The Catechumen

A note about the term catechumen: Although often thought of as signifying someone who is learning about the Orthodox Faith, in actual fact the person should be thought of as a Christian, but not a member of the Body of Christ quite yet.  Because of the prayers that are prayed over him at the making of the catechumen and because of his various responses to questions asked of him, he is much more a Christian than not.  It is like being potentially a Christian, although it is more than that. Not being baptized, a catechumen is more of a “listener” than a participant in the Liturgy and is unable to proclaim the Cherubic Hymn:  “Let us who mystically represent the cherubim….”  Hence, the catechumens are dismissed prior to the Cherubic Hymn being sung.  They will usually go to a place where they can read, study and pray.