The emerging trend of “political baptisms” or “secular naming ceremonies” has gained attention recently, with many parents opting not to baptize their children, instead choosing to leave the decision regarding religion to their adulthood. This trend, alongside other social developments such as civil marriage and civil partnerships, has raised concerns within the Church, which views it as yet another “blow” to Orthodox tradition.
In an interview, as reported by thraki.com.gr, Metropolitan Panteleimon of Xanthi and Peritheorion expressed his dissatisfaction with the growing distance that some individuals appear to be taking from religious traditions. “We have removed Christ from our lives — when we choose not to baptize our children, we are not showing them true love,” he remarked.
The Metropolitan emphasized the significance of baptism as a form of spiritual protection for children, stating, “It is a crime to leave our children unbaptized.” He highlighted the gravity of Greece’s demographic issue, noting that births are declining while deaths are on the rise, which poses serious challenges and negative consequences for society. “We have removed God from our schools and from our lives. When we remove Christ, we create a void, and the antichrist takes His place,” he warned.
The Metropolitan further emphasized the responsibility of parents to baptize their children, drawing a comparison between baptism and essential vaccinations, which parents decide on their children’s behalf without consulting them. “We do not truly love them when we leave them unprotected by the Grace of God,” he added.
Metropolitan Panteleimon also highlighted the Ministry of Education’s responsibility for the removal of religion from the curriculum, pointing out that in the past, teachers would bring students to church. “Today, it is left to the discretion of teachers whether prayer takes place in schools,” he remarked, concluding that society is already witnessing the negative consequences of distancing itself from religious traditions.
