At the threshold of the profession of faith

This article, translated from the German journal *Orthodoxen Stimmen* (1957) and published with the imprimatur of the Archbishop of Berlin, is addressed to non-Orthodox Christians considering joining the Orthodox Church. It takes the form of a catechetical and disciplinary guide intended to enlighten aspirants on the concrete requirements of this undertaking. The central idea is that any conversion must be preceded by a profound inner transformation and a clear knowledge of ecclesiastical obligations, in order to avoid subsequent disillusionment. On the theological level, the text sets out the Orthodox positions on justification, salvation, prayer for the departed, and the rejection of purgatory and indulgences, explicitly distinguishing them from Roman Catholic doctrine. It also specifies the liturgical, sacramental, and parochial duties of the Orthodox faithful, and recommends a preparatory period of at least one year.