"We have concluded that when the principle of racial division (i.e. phyletism) is juxtaposed with the teaching of the Gospel and the constant practice of the Church, it is not only foreign to it, but also completely opposed, to it. We decree the following in the Holy Spirit: 1. We reject and condemn racial division, that is, racial differences, national quarrels and disagreements in the Church of Christ, as being contrary to the teaching of the Gospel and the holy canons of our blessed fathers, on which the holy Church is established and which adorn human society and lead it to Divine piety. 2. In accordance with the holy canons, we proclaim that those who accept such division according to races and who dare to base on it hitherto unheard-of racial assemblies are foreign to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and are real schismatics."
Constantinople...1872
Re: Thousands of Christians baptized near Jordan River site
I wonder how many of these people are being "re-baptized", a practice that is 100% NOT proper in Orthodoxy?
We have been to this area of the Jordan, and the safety concerns are very valid. There is no way that the area where folks typically have a Jordan River baptism can safely accommodate "15,000 faithful" in a two day period.
Al
