Christ is in our midst! · المسيح بيننا
For everyone drawn toward the ancient Christian faith — inquirers, catechumens, and those transferring in. There is no pressure and no rush. It begins simply: come and worship, and talk with Fr. George.
Something has drawn you toward Orthodoxy — the beauty of the worship, the depth of the ancient faith, a longing for a Church that has not changed with the fashions of the age. Whatever it is, you are welcome to explore it here, at your own pace, with no obligation. Countless people before you have walked this same road, and we would be honored to walk it with you.
The path into the Orthodox Church is unhurried and personal. There is no deadline to meet and no test to pass — only a gradual growing-into the life of Christ and His Church, guided by our pastor, Fr. George Shawareb, and supported by a parish family that will be glad you came.
Becoming Orthodox is less like signing up and more like coming home. The Church has a gentle, time-honored way of receiving those who are drawn to her, and it unfolds in seasons rather than steps on a checklist:
You begin simply by coming — to the Divine Liturgy, to coffee hour, to conversation. An inquirer is anyone asking questions and exploring the faith with no commitment whatsoever. Many people remain inquirers for a good while, and that is exactly as it should be. Ask everything; nothing is off-limits.
When you are ready, and after speaking with Fr. George, you may ask to become a catechumen — one who is formally learning the faith in preparation for entering the Church. The parish prays for the catechumens by name, and you are welcomed further into the life of the community as you continue to learn.
In God's time, a catechumen is received into the Orthodox Church through Baptism and Chrismation — or, for those already baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity, through Chrismation. From that day you are a full member of the Body of Christ, able to receive Holy Communion and to share fully in the sacramental life of the parish.
Throughout all of it, there is no pressure and no rush. It begins simply by attending, praying, and talking with Fr. George — and it moves at the pace that is right for you.
Where to Begin
No two journeys look exactly alike, but most people find themselves passing through something like these.
Start by simply being present at the Divine Liturgy. The worship of the Church is itself the first and best teacher of the faith. Come, stand, listen, and pray — as often as you like.
Introduce yourself after the Liturgy, or reach out through the office. A simple conversation with the priest is where the journey truly becomes personal.
Learn the faith alongside others who are exploring it too. Our inquirers' classes and adult education unpack Scripture, worship, and the teachings of the Church in a relaxed setting.
When you're ready, ask Father to make you a catechumen. The parish begins praying for you by name as you prepare to enter the Church.
Through Baptism and Chrismation — or Chrismation for the already-baptized — you are received as a full member of the Orthodox Church and welcomed to the Chalice.
Reception is not the finish line but a beginning. Sing in the choir, serve the poor, teach, or simply belong — there is a home for you in the ongoing life of Saint Elias.
If you are already an Orthodox Christian and are moving to the Arvada area or looking for a new parish home, we would be delighted to welcome you. Becoming part of Saint Elias is simple:
You don't have to wait for the paperwork to feel at home. Come, pray with us, and stay for coffee hour — you're one of the family already.
Beyond inquirers' classes, our parish offers ongoing adult education and Bible study — an unhurried place to read the Scriptures and grow in the Orthodox understanding of the Christian life, whether you're brand new or lifelong Orthodox. Ask Fr. George or see our ministries page for what's currently meeting.
Take the First Step
There is no form to fill out and no commitment to make — only an open door. Reach out to Fr. George and the parish office, and we'll help you take the next unhurried, joyful step toward the Orthodox Church.
