I am looking for experiences of how a convert becomes a catechumen.
Right now, I'm sending out e-mails to all the ROCOR churches in my area,
looking for an english speaking class. I've got a few leads,
and I'm also reading what books I can to prepare myself.
What I'd like is to hear your experiences, so I might know what to expect,
what to do, and what not to do, and what books to read.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
May your persistence of faith grant you many spiritual treasures.
I came to the church in August 93. I was made a catechumen. I had read many spiritual books before then. From then I attended regularly, for Sundays and Feast days. I was instructed by the priest and friends that I met there. But, it wasn't in a classroom scenario, it was everyday activities, discussions and more readings. I was taught what to do and what not to do. What this meant and what that meant. It became a staple activity in my life. It became absorbed in my heart. If I was going to visit my family for an occasion or barbeque, on a Sunday...they knew that I was going to church first and then I would go there. I got baptised on Pascha of 1994. I felt I was ready and so did everybody around me(in the church). The date was May 1st, by the way.
I believe that it is very important to be surrounded by people and activities that reflect the Orthodox praxis. People don't always know all the specifics of what to teach a catechumen. But, we can pick up on little habits when we are in their environment and then ask questions.
I am reading the Mountain of Silence by Kyriacos Markides. It is a very insightful look into the spiritual Orthodox teachings. It's basically a dialogue of a man who went to visit a monk on Mt. Athos. They discuss the struggle of spiritual warefare. I recommend this book. There are some points that are extremely necessary to understand.
You must find this book!!
My prayers are with you.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Ps. 50)
joasia,
You are reading the same books I have been. :shock: A few weeks ago you made a post wherein you mentioned that you were reading Fr. Arseny. When you had posted that I had just finished that book! Now, you mention that you are reading The Mountain of Silence... I have just finished that book like 3 days ago. Weird.
P.S. The Mountain of Silence was fantastic. Do you know if there is any information about Fr. Maximos online?
I want to read Mountain of Silence!
I am just about finished with the two volume set Contemporary Ascetics of Mount Athos. I feel like I learned more about Orthodox spirituality from those books than all the intoductory/theological works I read. After all, Orthodox spirituality is action driven, unable to be grasped by intellectual exercises alone--I need to continually work on this. To read about the pious lives of these ascetics has given me my first and only encounter with Orthodox monasticism in my 10 years of being Orthodox--I pray we will see more monasteries in America--in Oklahoma would be nice.
Basil