(Orthodox Times) - In a recent encyclical published on February 9, 2024, the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Church of Crete has announced stringent conditions for the celebration of the sacrament of baptism.
According to the encyclical, baptisms will now require prior “approval” from the Archdiocese of Crete or the relevant Metropolis.
The encyclical outlines specific requirements for parents seeking baptism for their children. They must provide “required” supporting documents, including a “solemn declaration” affirming that the contractor performing the baptism is an Orthodox Christian. Additionally, if one or both parents are married, they must have undergone a religious marriage ceremony. The encyclical stipulates that the solemn declaration must be certified for the authenticity of the signature.
Notably, the encyclical expressly prohibits the baptism of children born to parents who have only undergone a civil marriage ceremony, without a religious one.
These new measures reflect the Church of Crete’s commitment to upholding Orthodox Christian traditions and values in the sacrament of baptism.
Thursday, February 22, 2024
Church of Crete adds some checks on baptisms
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"Notably, the encyclical expressly prohibits the baptism of children born to parents who have only undergone a civil marriage ceremony, without a religious one."
ReplyDeleteThis is certainly one way to put up the necessary fences around Christianity, Orthodoxy, and ecclesia/culture. The Orthodox "jurisdictions" within western culture should do something similar and quick now that our surrounding society have abandoned all pretense to 'Christendom' and a Christian anthropology.
A wise and measured response to some of the more serious issues plaguing the Church in the modern world.
ReplyDeleteAs long as there are provisions for single parents or a believing spouse with unbelieving to be able to baptize their child (with a special exemption even)
ReplyDeleteProhibiting the baptism of children born to parents who have only undergone a civil marriage ceremony sounds like an excellent way to reduce the membership of the church and protect children from contact with organised religion, if that's the goal. Moreover (and in saying this I condemn myself, as I haven't kept in touch with all my godchildren), religious education is really the responsibility of the sponsors, not of the parents. They should be the ones to whom all these restrictions apply. --Dionysius Redington
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