On the Sunday of Parents and Children, Bishop Macarie of Northern Europe baptised an Anglo-Norwegian family at the Romanian Orthodox parish church in Ålesund, Norway.
Victor John Scattergood and Martina Scattergood, together with their two children, Angelica and Benedict, were baptised by Bishop Macarie, who reflected on the significance of the occasion.
“In the Romanian Orthodox Church, this Sunday is dedicated to parents and children. This mixed family offers a good and faithful witness, together with all those who have embraced the Orthodox faith in our Eucharistic communities and throughout the world.”
“A True Home”
Victor John Scattergood expressed his gratitude for being received into the Orthodox Church:
“Last year, Martina and I entered Orthodoxy as catechumens. We spent many years searching for a home, a church, and here, in the Orthodox Church, we were welcomed by our brothers and sisters in the Lord with great spiritual warmth.”
“After spending a long time as seekers, we have now found a true home and a family in Christ,” the convert said.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the two newly received Orthodox parents were also crowned in marriage by Bishop Macarie.
“A Natural Life in Christ”
The Bishop of Northern Europe also baptised two Norwegian converts: Theodor Tor Simonsen, 34, and Rune Rafael Simonsen, 59.
Theodor Tor Simonsen spoke about his journey to Orthodoxy:
“I searched for the right path for a long time and did not find it elsewhere. When I encountered Orthodoxy through Bishop Macarie and Fr Marius-Cristian Alexe, the parish priest in Ålesund, it felt very natural to me.”
“I knew I needed help to live a natural life in Christ, and only here, in the Orthodox Church, could I find that help.”
Scandinavian Orthodox Youth Congress
The baptisms took place during the annual congress of the St Stephen the Great Youth Centre of the Diocese of Northern Europe.
The gathering brought together Romanian Orthodox young people and converts from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Faroe Islands.
The programme included spiritual activities, lectures, discussions on contemporary issues, hiking, sports activities and workshops in Byzantine chant.
Participants thanked their hosts in Ålesund, Fr Marius-Cristian Alexe, his family and the parish faithful who helped organise the event.
Photo: Facebook / Diocese of Northern Europe
