St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill welcomed seven new members into the Orthodox Christian faith on Sunday, June 21, through the Holy Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation.
During the Divine Liturgy, Mercy, Jacob, and Justina were received into the Orthodox Church through Holy Chrismation, while Amir, Elisamuel, Brent, and Sean were illumined through Holy Baptism. Through their reception into Orthodoxy, they received their Orthodox names: Elizabeth, Iakovos, Justina, Paisios, George, Germanos, and Palamas.
Family members, godparents, and the wider St. Thomas parish family gathered in prayer and thanksgiving for the service. Surrounded by that love, the newly illumined faithful received the Grace of the Holy Spirit and began a new chapter in their spiritual journey within the Orthodox Church.
Fr. Georgios and the parish extended congratulations to the newly received members and thanked the godparents, families, and catechists who supported them throughout their preparation.
The parish also recognized Deacon Michael for his instruction of the catechumens throughout the year; the Parish Council for its ongoing support of the parish’s catechetical and missionary ministries; the St. Irene Philoptochos Society for covering the expenses associated with the baptisms and chrismations; Moses for photographing the services; Katerina for decorating the baptismal candles; and the Narthex Committee for welcoming all who visit the parish seeking to learn more about the Orthodox faith.
Fr. Georgios thanked the entire parish family for its living witness to Christ, describing the baptisms and chrismations as a reminder that evangelism is not the work of a few individuals, but the calling of the whole Church.
“Through your prayers, kindness, hospitality, and faithful example, many hearts continue to be drawn to the beauty and truth of Orthodox Christianity,” he said.
The parish closed its announcement with a prayer for the newly illumined members, asking Christ to strengthen them, guide them in His truth, and grant them many blessed years as faithful Orthodox Christians — echoing the words of Scripture: “As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.”
Many years to Elizabeth, Iakovos, Justina, Paisios, George, Germanos, and Palamas.
All photos courtesy of St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church.