Diocese of Perth: 12 Catechumens Baptised into the Orthodox Church 

On Saturday the 11th of January 2025 at the Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in West Perth, and with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia,  His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth, presided over the Baptisms of 12 catechumens including 3 children of the one family.  

The Sacrament was conducted following a period of 12 months instruction into the Orthodox Faith by the Very Rev. Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne and Parish Priest, Fr Emmanuel Stamatiou. 

The Church, through the tireless work of the clergy, continues to experience a strong demand and interest in the Orthodox Faith with a steady stream of young people seeking true Christian Apostolic Orthodox origin and holy tradition.   

Whereas adult Baptisms in the past have been conducted on an individual basis, the number of people now seeking to become Orthodox has made it necessary to conduct mass Baptisms at the one time. 

After the 12 Baptisms, His Grace Bishop Elpidios also confirmed a catechumen into the Orthodox Church through the sacrament of Chrismation.

At the conclusion of the services, His Grace Bishop Elpidios conveyed to all the newly baptised and confirmed, the blessing and paternal love of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and warmly welcomed them to the Orthodox Church.