Baptism in our Parish

On January 24th, 2025, we were blessed to welcome our dear sister and catechumen in Christ, Darlene, into the Holy Orthodox Church. Through the saving mystery of Holy Baptism, she was clothed in Christ and received the name Photini (Svetlana in the Slavonic tradition), a name that means “the Enlightened One.”

This day was a source of profound joy not only for Photini’s family, but for our entire parish. For when one soul is received into the bosom of the Church, the joy is not merely earthly—it resounds in the Kingdom of Heaven itself. As our Lord teaches, “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Holy Baptism is not a symbolic act, but a true birth from above. On this sacred day, the heavens are opened, the grace of the Holy Spirit is poured out, and a human person passes from death into life, from darkness into light. We who stand as witnesses are not mere observers, but living participants in this mystery, reminded anew of our own baptismal calling and of the immeasurable mercy of God.

May the Lord grant His newly illumined servant Photini strength, steadfastness, and growth in faith, love, and humility, and may her life in Christ be a continual offering of thanksgiving to the glory of God.

May it be for many years! Na mnogaja leta!