Celebrity tattoo artist and entrepreneur Kat Von D has taken another public step in her ongoing faith journey by officially joining the Orthodox Church.

According to CBN, the move follows a series of spiritual milestones that include discarding occult materials in 2022, receiving baptism in 2024, and sharing her evolving beliefs through social media and interviews.

Born Katherine von Drachenberg, Von D drew attention in recent days after revealing on Instagram that she became part of the Orthodox Church during this year's celebration of Pascha, which is Easter in Orthodox tradition. Her announcement came alongside a personal video compilation showing the churches and cathedrals she visited while on tour in Europe earlier this month.

European Tour Becomes Pilgrimage Experience

Von D used her European tour in July 2025 as an opportunity to deepen her connection to her newfound faith. While on the road, she visited Orthodox parishes across multiple countries, often accompanied by her young son. She credited Archdeacon Joseph in Warsaw with recommending churches for her to include in her itinerary.

“One of my favorite parts of this European tour was that I was able to visit different Orthodox parishes throughout every country,” she shared with followers. “Because of his help, I was able to attend Divine Liturgies, important feast days, and have much-needed quiet prayerful moments throughout this tour.”

Von D expressed joy in documenting and sharing these sacred experiences on social media. “It brings me joy to share some of the beauty of Orthodoxy within these sacred (and historic) places with you,” she said in her post, emphasizing how meaningful these visits were to her spiritual growth.

From Occult Past to Spiritual Renewal

Her latest commitment represents a continuation of what she described as a years-long transformation from “darkness to light.” In 2022, Von D made headlines by publicly disposing of books and materials connected to witchcraft and the occult. At that time, she stated that she no longer wanted to “invite these things into our home.”

In 2024, she was baptized at Switzerland Baptist Church in Indiana during a small, private ceremony attended by friends and family. A video shared to Instagram showed the moment she was baptized “in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

Shortly after her baptism, Von D appeared in an interview with Christian commentator Allie Beth Stuckey to discuss her spiritual transformation. Von D noted that while her parents were missionaries with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, her recent faith journey has been deeply personal and independent of her upbringing.

Transparency Amid Public Scrutiny

While Von D continues to be open about her personal journey, she has also expressed caution about representing the Orthodox Church in official ways. She said she was advised to wait at least a year before giving interviews about her conversion, in order to be better prepared.

“Regardless, I never want to ‘hide’ where I am, spiritually speaking,” she wrote. “But am OK in waiting until I am better equipped to represent the Church that I love so much.”

Many online have responded positively to her posts, but she has also received criticism from some who accused her of fabricating her faith for attention. Von D addressed this backlash directly, saying she found it surprising and disheartening to be judged based on her appearance.

Personal Reflections on Faith and Purpose

“I think it’s really insane that we live in a time where people still judge a book by its cover,” she remarked. “I wasn’t aware that there’s a uniform that you’re supposed to wear once you give your heart to Jesus.”

She also spoke about her turning point moments, revealing that even before openly embracing Christianity, she found herself instinctively praying during difficult periods. “It wasn’t because my dad made me, but it was because He had been waiting,” she said, referring to her developing relationship with God.

Von D described the joy and clarity she’s found in her faith, stating, “The more and more I learn, the more and more excited I get about things and the more at ease I am about what is happening in this world.”

A Journey of Lifelong Transition

Her transformation, she emphasized, has not been abrupt but rather gradual and deeply felt over time. “When you can fall in love [with Jesus] and learn as an adult, it is so much more meaningful and real,” she shared.

Von D summed up her current outlook with the words, “I’m on fire for Jesus, and I don’t plan on this dimming out.” Her Instagram post ended with a simple but significant prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God have mercy on me, a sinner.”

As she continues on her spiritual path, Von D remains committed to engaging with followers honestly while honoring the traditions and teachings of her new faith. “In the meantime,” she said, “I hope you enjoy peeking into this window—it’s the biggest part of my life that most of the time I keep to myself and loved ones.”