The Essence of Orthodox Catechesis: Guiding Souls to Discipleship
A conversation on the art of guiding souls into the Orthodox faith through liturgy, community, and lived discipleship
On May 27, 2025, we hosted a recent panel discussion, bringing together a distinguished group of Orthodox Christian leaders to explore the purpose, theology, and importance of catechesis in our time. I was on the panel as a reader and catechist from a large Greek Orthodox parish, and I was joined by:
Father John Parker, dean of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and a scholar of catechesis;
Father David Galloway, a mission priest whose small parish has welcomed a surge of converts;
Father Deacon Seraphim Richard Rohlin, a newly ordained deacon with extensive experience as a lay catechist at a cathedral;
Dr. Cyril Gary Jenkins, a professor and catechist from the Antiochian Orthodox Church, and moderator of the discussion.
Their insights offer a compelling vision for nurturing catechumens into disciples within the Orthodox faith. This article is based on our discussion, but after reading, I really recommend you watch the whole thing here at SimplyOrthodox.info, or on YouTube.
The Purpose of Catechesis: Forming Disciples
Catechesis is not about producing theologians but about guiding individuals to follow Christ. Father John Parker emphasizes teaching the essentials—Scripture, liturgical services, the Nicene Creed, and the Church’s moral framework. The aim is to immerse catechumens in the prayers, hymns, and beauty of Orthodoxy, ensuring the faith resonates with all, from those with deep biblical knowledge to those new to Scripture. Accessibility is key, as the Orthodoxy in America often serves a highly educated demographic—but must reach people of all backgrounds.
Clip of Deacon Seraphim on materialism and the Mysteries:
A Collaborative Approach
Effective catechesis requires a team effort. The panel advocates for clergy and trained laypeople to work together, guiding catechumens through structured programs.
The other panelists spoke of year-round initiatives, while our Saint Mark parish offers a five-week “Discover Orthodoxy” course with 90-minute sessions for newcomers and lifelong members, alongside other classes intermittently throughout the year. We have a welcome table at coffee hour twice a month with reserved seats for inquirers, catechumens, and newli illumined. We also engage laypeople who volunteer to assist with classes, staff outreach booths, or lead church tours during our Greek festival. Increasingly, these volunteers mentor newcomers, fostering a culture of interconnectedness and continuous learning within our community.
Everyone stressed the importance of teaching the Divine Liturgy in all of its theological and mystical depth.
Transformation Through Lived Faith
Catechesis goes beyond imparting knowledge; it is about spiritual formation. Catechists must embody the faith, as Father John notes: “You cannot pass on what you do not possess.” Living the Church’s liturgical and moral life is essential to avoid hypocrisy. One of his ideas is that catechumens shuld engage in practical acts of service—candle duty, serving at coffee hour, cleaning the church, or serving the needy—to cultivate humility and stewardship.
All agreed that stewardship and almsgiving are integral, requiring parishes to teach our faithful and catechumens alike to prioritize opportunities for service.
Fr. John Parker on catechesis and spiritual formation over academic training:
The Liturgy as a Catechetical Foundation
The Divine Liturgy is central to catechesis, offering a living encounter with Christ and the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Explaining elements like the Little Entrance or the Litany of Peace helps catechumens connect with the worship of the Church, which otherwise might be bewildering. Several of the members of the panel suggested strongly reading the quiet prayers out loud, especially the Eucharistic anaphora, noting no theological reason to withhold their meaning. After the panel, we even had an extended discussion on this between Deacon Seraphim and Fr. John.
It is also encouraged that holding classes alongside services or offering extensive Q&A sessions further encourages newcomers to integrate the Church’s liturgical life.
In sum: the importance of attending to, and teaching the meaning of, the Divine Liturgy and services seemed to be a point of agreement among all panelists.
Addressing Challenging Topics
Catechesis often involves navigating complex issues—such as the Church’s teaching that sexual activity is blessed only within a heterosexual, monogamous marriage; the recent Internet Orthodox hubbub over baptism and chrismation; or even controversial material from the Scriptures themselves. The panel advises clergy and catechists to lead these discussions with clarity and pastoral sensitivity, avoiding unnecessary debates.
Starting with foundational teachings and deepening as needed keeps the focus clear. Catechumens are encouraged to seek guidance from their parish rather than the internet, where misinformation can distract. The local priest always plays the primary role for addressing personal or controversial matters.
The whole conversation can also be viewed on YouTube:
From Catechesis to Discipleship
Catechesis is the entry point to the Church; discipleship is the lifelong journey. The panel distinguishes between the two, stressing the need for robust discipleship programs to sustain growth. Preaching is critical—concise, impactful sermons can impact the growing faith of the catechumens. Catechumens should learn practical stewardship, from tithing to serving humbly, to embody the Church’s ethos. These practices will help our catechesis lead to a vibrant, ongoing commitment to Christ within an life of Orthodox piety.
A Call to the Light of Christ
This discussion reveals a vision of catechesis as an interplay between education, liturgy, and service in order to forge disciples who live the Orthodox faith with conviction. John 1:4-5 says, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” When we catechize others, we are bringing them from darkness to light.
Parishes that embrace this vision become beacons of authentic community, guiding seekers into the radiant truth of Christ’s Church. Jesus promises in John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
We catechize to point others to the true Light.
To begin this journey, connect with your local parish or explore resources at the Episcopal Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops website.