Phanar bishop in US on baptizing gay couple's children: No reason to refuse
Archbishop Elpidophoros with a gay couple and their children after baptism. Photo: vimaorthodoxias
The head of the Archdiocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the USA, Archbishop Elpidophoros, stated that he had no reasons to refuse a gay couple the baptism of their children.
During an interview with the Greek publication LiFO, the journalist reminded Elpidophoros of the harsh criticism he faced for baptizing the children of a same-sex couple in Greece and asked if he had any regrets about it.
Elpidophoros replied that it should be clarified "that we are talking about baptism, not a wedding." He explained that when the gay couple asked to baptize their children, he "agreed with enormous joy."
And since "the godparents were Orthodox, I had absolutely no grounds to refuse," Elpidophoros emphasized.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the head of the Archdiocese of the Phanar in the USA baptized the children of a homosexual couple.
Read also
Pat. Bartholomew: It Is a ‘Grave Sin’ To Put Politics Before Church Unity
"Those who jeopardize this unity in the name of geopolitical expediencies and base motives for acquiring earthly power—falsely cloaked in spirituality—commit an offense before God and a grave sin," the Ecumenical Patriarch said.
Procession Held in Honor of St. Gabriel of Georgia
On Nov. 1, clergy, Mother Paraskeva, and Russian, Ukrainian, and Georgian faithful took part in a procession from the house of St. Gabriel the Confessor and Fool-for-Christ to the Samtavro Monastery.
Hierarchs of UOC Appeal to Zelenskyy in Defense of Met. Arseny
The episcopate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church called on Zelenskyy to stop the persecution of Met. Arseny and to ensure he receives medical treatment.
Moscow Synod Declares Day of Prayer Against Abortion
The Synod also revived the annual All-Moscow Cross Procession as a symbol of faith and unity.
Abp. John of Albania Meets with Pope Leo
Leaders discuss global peace, youth, and Christian cooperation at interfaith event.
Lawyer: The Health Condition of Met. Tychikos Remains Concerning
Met. Tychikos remains hospitalized in Athens.