Texas Parish Welcomes 28 New Members on Feast of the Nativity
The faithful prepare for reception into the Orthodox Church through the traditional series of prayers and affirmations. Photo: St. Michael Orthodox Church
BEAUMONT — On December 25, 2025, St. Michael Orthodox Church marked the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with special rejoicing, as 28 individuals were received into the Orthodox Church through the Holy Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation. The celebration of Christ’s birth was thus accompanied by the welcoming of new brothers and sisters in Christ, underscoring the life-giving and communal significance of the feast for the parish located east of Houston.
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:27)," the parish — which belongs to the Antiochian Archdiocese — said in a post on its website. "We welcome our newest brothers and sisters in Christ and pray that God grants them many years!"
Previously, UOJ reported that an Antiochian parish in Houston had baptized 15 into Holy Orthodoxy.
Read also
Albania’s Interfaith Council Opens 2026 With Renewed Call for Dialogue and Unity
Religious leaders approve new action plan and reaffirm commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Christian Churches Exchange Christmas Greetings at Jerusalem Patriarchate
Church leaders from across confessions gather to mark the Nativity and affirm unity during the Holy Twelve Days.
City Officials in Ukraine Ban Epiphany Ice Bathing
The Lviv mayor's office stressed that cold-water plunges are "not a Ukrainian tradition" and warned of health risks, despite the fact that Orthodox Christians around the world participate in this yearly tradition.
Patr. Daniel Says Bulgarian Church Faced No Pressure on Ukraine Issue
Patr. Daniel of Bulgaria emphasized the Church’s unity, spiritual freedom in Christ, and God’s peace amid global conflicts during his interview with Bulgarian National Television.
Northern Ireland Woman Faces Court Over Praying Outside Abortion Clinic
Claire Brennan faces multiple charges under Northern Ireland’s Safe Access Zones law for praying outside Causeway Hospital, while appealing a prior conviction for similar protests.
St. Olga’s Closet Celebrates First House Blessing
St. Tikhon’s Seminary blesses launch of St. Olga’s Closet, an independent ministry providing essential goods and support to seminarians and their families.