Ordination to Priesthood (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)

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I tell you, my friends, don't be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear him, who after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Aren't five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don't be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows. I tell you, everyone who confesses me before men, him will the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God; but he who denies me in the presence of men will be denied in the presence of the angels of God.

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	Ordination to Priesthood (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)

QUESTION:

I am interested in the priesthood, and I am new to the Orthodox faith, coming over from Roman Catholic, where I was a member of a religious order. Can you tell me what I need to do?

ANSWER:

Assuming that you are now a member of a parish of the Orthodox Church in America, one would normally enroll in one of the OCA's seminaries and obtain a MDiv degree in preparation for ordination to the priesthood. It is also recommended that one who has converted to Orthodoxy be an active member of a parish for an appreciable period of time prior to entering seminary.

If you are an older individual who perhaps already has an MDiv, you might consider the OCA's late vocations program. However, study at one of the seminaries is highly recommended for anyone capable of doing so.

Published in January 2011.

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