From Catechesis to Baptism and Marriage: A Family’s Joyful Reception into the Orthodox Church in Durham

On the Sunday after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, at the Romanian Orthodox Parish of Holy Hierarch Cuthbert and Venerable Bede in Durham, a profound joy filled the community as a family of four – two parents together with their children – were received into the Orthodox Church through the Mystery of Holy Baptism. On the same day, the couple also received the Mystery of Holy Matrimony, sealing their life together in Christ within the Church.

The services were celebrated by the parish priest, Fr Justin Mihoc, who for several months had guided the family through catechesis and spiritual preparation for this important step. Fr Justin also serves as Cultural and Editorial Counsellor within our Archdiocese, and his pastoral care has been central in accompanying them on their journey to Orthodoxy.

The parents are well known in the North East of England for their dedication to sport and youth development. Raised on Teesside council estates and without a church background, they overcame many obstacles and dedicated their lives to inspiring young people through martial arts and community work. Together they run the UK Catch Wrestling Academy, and after the pandemic they launched Champs Camp, a holiday programme offering free meals and training to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Their academy also provides scholarships for refugees and children from low-income families.

Sporting Achievements

The mother, a First-Class Honours graduate in Childhood & Youth Studies, was a national competitor in cross-country and sprinting, and holds a black belt in Kickboxing. She has also trained and coached grappling since 2009.

The father has competed in numerous martial arts and combat sports, with notable results including:

• 2004 European Gold Medallist in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Lisbon)
• 2005 Gracie European Invitational Gold Medallist
• 2013 & 2014 Catch Wrestling International Winner
• 2015 British Heavyweight Champion
• 2023 Catch Wrestling Super Heavyweight World Grand Prix Winner

…and many others. Beyond medals and titles, together they have raised a new generation of young champions in grappling, Sambo, Catch Wrestling and Thai Boxing – achievements which they see as part of their calling to guide and inspire the youth.

After their Baptism and Marriage, they shared openly about their journey and the joy they have found in the Orthodox Church.

What did you know about Orthodoxy before coming to know it more closely?
Back in 2018, while attending a Mixed Martial Arts Masterclass in Torino, Italy, I met a sportsman from Serbia, Sasha, and he told me about his religion. At that time my wife was suffering with kidney disease, so I told him, and he shared this with his close friend, an Orthodox monk. They began to pray continually for her.

How did you come to draw closer to the Orthodox faith?
In the winter of 2024, a Romanian gentleman, Razvan, brought his little girl to attend a class at our mixed martial arts academy. After a few weeks, Razvan showed me his cross and happily told me, “We are the same!” He mentioned that I was named after a saint and was glad that my name, Christopher Crossan, had both Christ and Cross in it. I was touched by how proud he was of his faith, and I felt a sense of sadness because, although I loved God, I had not been attending church for a long time. Over the years we visited various churches and denominations, but we never felt comfortable in any, and we came to the conclusion that perhaps church was just not for us. At that time I was also in a lot of pain, with a fractured spine and torn shoulder, barely sleeping and struggling physically. In February 2025 I travelled to Prague to work with their Olympic team doctors and physios. They gave me the treatment I needed, and upon my return to England I was in a health club doing recovery work in the pool and sauna. As I entered the sauna, who did I see but Razvan! We started to chat about Orthodoxy, and he invited me to his church and gave me an Orthodox prayer rope bracelet. I began to research Orthodoxy and I learned the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” As I repeated this beautiful prayer, I felt amazing – and so did my wife. The following Sunday we attended our very first Divine Liturgy. Since then we have returned for Saturday Vespers and Sunday Divine Liturgy, and we love it! We cannot put into words how attending the parish, saying the prayers throughout the day, and fasting have impacted our lives. We are so grateful!

What struck you or impressed you the most during this time of preparation?
I love the discipline and the structure. As a sportsman I know the importance of showing up to practice, rain or shine, and I feel Vespers and the Divine Liturgy are like training sessions – but not for the body, for the soul. I love how kind and welcoming everybody has been, and I love how the Orthodox faith doesn’t make noise, instead it shines light. Learning the prayers, lighting the incense in our prayer corner in front of our icons is magnificent, and once again I cannot quite put into words how amazing this is for us as a family. Meeting with Father Justin has been a blessing – it’s as if he has a wise answer for everything. His knowledge of the Bible, Church history and the Saints is mind-blowing. Making wonderful friends who will be godparents for our children and for us has also been special, and they all seem so wise and happy to guide us. We didn’t know about the Saints before, so now we are constantly learning as we build our new library.

What has Orthodoxy brought into your family life? What has it added that is new?
Watching my son Caesar stand and pray, making the sign of the cross a few days ago in our prayer corner, really made me happy and grateful. And today my daughter Angelica was so joyful after sharing with her teacher that she was being baptised into the Orthodox Church. Standing alongside my wife, praying, fasting together, learning together – I feel Orthodoxy has given us the opportunity to enjoy Christianity in its fullness, the way the Apostles taught. This is the Church of Jesus in its purest form, and our short time in the Church has been amazing. We are no longer confused about the Bible or religion, because now, when in doubt, we can ask our priest. This is truly a Godsend for us!

What message would you share with others who are searching for faith?
The Orthodox Church is the original Church of Jesus, the same today as it was 2000 years ago. Find your nearest parish, contact the priest – he will guide you – and start attending. Say the prayers, and you will feel the difference. It is such a blessing to be part of the Orthodox Church and under the guidance of a priest. Do not wait – do it now!