Joseph Buttram was enrolled as the newest catechumen in the family of St. Vladimir, on Sunday, Nov. 16th. 

"We are delighted to welcome Joseph to the ranks of the catechumenate.  This is a period of betrothal to the Orthodox Christian Church, in preparation for his marriage by chrismation in the coming months," explained Fr. John.

The period of the catechumenate is historically a long period of preparation involving studying, prayer, questioning and careful attention to the moral character of those who would be received.  In times past, the period of the catechumenate could last three years, before someone would be received by baptism or chrismation into the Orthodox Christian Church. 

Fr. John explained that Joseph's preparation is going to be formed in, through, and by the Church and that the parish family of St. Vladimir would play a meaningful and important role in praying for Joseph as part of his preparation.  "Each week now in the Divine Liturgy, we will pray for you by name as a catechumen until that glorious day on which Joseph is fully received." 

Joseph is a New Jersey native, coming to the parish of St. Vladimir with his wife Rebekah and their son Zach.  Congratulations on your enrollment, and be assured of our prayers!

For more information about what it means to be a catechumen, or if you would like to learn more about Orthodox Chrisitianity, please either speak with Fr. John or check out this helpful link: 

http://orthodoxwiki.org/Catechumen