Admission to the Catechumenate

[Robin Westwood]

Please pray for me as I am admitted to the Catechumenate of the British Orthodox Church, in Bournemouth on Sunday 4th March 2007, by Fr. Simon at 1000hrs.

'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God have mercy on me a sinner'

God Bless & Thanks,

ROBIN.

[John Charmley]

Dear Robin,

Congratulations; you are in my prayers - and in the best possible hands. May your catechumenate be all that you need and want it to be - and, if my own recent experience is anything to go by, it will be even more.

The peace and the joy keep deepening. May He be with you and hold you,

Bless you

In Christ,

John

[Robin Westwood]

Many, many thanks for those kind words, I think you know how I am feeling as you have recently travelled on the same journey to.

God Bless,

Robin

[John Charmley]

Dear Robin,

I do indeed know; and I can say that although the journey will at times seem hard, the joy at the end of it is out of all proportion to any pains.

It is a blessed time. In my 'reflections' here (in the conversations thread) I tried to outline some of the things I went through; it might be interesting to compare experiences after a while, as it may be that you views would help others here.

You are in my prayers.

In Christ,

John

[admin]

Dear Robin

Indeed many prayers for your entrance into the catechumenate.

I am sure that there are many people praying for you as you take this next step in your pilgrimage. I hope that it will be a time of blessing for you.

In Christ

Peter

[Mark Fletcher]

Prayers taken from 'Praying with the Orthodox Tradition', Foreword by Kallistos Ware, Compiled by Stefano Parenti, Translated by Paula Clifford, St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, Crestwood, New York, ISBN: 0-88141-156-6; ISBN 978-0-88141-156-0; printed in USA, 1996, 76 page paperback, price: ?6.99. Taken from pages 11, 33, 64 and 65.

Quote:O God, You see and know all things, even before they have their being: You do not desire the death of sinners but rather that they may turn to You and live; so look down from Your heavenly dwelling on Your servants these Catechumens: open their ears and hearts to receive and understand the mystery of Your Only-Begotten Son Who is our God; give them new birth through water and the spirit for Your eternal Kingdom. That with us they too may glorify Your Name, which is to be honoured and exalted, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, to the ages of ages. Amen.

Bless too, O Lord, Your servants these Catechumens whom You have brought through a holy calling to the wonderful Light of knowing You: help them to know the sure foundation of Your Word on which their instruction rests. Pour Your Holy Spirit upon them that they too may become the little sheep of the One True Shepherd, signed with the Seal of the Holy Spirit and precious members of the Body of Your Church; and in the world to come make them worthy of the real and blessed hope of the Kingdom of Heaven. That with us they too may glorify Your Name which is worthy of all honour and majesty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, to the ages of ages. Amen.

Almighty God, in Your Love for all mankind, look down from Your heavenly dwelling on these Catechumens, Your servants, who have their heads bowed in Your presence and await Your compassion: reveal to them Your Gospel of Righteousness, count them among your chosen flock, and in Your good time grant them new birth from the waters of Baptism. That they too, with us, may glorify Your Name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, to the ages of ages. Amen.

O Lord our God, look mercifully on us and on those who are preparing for Holy Baptism, and have their heads bowed before You now: make the Light of Your Gospel shine upon them; send an Angel of Light to deliver them from all powers of the enemy, that when they are fit to receive Your immortal gift and are brought into a life of obedience to Your commandments, they may know the joys of heaven. For You are their Light and we glorify You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever, to the ages of ages. Amen.