Archdiocese of America: 28 catechumens were received into the Orthodox Church

28 catechumens were received into the Orthodox Church this past Sunday through Holy Baptism and Chrismation at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church in Flushing, New York. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the service, which marked a milestone in Orthodox Christian outreach across the Western Hemisphere.

The baptisms were the culmination of missionary work led by Fr. Samuel Davis and Archimandrite Chrysostom Onyekakeyah, directors of the Apostolic Mission to the African Diaspora in the Americas, West Indies, and Caribbean. Their ministry has focused on bringing the Orthodox faith to diverse communities, particularly members of the African Diaspora across the Americas, the West Indies, and the Caribbean, as well as African immigrants.

“Before our very eyes, so many beloved souls have been united to Christ and incorporated into His Holy Body, the Church. Through the waters of Holy Baptism and the seal and the Gift of the Holy Spirit—Holy Chrismation, you have been born anew. You have put on Christ. You have entered into the Communion of the Saints,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said.

Photos by Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman