katecheumenos

Katecheumenos, also known as catechumen, refers to a person undergoing catechesis in the Christian Church, particularly during the period of preparation for baptism. The term is derived from the Greek katecheumenos (κατηχούμενος), from katecheuein, to instruct orally; in English usage, "catechumen" is the common form.

Historically, the catechumenate was a formal, extended stage in the early Christian initiation rite. Catechumens received instruction in core doctrine, moral conduct, and the church's liturgical life, often for months or years. They were supported by sponsors and were distinct from the baptized faithful. Baptism—followed by confirmation and the Eucharist—took place at a major liturgical occasion, typically at Easter. The catechumenate evolved over time and varied by region and tradition.

Today, Western churches typically preserve the catechumenate within the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Unbaptized adults (and, in some cases, older children) go through periods of inquiry and catechesis before receiving baptism, often at Easter; those who are already baptized in another Christian tradition are usually called candidates rather than catechumens. In the Orthodox Church, the catechumenate remains a defined preparation stage before baptism (and chrismation) and may last until the individual is deemed ready to enter the church's liturgical life; the exact duration can vary by jurisdiction.

See also: catechumenate, catechesis, RCIA, baptism, chrismation.