Late Vocations (Teachings of the Orthodox Church) Christianity. Orthodoxy. Catholicism. Sense of life. Articles for Christians.
“I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.                “You shall have no other gods before me.                “You shall not make for yourselves an idol, nor any image of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: you shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them, for I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me, and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.                “You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.                “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. You shall labor six days, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.                “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.                “You shall not murder.                “You shall not commit adultery.                “You shall not steal.                “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.                “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
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Late Vocations (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)
   

QUESTION:

I am a recent convert to Orthodoxy and am very interested in pursuing a vocation to the priesthood. I am in my mid-40s, a college professor, and have a Ph.D. I have heard very generally about the OCA's "Late Vocations" program, but cannot find any really specific information about it.

I aware of courses given in the Extension Programs of the OCA Seminaries, and of the Antiochian Archdiocese's St. Stephen's Course.

I am fully prepared to do everything it takes, but need guidance as to what the initial steps really are. I also know that there are various impediments to ordination -- for me a major one might be that I have been Orthodox only for a short time?

ANSWER:

The best way to prepare for ordination in the Orthodox Church is, of course, to study at an Orthodox seminary. Priestly formation not only involves academics, but also a day-to-day life experience, participation in the daily cycle of liturgical services, regular interaction with seminary professors, staff, and peers, etc.

In cases where there is no possibility whatsoever of studying at an Orthodox seminary, mature individuals may consider pursuing a late vocations program. The best way to begin exploring this would be to seek the advice of your parish priest, your spiritual father, and ultimately your diocesan bishop. Ultimately, one must have the blessing of his diocesan bishop to initiate participation in the late vocations program.

It is only my opinion, but I think that it is wise for a person, especially one contemplating the late vocations program, to have been Orthodox for at least three years before beginning a program -- including enrollment in seminary.

One of the best "classrooms" is the parish. There one not only learns the dynamics of pastoring individuals, leading a community, and organizing the plethora of programs, ministries, and evangelization efforts, but one also experiences and learns from the liturgical cycle as observed on a parish level -- of course, assuming that one's parish has a rather full liturgical life.

Further, by waiting a designated period of time, one may more clearly "test" his vocation.

The St. Stephen's Course is not designed to prepare individuals for the priesthood; rather, it is directed at laypeople interested in broadening their understanding of the faith.

Thus, the best advice I can offer is to ultimately discuss your intentions and potential vocation with those mentioned above. Only they can fully assess your particular situation and offer appropriate guidance. I hope this helps.

Fr. John Matusiak





Published in January 2011.









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