1. Introduction
The Church is committed to welcoming individuals who sincerely seek to become members of the Orthodox Church and fully embrace its teachings and traditions. In light of contemporary challenges, including the irresponsible use of the internet and the prevalence of non-serious inquiries about membership, the Church has established a clear policy regarding the process for potential members. This policy aims to ensure that only individuals who are genuinely committed to the faith are admitted into the Church.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Outline the requirements for individuals wishing to become members of the Church.
- Establish the importance of catechetical formation in the process of membership.
- Clarify how non-serious inquiries will be handled by Church authorities.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all individuals who express an interest in joining the Old Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, including those from other faith traditions or those who have had no previous religious affiliation.
4. Membership Requirements
4.1. Catechetical Class Requirement
- All individuals seeking membership in the Church must complete a catechetical class. This class serves as a foundational course that covers the teachings, beliefs, and practices of the faith of the Church.
- The catechetical process may take up to three or four years, depending on the individual’s prior knowledge and understanding of the faith. This extended period is designed to ensure thorough preparation for a committed life in the Church.
4.2. Commitment to Faith
- Only individuals who demonstrate a serious and genuine commitment to embracing the teachings of the Church will be admitted to membership. This includes a willingness to actively participate in the sacramental life, community activities, and ongoing formation within the Church.
- Prospective members must show evidence of their commitment through regular attendance at catechetical sessions, engagement in parish life, and a desire to grow spiritually.
5. Handling Non-Serious Inquiries
5.1. Screening Process
- In recognition of the current landscape where many inquiries about membership may be made casually or irresponsibly, the Church has implemented a screening process for all inquiries received.
- Non-serious inquiries, particularly those that do not demonstrate genuine interest or commitment, will typically be ignored and not pursued further.
5.2. Documentation and Record-Keeping
- All inquiries regarding membership will be documented and permanently filed for future reference. This record-keeping will help the Church track engagement and may provide insight into trends in inquiries or interest over time.
5.3. Follow-Up with Serious Inquiries
- Individuals who demonstrate a sincere interest in membership will be encouraged to proceed with the catechetical class. Church representatives may follow up with these individuals to discuss their intentions, answer questions, and provide information about the next steps in the membership process.
6. Conclusion
The Church is dedicated to fostering a community of committed and serious members who uphold its teachings and values. By requiring a catechetical class and establishing clear criteria for membership, the Church ensures that only those who are truly devoted to the faith are admitted. In this era of information overload and non-serious inquiries, the Church will exercise discernment in handling membership inquiries, prioritising genuine interest and commitment to the faith.
September 15, 2009; December 19, 2018
