by Fr. Lawrence FarleyThe parents may say, “Church is very, very important,” but if they do not go to church every week and devoutly receive Holy Communion, and say their private prayers, and pray at meal-times, such exhortations will be recognized by children for the hypocritical clap-trap it … [Read more...]
What Happens to a Child in Baptism?
by Fr. John HainsworthAbout What Happens to the Child in BaptismIS BAPTISM JUST A SIGN?Everything I have said assumes that baptism is more than just an outward expression of an inward acceptance of Christ. Of course, baptism is an outward expression in that physical hands are laid on a physical … [Read more...]
What if a Child Leaves or Rejects Christ Later in Life?
by Fr. John Hainsworth Another concern folks have about infant baptism in the Orthodox Church - what if a child rejects Christ later in life? This is a real concern, but not a reason to keep children from full membership in the New Covenant by denying them baptism and communion. We should rather … [Read more...]