The afternoon was welcomed by the ringing of bells which ushered the good news of another two souls added to the flock of the Good Shepherd.
As the two families came together for Siena and Valentino's baptism, Metropolitan Raffaele reminded all present about our responsibilities in being faithful to each other via the command of the Lord: by love, they shall know that you are mine: in other words - the Love of God which breaks down walls of fear and alienation that renders freedom and ushers a good sense of communion with each other in him.
Normally the Apostolic practice requires full immersion, yet the pouring of water on the head and touching the hands and feet is also a custom that has been adopted by various ecclesial jurisdictions - considering that we are Roman Byzantine Christians.
The hallowed waters used for Holy Baptism are the waters sanctified at Holy Theophany (the blessing of the Jordan) as is the custom of the Ancient Church.
There were various emotions when these two little cherubs received baptism and confirmation via the anointing of Holy Chrism- the Apostolic gift of the All Holy Spirit which unites souls onto the Communion of Saints and Mystical Body of Christ on earth - His Holy Church!
Towards the end Siena and Valentino received Jesus for the very first time in Holy Communion via the precious blood administered - Valentino wanted seconds!
In the Roman-Byzantine tradition in Holy Orthodoxy, it is the custom that all three sacraments are given so that children may be churched from a young age and be nurtured via the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments) so that they may be filled with reverence and awe before God and come to that realisation that the Kingdom is within us as the Lord himself proclaims!
After the final blessing was imparted, the families took group photos and adjourned for the thanksgiving meal.
