Advice for Converts to Orthodox Christianity - Fr. Josiah Trenham

In this episode, Father Josiah Trenham provides guidance for those on the path towards Orthodox Christianity.
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This is the third episode from my interview with Orthodox Archpriest, theologian, author, publisher, and podcaster, Fr. Josiah Trenham. Fr. Josiah is pastor of St. Andrew Orthodox Church in Riverside, CA. He received his PhD in Theology from the University of Durham, is founder and director of Patristic Nectar Publications, and is a prolific podcaster and author.

A shout out to The Collective Wisdom Project community for crowdsourcing the questions for this interview!

To learn more about Fr. Josiah's work...

Patristic Nectar Publications

The Arena Podcast

St. Andrew Orthodox Church

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[patricklennon]

I am seriously considering converting to Orthodox Christianity from my Protestant roots. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to Father Trenham. I ask for prayers of guidance. Christ is King.

Edit: Currently a Catechumen :) Glory to God!

Edit 2: Coming up on a year in the Orthodox Church! Glory to God! Best decision I’ve ever made

[virginialopezrey]

My Priest told me, "Come to church." I also attended Bible Study classes taught by the Priest. But I also learned about the Orthodox way of life from others during coffee hour after church. We shared books, such as on the lives of Saints. That interaction would be much more difficult now, during Covid. I thank God He led me to convert more than seven years ago. I pray for catechumens now.

[melthesilly]

I currently live with my Muslim family who probably wouldn't be happy about me converting and getting baptized but hopefully in the future when I live separate from them I can finally get baptized. Until then I shall learn more about Orthodoxy, our Savior Jesus Christ and prepare to dedicate my life to the Lord 🙏🏻

[ProdigalJames]

Fr. Josiah Trenham is truly a treasure for Orthodox Christians.

[ivoryjohn]

I joke around with my Orthodox friends that I had a 20 year Catechism. I have been "poking the bear" for quite some time and found myself being a "little o" orthodox for many many years before stepping into the Church. I was officially received by Baptism in August of this year. I thank God for my long journey into The Church -- it was exactly what I needed.

[birdlynn]

I too am in the process of my Catechumen phase in the Orthodox Church. After coming home here, and through all my studies with the Orthodox Church, Jesus Christ teachings and understanding them better, the Desert Fathers, and their wisdom, there is no turning back for me to return again to any other church. There is nowhere else I would rather be.This is the real church God meant for us to BE. Orthodoxy is a way of life and that way of life is following Jesus and doing what he instructs us to do, taking his teachings seriously in our lives in a way that is gentle but so real that the Holy Spirit shows you the truth that you cannot denye. We all live with some great sorrows in our lives, but It is good to know, that we are all in this together, and we don't have to journey alone. We can have Jesus in the boat with us always, as long as we invite him in and trust and believe him and the scriptures, and along side and within the Orthodox church/family.

[cindyjones]

When I first turned on the video and there was no sound at all. Went off and clicked on samething else and it was fine. Went back to this video and sound finally worked. We all know who didnt want me to watch this video. Ive been researching and I want the real church, the first church, the true church. I am converting.

[JayRedding_]

Orthodoxy sounds so beautiful and spiritually fulfilling.

[peacedove]

As someone who became Orthodox this year from a history of the occult. Believe me when I say don’t rush your journey or try to learn everything too fast on your own. You will lose your mind. Stay in constant contact with your spiritual father or a trusted orthodox friend. And be gentle on yourself. Focus on your relationship with God first through prayer then practice the fasting and liturgy stuff second. It’s a roller coaster for some of us but 100% worth the effort.

[SaltySeabee]

Christened by a Catholic church at a very young age, raised in a Methodist church from 10-17. Walked away from religion for many years, tried non-denominational churches when I began my journey back to religion and Christianity after committing many sins and entering my 40s. I am hungry to know Jesus better. I am a sinner. The Orthodox Church has struck something inside my heart, mind, and soul. I want to convert. I am drawn to it, like no other thing in my life, and I can't explain it.

[LillianMorris-uz]

As a Catechumen once Traditional Latin Catholic, I take things very seriously. I have been looking into the Orthodox faith for a few years or so. There is plenty of information on fasting etc. The Orthodox faith is the one True Faith. Very devout and love the Orthodox faith, God bless.

[Simonet]

From encountering Orthodoxy to my baptism took seven years. That was twenty five years ago and in that period I have seen several times how those who rush into the Church tend not to stay. This is of course tragic. To encounter Christ and then walk away leaves you on a worse state than before. Lord, have mercy.
One piece of advice I would suggest, is to go to an old calendar church 😊☦️☦️☦️

[Osafune]

My catechism was very quick, I don't regret it but it's definitely wiser to have a longer one. My priest has to work to support himself so he struggles to catechise thoroughly as he is so busy, which is a shame but the parish and orthodoxy in general seems to be on the rise in the UK so who knows how it may change?

My zeal lead me to dive headfirst into my first lent with minimal fasting experience, and eventually the wheels came off and I had a lot of spiritual struggles.

Also my old life was very sinful and hedonistic, and I was very unprepared for how hard "the old man" fought back and went through some anguish. To immerse yourself in orthodoxy without quickly having pulled the trigger and made the commitment I think would have bolstered me and prepared me for the schism with my old life.

[birdlynn]

Very good, Father, very good, thank you, very much.

[santamanone]

When I converted my own catechism was about three years.

[Thepsychedelicverses]

I’m being guided to convert. Praise God.

[colmwhateveryoulike]

I don't mind taking time to settle in and be confirmed, particularly as my local church are mainly Greek and speak Greek so it's that bit more difficult to follow. However, I am yet to be baptised and given how important this was to Jesus and the Apostles, I am somewhat impatient for it.

I would like to understand why the Apostles regularly baptised Jews and Gentiles including those like Philip the eunoch - from very different cultures - on the same day they received the gospel but the Church waits for several years to do the same.

[charlesmaximus]

Father Josiah just absolutely nails it here, especially during the opening, in regards to catechumens making a “mental conversion” before a fully spiritual/noetic one.

[SkiesToInfinity]

As a Catechumen trying to better understand when to receive Baptism, this video is very helpful. Thank you and thank God!

[SimpleAmadeus]

I'm about to officially become a catechumen. I must admit that this advice is difficult for me, because I've been a seeker for over a decade, and now that I've finally and truly found the truth, I am beyond eager for an "arrival". Delaying for another 3 years sounds like a very long time, and I admit that part of me doesn't see the point. But if it must be so, then I shall go through it.