Macon, September 15, 2026
Photo: Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Macon, Georgia
Several men and women were formally enrolled as catechumens at Macon’s Greek Orthodox Church earlier this month.
Eight people altogether were enrolled at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, led by parish rector Fr. Theodore Ehmer. The church writes:
During last Sunday’s Divine services (Sept. 6th) Fr. Theodore blessed several new catechumens. May God bless Gage Williamson, Meagan Zaharopoulos, Elizabeth and Steven Dzidek, Steven Reynolds, Kyler Braswell, Henry McClure, and Gianni Rivera in their journey towards Baptism and Chrismation in Christ’s Holy Orthodox Church!
In his remarks before reading the prayer of the catechumenate, Fr. Theodore described them as “people who are intentional in their studying, their prayer, their preparation that, God willing, in the proper day and time and hour, they’ll be received into the Orthodox Church either through Holy Baptism and or Chrismation.”
Photo: Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Macon, Georgia
He then read the prayer of the catechumenate over the eight men and women who had gathered at the solea:
In Your name, O Lord, God of truth, and that of your Only-Begotten Son and of your Holy Spirit, I lay my hand on these, your servants—Henry, Gianni, Kyler, Steven, Steven, Elizabeth, Gage, Meagan—who have been found worthy to seek refuge in Your holy name and protection under the shelter of Your wings. Banish from them the error of old. Fill them with faith in You and hope and love, so that they may know that You are the only God, the true God, You and Your Only-Begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ, and your Holy Spirit. Grant them to live in accordance with all Your commandments and to keep all the things that are pleasing to You, for everyone who does these things shall find life in them.
Inscribe their names in Your Book of Life and join them to the flock of Your inheritance. May Your holy name and that of Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and of Your Life-Giving Spirit be glorified in them. May Your eyes always watch over them in mercy, and may Your ears always hear the voice of their petition. Make them rejoice in the work of their hands and in all their progeny, that they may give thanks to You, worshiping and glorifying Your great and exalted name, and praise You always all the days of their lives.
For every Heavenly power sings your praises, and all glory belongs to You—to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
OrthoChristian previously reported that the parish had enrolled 12 new catechumens on the feast of Pentecost.
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