More mass baptisms in the Holy Diocese of Adelaide
The 3rd of March this year (2024) was a historic day for the Archiepiscopal Church of Saint Sophia (Holy Wisdom of God) and the parish of Saint Sophrony of Essex, with a mass-baptism of 10 people. With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, on Sunday, 22 September 2024, it was the turn of the newly established English-speaking parish of Saint Panteleimon, welcoming 7 people (5 adults and two children) into the Faith. This was the first such baptism conducted for the parish – God-willing, the first of many. The baptisms took place at Saint Sophia and were joined by another young adult from Saint Sophia, for a total of 8 baptisms.
As with Saint Sophrony nearly two years ago, His Eminence has blessed the re-establishment of St Panteleimon as an English-speaking parish, as an expression of mission and outreach. The two parishes are strategically placed to cover opposite sides of the Adelaide metropolitan area. Since its re-establishment on Christmas Eve 2023, the Parish of Saint Panteleimon has attracted a steady congregation of around 40-50 each Sunday – a considerable attendance given that the Church itself only seats 40. Many of these are people of Greek descent for whom English is their first (and perhaps only) language, while some are enquirers and catechumens of non-Greek descent.
The sacraments were conducted by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, assisted by the parish priests of the Archiepiscopal Church of St Sophia, Fr John Saredakis, and of St Panteleimon, Fr Jeremy Krieg. The recipients from Parish of Saint Panteleimon included people from a diversity of backgrounds, each with their own unique and beautiful story: a former Anglican priest with his wife (who were also subsequently crowned in marriage) and their two youngest children, a mother with her teenage son converting from the Uniting Church, and a young gentleman with no religious background.
The neophyte from the Parish of Saint Sophia had a particularly moving story – having lost his physical sight in a tragic accident some time ago, he rejoiced at having been granted the gift of spiritual sight that led him on the journey to the Orthodox Faith and his baptism, through the influence of his Orthodox carer (who would also become his godparent). Such diversity is a testimony to the universal appeal of the Orthodox Faith.
The mission of the Parish of Saint Panteleimon (and of the Holy Diocese of Adelaide in general) is ongoing. Already there are other enquirers who have started coming to the parish who may ultimately become catechumens and finally accept Holy Baptism. We look forward to the Parish continuing to grow and to receive people into the Orthodox Faith.
