Ritual purity in Christianity

A recent statement by Metropolitan Ieronymos, bishop of Athens and all Greece, regarding the baptism of children from same-sex couples has ignited a debate within the Greek Orthodox Church. Ieronymos declared that the church would baptize these children once they reach a certain age and express a desire for the sacrament.

January 6 marks Epiphany, known as "Yordanovden" or Jordan's Day in Bulgaria, a vibrant celebration deeply rooted in the country's cultural fabric. This cherished festival embraces water blessings and age-old rituals, symbolizing purification and prosperity.

Ahead of Epiphany on January 5, Orthodox churches throughout Bulgaria are set to conduct Holy Liturgy and water blessing ceremonies, a customary ritual known as "Voditsi." This occasion marks the conclusion of the "dirty days" cycle that commences on December 25.

Ombudsman Renate Weber had a meeting with leader of the Romanian Christian Orthodox Church (BOR) on baptism, bringing to attention several aspects that could be considered by the BOR Holy Synod, including analysing the opportunity of some classes in the liturgical practices of baptism, and establishing ways of performing the ritual adapted to each case.

The Baptism of the Lord holiday is a renewal of our baptism, Romanian Orthodox Church (BOR) Patriarch Daniel said on Sunday.

Holy furor erupted this week when Father George Passias, aged 67, was caught having “cake” sex with his younger 45-year-old “spiritual goddaughter”, Ethel Bouzalas.