Mass Baptism in New York: 28 New Believers Joined the Orthodox Church

Last Sunday, a solemn divine service was held at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas in New York, during which 28 people, including children and adults, received the sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation. According to the Orthodox Observer ( ), , the service was led by Archbishop Elpidophoros, head of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

The catechumens’ preparation was the result of many years of missionary work, carried out by Father Samuel Davis and Archimandrite Chrysostomos Onyekakeyah, who lead the Apostolic Mission for the African Diaspora in the Americas and the Caribbean. Thanks to their pastoral care and educational efforts, a network was formed that is open to people of all backgrounds.

The ceremony began with the rite of proclamation in the narthex of the church, where the new converts bore witness to their faith in Christ. Afterward, Archbishop Elpidophoros blessed the water, performed the threefold immersion of each parishioner, and anointed them with holy chrism. The service concluded with the new believers receiving Holy Communion for the first time.

In his sermon, Archbishop Elpidophoros emphasized that this event embodies the Church’s apostolic mission—to go and teach all nations. ““Through the waters of Holy Baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit, you have been born anew and have found your home,” His Eminence addressed the newly baptized, welcoming them into the church family.

It is worth noting that Orthodox parishes in various jurisdictions across the United States report a significant increase in the number of believers, mass baptisms, and the high popularity of catechism classes.