Fifty people were baptised into Orthodox Christian communities in Latin America between Pascha and Pentecost, according to the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of the Americas.
According to figures released by the metropolis, most of those received into the Church are local residents of Ecuador, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela and Mexico who discovered the Orthodox faith through the liturgical life, catechetical programmes and charitable activities of Romanian Orthodox communities, as well as through direct contact with Orthodox spirituality.
“Behind every baptism and every chrismation, however, lies a long and serious journey of preparation. In all our communities, those who wish to become Orthodox undertake a catechumenate programme lasting at least six months, during which they study Holy Scripture, Orthodox doctrine, the liturgical life of the Church, Orthodox spirituality and the concrete call to a new life in Christ,” representatives of the metropolis said.
Growing Communities
In Ecuador, 12 people were baptised at the St Joseph of Partoș Orthodox Mission in Quito, while another 16 continue their catechumenate preparation.
In Colombia, 10 people were received into the Church at the St John the Wallachian Martyr Parish in Barranquilla and in the Orthodox community of Armenia, while 28 catechumens are preparing to become Orthodox Christians.
Chile has seen a significant rise in believers recently, with 18 baptisms and 25 individuals in catechetical preparation.
In Venezuela, seven people were baptised at the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helen Parish in Caracas, while 11 others are enrolled in the catechumenate programme.
Meanwhile, at the St Joseph the Confessor Orthodox Mission in Cancún, Mexico, one adult believer was received into the Church through Holy Chrismation after completing the required period of preparation.
Called to the Faith from Every Nation
Representatives of the metropolis stressed that the growth of these communities goes beyond statistical significance and reflects the maturation of Orthodox missionary work throughout the region.
“These 50 people received into the Church and the 80 catechumens currently in preparation are not merely statistics. Each of them has a personal story of searching, prayer, questions and answers, gradual closeness to Christ and discovery of the Orthodox faith.”
“Each one is a living testimony that the Holy Spirit continues to work today, calling people of every nation and language to the unity of the faith and to participation in the same Holy Eucharist.”
Photo: mitropolia.us
