St. Andrew House Discussion Forum
[ Post a Response | St. Andrew House Discussion Forum ]

"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 * Pray and Work for Orthodox Unity in North America!!! * St. Andrew House announces Agreement to fund Orthodox Unity effort for years to come - see www.orthodoxdetroit.com * Welcome to the St. Andrew House Discussion Forum * Coming Soon - Orthodox Business Directory * Visit our Home Page at www.orthodoxdetroit.com

    Re: Thousands of Christians baptized near Jordan River site

    Posted by Leo on 4/26/2008, 4:40 pm, in reply to "Re: Thousands of Christians baptized near Jordan River site"

    Christos anesti!

    Actually I recently read that for baptized Orthodox, what they do at the Jordan is considered akin to the sprinkling with holy water that sometimes happens at Liturgy - albeit alot wetter! - and not 'sacramental' Baptism or rebaptism at all. Perhaps one of the innumerable Mysteries (ie, more than Seven) of Orthodoxy, an occasion for Grace, but not equal to or the same as Baptism. Think of renewal of baptismal vows like the Latins do at Easter, with sprinkling of holy water, maybe.

    I have to think that those coming to the river at this time rather than 5 weeks ago are doing so under the influence of Orthodoxy, and are probably mostly already Orthodox. (Belgium?!) So to even call it "baptizing" ... although I believe even today the Modern Greek verb covers more than just sacramental Baptism, extending to all kinds of "dipping," so I could understand media or Israeli government confusion (or lack of concern) if some of the languages involved are similar to that, while English of course is not. Though in most cases it would be fruitless to attempt to correct The Associated Press or the Israelis; they would just stare at you, eyes glazed over! (Been there, done that!!!)

    Kalo Pascha anyway!

    Leo

    Responses:

    • There are no responses to this message.

* Pray and Work for Orthodox Unity in North America!!! * St. Andrew House announces Agreement to fund Orthodox Unity effort for years to come - see www.orthodoxdetroit.com * Welcome to the St. Andrew House Discussion Forum * Coming Soon - Orthodox Business Directory * Visit our Home Page at www.orthodoxdetroit.com