Jerome on the baptism of children of gay couples: let’s wait until they grow up

Archbishop Jerome (right) and Archbishop Elpidophoros (left). Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr

The Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Jerome, said that the Church will not baptize the children of gay couples until they grow up and make their own decision about baptism.

Answering a question from journalists about the baptism of children of gay couples, Archbishop Jerome emphasized: “We must return to tradition again.”

“If baptism occurs at an early age in children, it is because the Church has formed the belief that the child grows up in an environment of Christian principles. Therefore, there was no need for catechesis, because it was carried out in this environment,” the archbishop recalled.

However, he continued, “the situation is now changing.” “We are not against children. We love and care for children more than anyone else. The Church will wait until these children reach a certain age, and when they grow up and want to be baptized, they will be baptized,” said the Primate of the Greek Church.

Previously Athens News wrotethat Archbishop Elpidophoros, head of the Archdiocese of Phanar in the United States, baptized two children of a same-sex “family” during a visit to Greece. This situation caused a scandal in Greece.

Answering questions from journalists about current events, His Beatitude emphasized that “freedom in a person is a very important thing, and we all must take it into account. Both the Church and the state. Neither the Church should keep a bayonet ready, but the state should not strive to to place fetters on any place in our country.”

To the same question, Archbishop Elpidophoros, Archbishop of America, said: “I completely agree with His Beatitude in what he said. Because we read the same Gospel, we teach the same Gospel, and in this matter it cannot have no other opinion.”

Answering a question about baptism, His Beatitude Jerome emphasized: “We must return to tradition again. If baptism occurs at an early age in children, it is because the Church has created the feeling that the child is growing up in an environment of Christian principles. Therefore, there was no need for catechesis because it was carried out in the environment. Now the situation is changing, we are not against children. We love and care for children more than anyone else. The church will wait until these children reach a certain age and when they grow up and want to be baptized , they will be baptized.”

Answering the same question, Mr. Elpidophoros said: “I have nothing to add, His Beatitude has already said everything.”

His Eminence the Archbishop of America was accompanied by the Supreme President of AHEPA, Mr. Savvas Chivicos, the Vice-President of the National Philoptochos Fraternity of the Archdiocese of America, Ms. Anita Kartalopoulou, the businessman, Mr. Steve Zervoudis, and the Rev. Archpriest Fr. Alexander Karlousos.

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