Gnesichi, Belarus and Battersea, London, August 1, 2023
Photo: monasterium.by
At least two mass Baptisms occurred in the Orthodox Church over the weekend.
On July 28, the feast of St. Vladimir the Great and the Baptism of Rus’, a Baptismal Divine Liturgy was celebrated on the banks of the Neman River near the St. Elisha-Larishevsky Monastery in Gnesichi, Belarus.
Photo: monasterium.by
Baptismal Divine Liturgies in honor of the Baptism of Rus’ have become a recent tradition for the Novogrudok Diocese. The Sacraments this year were celebrated by the local ruling hierarch Archbishop Gury together with Abbot Aristarkh of the local monastery and other diocesan clergy, reports the Belarusian Orthodox Church.
This year, nine people were united to Christ in the waters of holy Baptism.
Photo: thyateira.org.uk
And the next day, 29 people were united to Christ at the Church of St. Nektarios in Battersea, London.
The service was celebrated by Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateria (Patriarchate of Constantionple) and local priests for students of the Discover Orthodoxy adult catechism classes taught by the diocesan chancellor Archimandrite Nephon (Tsimalis), the Archdiocese reports.
Photo: thyateira.org.uk
This was the fifth mass Baptism of students of the catechism class. Most recently, 12 people were baptized in February. To date, more than 100 graduates have entered the Church.
This time, 25 people of various backgrounds and ages were baptized and chrismated and four were received by Chrismation. The Christian Orthodox Thyateira Youth organization offered each person a baptismal cross and white candle for the service.
Following the service, a reception was offered for all in attendance.
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