How to Become an Orthodox Christian (Pencils & Prayer Ropes)

In this video we explore how does one one convert to Eastern Orthodox Christianity: the phases, common pitfalls and tips. We also have an Orthodox priest sharing his experiences and input on the conversion experience!

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00:00 Intro
01:15 Our Characters
02:48 Phase 1 - Getting Informed
05:53 Phase 2 - Attending a Church
09:59 Phase 3 - Catechumenate
12:52 Patron Saints
15:05 Godparents
15:40 Phase 4 - Baptism
16:42 Phase 5 - Chrismation
18:38 Corrective Baptisms
20:06 Phase 6 - Eucharist
21:31 Tips from Fr. Stephen

Music: "Spirit of Fire" by Jesse Galagher
Narration: Miloš Đekić and Reader Bojan Teodosijević
Illustration: Reader Bojan Teodosijević

RESOURCES FOR PROSPECTIVE CONVERTS:

Books

[BibleIllustrated]

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[MaximusOrthodox]

I will be Baptized and Christmated next Sunday. Glory to God!

[nel]

I was a catechumen for 3 years and was finally chrismated Christmas Eve and took communion for the first time Christmas Day. Trust in the process ☦️

[MrChi]

Currently a catechumen. Please pray for my family’s conversion as well.

Edit:
I was finally baptized on August 26th, 2023. St Nektarios is my patron saint!! Thank you for your hard work Bojan!

[sjappiyah]

As a Protestant, who has been interested in learning about Orthodoxy it’s been hard to find information and resources in English.
As opposed to Catholics it seemed like Orthodox’s kept more to themselves and weren’t interested in evangelism.

This video was VERY helpful, though I’m somewhat settled in my beliefs this was greatly appreciated.

God bless.

[Bobthestrich]

I am new to Orthodoxy and I am on the step of leaving my comfort zone and attending a church nearby. This step is a lot harder than I imagined. Especially being someone who is very shy and timid. I also would be going alone because no one I know is Orthodox or Christian really for that matter. It is so nerve racking! I have been putting this off for weeks and know that it has to be done deep down and sooner than later. For now I will continue to read and study my OSB and watch content like yours. Thank you.

[gamerjacob]

I am muslim and I love orthodox christianity, the chants, the music, the practices, and how devoted they are.

[loverlei]

I got lucky and came across the orthodox church through a co worker. After several questions out of curiosity over a work desk icon, she invited me to church.
I happily went and it was love at first sight.
My priest made me take my time and i spent 2 years going before i was Catechised. I needed to learn alot and since I was a chronic church hopper my priest wanted me to experience long time commitment.
It was well worth it and I've been Orthodox now for well over 15 years and can't imagine ever being anything else.

[fph]

I was a catholic, I have been researching orthodoxy and I have decided to become Eastern Orthodox.☦️

[holyholyholy]

I’m 18 and was a catechumen for 2 years. I didn’t know when or where I would be baptized, since I don’t have an orthodox patriarchate near me. But have patience and trust in God. I am baptized on holy Mount Athos!

[andrewbiggins]

Thank you for your very helpful video. As a 54 year old British man with no previous faith in his life up to now, I am taking the first steps to enter the Orthodox Church. I am lucky to have both a Russian and Greek Othodox Church on my doorstep and have attended both. I spoke to the Priest at the Greek Othodox Church yesterday, before Great Vespers, and will be returning for Holy Liturgy today. The journey begins!

[Abarvez]

I was born a Christian but became an Athiest then I became a Muslim for a few months….. then I felt I was missing something….. I don’t dream of Religious figures or God but I met Jesus in my dream and now my heart’s committed to Christianity I just refuse to be apart of Protestantism and I agree with Catholicism but orthodoxy has peaked my interest

[Patristix]

Thank you guys for the shoutout, and for the work that you do ❤☦🎬

[countryboyred]

As a Protestant searching for truth, thank you so much for this informative video. Glory to God.

[emmcee]

Lord willing, I will be made a catechumen on January 15th along with my husband, brother in law, and his fiance. Glory to God! We are all grateful for videos like this that answered questions and gave us knowledge along the way. God bless Pencils and Prayer Ropes!

[kiwijuice]

after watching this i have the sudden urge to convert back to orthodoxy, wonderful job bojan you managed to get past my severe agnosticism with merely 1 video

[SweetImmaculateHeart]

What a timely video for me. I have been slowly learning about Orthodoxy for the past few years though books and online resources (including your youtube channel) and on New Years Eve I finally reached out via email to the parish closest to me (nearly an hour away. And YES your recent video on the monk who was blessed by his perseverance in carrying water helped me greatly to finally take the step), and I will be visiting and attending my first liturgy this coming Sunday. My journey begins! Thank you for all your videos.

[OrthodoxInsights]

Thanks Bojan, Milos, and the Priests who assisted in the making of this video!

[BibleIllustrated]

IMPORTANT NOTE: In the video description we've assembled some basicmost convert resources. If you have any that you'd like us to add, leave it in the comments!

[ejcraig]

This was a fantastic video. The illustrations and small humorous details made me chuckle. I’m not Orthodox *yet* but I’m saving this video for if I end up going that direction. God bless you guys!