Begin discovering Orthodoxy

Begin with Christ

A first encounter with Orthodoxy may be through a photograph, an icon, a friend or a church service. Those things point towards a deeper reality: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Orthodox Christians confess Him as the Son of God who became human for the salvation of the world. Learning about the Church therefore begins with the question of who Christ is and what it means to follow Him.

Reading, prayer and participation lead into a life of faith, repentance and love. The teaching pages introduce the Church's confession of Christ, while its history reveals how that faith has been proclaimed and lived across the centuries.

An ancient Church, a living African community

The Church in Arusha and Central Tanzania belongs to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa. Its apostolic tradition remembers Saint Mark the Evangelist as the founder of the Alexandrian Church. The particular diocese was established in 2016; that modern administrative date is different from the much older Christian heritage in which its communities participate.

The Orthodox Church welcomes people of every language and background. Here in Tanzania, local communities bring their family lives, languages and relationships into the shared life of faith. A parish can tell you which languages are used in its services and teaching.

Sources: Patriarchate of Alexandria — Historical account · Patriarchate of Alexandria — Synodal elections, 17 November 2016

Visit, observe and ask

A service offers an encounter with the rhythm of prayer, the sound of the readings and the community gathered in worship. You are welcome to attend while exploring. Begin by listening and observing; understanding and participation grow together over time.

Before travelling, confirm the church location and service time. Afterwards, introduce yourself and ask for a conversation. The priest and parish members can help you connect what you have read with the worship and daily life of the community.

A sensible reading path

Start with the account of Christ and the Apostles, then the introduction to Orthodox belief. Read the guide to the Divine Liturgy before a first service. The articles on Saint Mark, Alexandria, the Fathers and Egyptian monasticism trace the Church’s historical inheritance and offer routes for further study.

Keep a note of unfamiliar words and questions. Take time to understand each passage and bring your questions to a priest or study group. The library and calendar are companions for continued learning.

When you want to go further

Someone who wishes to enter the Orthodox Church normally begins a period of guided learning and participation, commonly called the catechumenate. Preparation brings together study, prayer, worship, relationships and the practice of the Christian way of life.

The local priest explains how preparation is arranged and, under episcopal guidance, how a person is received into the Church. A conversation gives you the opportunity to ask about the next steps and the learning available in your community.