EXPLANATORY INSTRUCTIONS

1) Canon 95 of the Sixth Ecumenical Council (also known as the Trullan Council) lists three categories of admittance into the Church of Non-Orthodox Christians:

a. Baptism

b. Anointment with Holy Chrism c. Confession of faith

The "Non-Chalcedonian, "or "Monophysite, " Christians (i.e., Armenians, Ethiopians, Syro-Jacobites, Copts; Severians) are specifically mentioned in the third category and are to be received through Confession of faith, without anointment.

The present rite was considered by the Holy Synod as most appropriate in our present conditions for the reception of Roman Catholics and most Protestants. However, Roman Catholic converts are to be anointed only on the forehead, and not on other parts of the body. The use of Holy Chrism, as a seal of' reconciliation, corresponds to the tradition of the universal Church and the contemporary practice of other Orthodox auto­cephalous churches.

2) The present order of the reception of other non-orthodox Christians is used for persons whose baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity is recognized as authentic by the Church. Non-baptized persons (Jews, Moslems, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Unitarians, etc.) are, of course, to be received through the regular rite of baptism. In case of doubt, the diocesan bishop is to make the appropriate decision.

3) The order consists of two parts: the reception into the Catechumenate and the reception into the Orthodox Faith, which includes anointment with Holy Chrism. The two parts of the service may be together, before or after Vespers or before the Divine Liturgy, and in the presence of the congregation. Preferably, however, the convert is to be made a catechumen some time before reception into the Church, (e.g., at the beginning of Lent or Advent), so that his name can be mentioned at the appropriate parts of the Divine Liturgy before his formal entrance into the Church.

4) When possible, the reception itself should be done before the Divine Liturgy, for it is fulfilled by partaking of Holy Communion. The Holy Chrism is removed at the end of the Liturgy, after the singing of "Blessed be the Name of the Lord." If, however, the order is done separately, the Chrism should be removed following the reception.

5) An Orthodox sponsor is selected by the convert, with the approval of the priest. The sponsor may also be appointed by the priest. During the service, the sponsor stands next to the convert.

6) Upon accepting the Orthodox Faith, some converts choose to adopt a new name, after a favored patron saint. This practice is encouraged but it remains optional.

7) When the convert is ready to be received into the Church, he makes a full confession before his father confessor. Absolution, however, is delayed until the reception itself