Another Baptism on Holy Saturday in our Parish

With great joy and in anticipation of the most glorious Pascha of our Lord, we welcomed into the bosom of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church our dear brother in Christ, William Lazarus, through the sacred Mysteries of Holy Baptism and Chrismation.

On this blessed and solemn day of Holy Saturday—when Christ rests in the tomb according to the flesh and descends into Hades to bring life to those held captive—our newly illumined brother has mystically participated in this same saving mystery. As the holy Apostle teaches, those who are baptized into Christ are baptized into His death, that they may also walk in newness of life.

Having been buried with Christ in the waters, he has now risen with Him, clothed in the garment of incorruption, and sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. From this day forward, he is called to live not for himself, but for Him Who died and rose again for our salvation.

May the Lord bring him ever closer to the true knowledge of Himself, strengthen him in every virtue, and grant him a steadfast heart, that he may remain faithful all the days of his life. And may he be made worthy to partake of the radiant joy of the Resurrection, glorifying God together with all the saints in His eternal Kingdom.

Through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos and all the saints, may the Lord grant him many blessed years! Christ is Risen!