation.
Think of it like this:
- Inquirer: “I’m learning.”
- Catechumen: “I’m committing.”
Both stages are important.
Both require patience and guidance.
SECTION 3 — First Steps: Visit Your Local Parish
Your journey begins, not online, but in a parish.
How to begin:
- Choose one parish (don’t “parish hop” endlessly)
- Attend the Divine Liturgy weekly
- Begin learning the rhythm of Orthodox worship
- Don’t worry if the services feel overwhelming at first
Expect:
- Standing
- Chanting
- Incense
- Long prayers
- Everything new
This is normal. Everyone feels lost at first.
Read more about this topic: What Is Eastern Orthodoxy?
SECTION 4 — Speak With the Priest Early
After a few visits, approach the priest and simply say:
“Father, I’m exploring Orthodoxy. May I ask you some questions?”
You don’t need perfect theology.
You don’t need to impress anyone.
Just be honest.
The priest will:
- Guide your pace
- Recommend basic resources
- Advise you on prayer
- Help you avoid mistakes
- Discern whether you’re ready for catechumenate later
This is essential.
Orthodoxy is not a self-directed journey.
SECTION 5 — Start With Small Prayer Habits
Do NOT overwhelm yourself with long prayer rules.
Start with:
- Morning “Through the prayers…”
- Evening “Have mercy on me, O God…”
- A few Jesus Prayers throughout the day
Prayer comes before learning.
Prayer comes before YouTube.
Prayer comes before reading.
We do not “think” our way into Orthodoxy — we pray our way into it.
SECTION 6 — Study With Discernment (Avoid Overconsumption)
Here is the order of learning:
1. Holy Scripture
The foundation. Always first.
2. Basic introductions
Light, beginner-friendly books.
3. Catechism
If you are an inquirer or catechumen.
Catechisms are especially helpful for beginners because they explain the basics clearly and safely, without overwhelming the soul.
Why discernment matters
Orthodoxy is deep — too deep to consume at once.
Some texts are meant for monastics, not beginners.
Avoid:
- YouTube “Orthodoxy vs everyone” debates
- Extreme ascetic writings
- Angry polemical content
- “Orthodox influencers” speaking with no blessing
These create confusion, fear, pride, or what many call new-convert zeal — a fiery but unstable enthusiasm.
Go slowly.
Stay grounded.
Ask the priest when unsure.
How to learn more about the faith: Learning the Orthodox Faith Wisely
SECTION 7 — Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are the traps nearly every beginner falls into:
1. Rushing the process
Orthodoxy cannot be microwaved.
2. Reading advanced texts too early
Philokalia, monastic asceticism, mystical theology — not for beginners.
3. Consuming too much online content
If prayer decreases while YouTube increases, something is wrong.
4. Falling into “new convert zeal”
A burst of excitement that quickly becomes pride.
5. Getting lost in online debates
This harms your soul and gives a distorted picture of the Church.
6. Becoming prideful about knowledge
Knowing terms ≠ knowing Christ.
7. Trying to “convert others” prematurely
Zeal is beautiful — but it must be gentle, patient, and humble, not pushy or confrontational.
SECTION 8 — Understanding the Catechumenate
If the priest and you agree, he may receive you as a catechumen.
This step usually involves:
- A small prayer of enrollment
- Commitment to attending services regularly
- A deeper rhythm of prayer
- Beginning formal instruction
- Learning repentance, humility, and spiritual discipline
The catechumenate is not a countdown — it is a time of healing.
SECTION 9 — Family Concerns & Social Challenges
Many beginners fear:
- “What will my family say?”
- “Will my friends think I’m extreme?”
- “Will this offend my parents?”
Here is the Orthodox approach:
Be gentle. Be patient. Do not push.
Live your faith quietly and respectfully.
For those from non-Christian families (including ex-Muslims):
- Do not debate religion at home
- Respect family rules
- Focus on prayer and virtue
Your transformation should be peaceful, not confrontational.
SECTION 10 — Preparing for Baptism or Chrismation
As you grow:
- You’ll attend pre-baptismal instruction
- You’ll be taught the Creed
- You’ll confront your passions
- You’ll learn confession, fasting, and sacraments
- You’ll grow in humility
Do not rush this.
Baptism is not a reward — it is a death and resurrection.
SECTION 11 — Life After Becoming Orthodox
Becoming Orthodox is not the finish line — it is the beginning.
You will now:
- Participate in the full sacramental life
- Regularly confess
- Fast during fasting seasons
- Pray daily
- Continue learning slowly
- Grow in humility
- Become part of a community
- Prepare for spiritual battles and healing
Your task is not to become “Orthodox-looking.”
Your task is to become like Christ.
SECTION 12 — Final Encouragement
You don’t have to understand everything.
You don’t have to feel ready.
You don’t have to be perfect.
Just begin.
Orthodoxy is received slowly, gently, humbly, and over a lifetime.
Take one small step.
Attend one service.
Say one prayer.
Talk to one priest.
Christ will guide the rest.