3 canons and an akathist the night before communion reception?

[Cassiel]

I'm a catechumen, so this isn't an issue for me - yet.  I'll be baptized at Pascha and I want to receive communion properly.  I read this on a church's website:

Those who are preparing for Holy Communion are obliged to read three Canons and one Akathist the evening before. Usually read are the Canons to the Saviour, the Mother of God, and the Guardian Angel (in that order), and either an Akathist to the Saviour or to the Mother of God. Those who desire to carry out this evening rule of prayer daily receive great spiritual benefit from) doing so.

You can find it here: http://www.orthodox.net/ustav/order-for-reading-canons.html

Obliged?  Really?  Not that it's a problem or anything, but sometimes it worries me to come across things like this - it reminds me that there is SO MUCH I do not know...

[Anastasios]

Each person gets a prayer rule from his spiritual Father.  It differs from parish and jurisdiction. They probably won't start you off with something you can't handle, either.

[PeterTheAleut]

Please note that the statement you quoted is posted on the web site of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (ROCOR) in Dallas, TX.  The statement represents the practice of that parish and that parish alone.  The practice described therein is not obligatory upon those who are not members of St. Nicholas Church.  As you become Orthodox, you will learn what is expected of you at the parish you choose to join.  Your local parish practice in preparation for Communion is the only practice you are required to follow.

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