The Orthodox Church of St. John of Shanghai in Belfast (Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia) festively celebrated its patronal feast of the Uncovering of St. John’s Relics over the weekend.
And this year, the joy of the feast was augmented by a mass Baptism in the Irish Sea on the eve of the feast on Friday evening, the church reports.
In total, 11 people were baptized: Aidan, Adomnan, Asher, Benjamin, Luke, Nathan, Peter, Sophrony, Anna, Elena, and Irene. The rite of Holy Illumination was celebrated by parish priest Fr. Justin Venn and Fr. Robert Williams from the ROCOR Mission of St. Patrick in Clifden.
The Baptisms were followed by Vespers and an evening meal.
The next day, Frs. Justin and Robert celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the feast of St. John.
“We give thanks to almighty God for the newly illumined and for the many blessings bestowed upon our parish, through the prayers of our patron St John,” the church writes.
Best wishes to all of you on your celebration. Bishop John of Shanghai was my first introduction to Orthodoxy many years ago. It was the priest at my high school that introduced me to him and so I became a searcher of information on him. Every time I read about him I am enriched my all of his experiences. My first icon that I made was of him. Blessings.
Welcome to our family!
It seems Russian Orthodox Church practices Child baptism.. I am a member of the Indian Orthodox Church and since 80 years am an Orthodox Christian.