The sacrament of baptism is not very common in Mount Athos. It is a rare and very special event. It involves only men and young boys, as the peninsula's avaton rule prohibits women from entering the Athonite state. Choosing Mount Athos as the location for the sacrament of baptism contributes to the deep spirituality and enlightenment that the new Christian will receive through the holy sacrament.
The Sacrament
The sacrament of baptism symbolizes entry into the church of Jesus. On the day of baptism a person is reborn and freed from the original sin, receives the name of Christ and seals the existence before the face of God.
Baptism was delivered to humanity by Jesus Himself, through the order He gave to His disciples shortly before His ascension:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19)
The new Christians get to know Christ. They are cleaned from all sin; they are renewed and they pass into the light of the Economy of Salvation. The Holy Spirit is transfused into people, making them participate in the event of resurrection, as it is conceived by the Orthodox theology.
Why in Mount Athos?
The choice of Mount Athos as the place for baptism contributes to the spirituality of the newly converted Christians. The monastic state of Athos, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and to monasticism, is a pure and holy place, isolated from the passions of worldly life.
The sacrament of baptism in Athos is considered to be a blessing, as one embraces Christianity in the devotion, prayerfulness and spiritual excitement of the Athonite monastic life.
Indeed, many adults who choose to be baptized in Mount Athos have already decided to dedicate themselves to monasticism. In many cases, they are people who have discovered the Orthodox faith in the age of reason and are seeking their path to a new life in Christ.
Can Children be Baptized in Mount Athos?
The baptism of infants is a rare event in Mount Athos. As women are not allowed to enter, taking the infant away from his mother in order to perform the holy sacrament is not a particularly popular practice. However, children starting from the age of 5 can be baptized in the monasteries of Mount Athos in the presence of a parent and a few guests. Given the particularity of the place, there must be specific reasons that lead to this choice, such as:
- Spiritual reasons:
Some parents choose to baptize their children in Mount Athos wishing to instill in them the strong faith and blessing that accompanies this holy place.
- Personal relationship with the monasteries:
In some cases, parents choose to baptize their child in Mount Athos because they have a close relationship with a monk (e.g., the child's relative, spiritual father or godfather is a monk).
- Exceptional cases:
Among other things, the celebration of baptism in Athos can also be an act of gratitude for a miracle performed. Children who have come to life through great difficulties, who were in danger during pregnancy or after birth, are often baptized in Mount Athos to express the gratitude of the family for their miraculous salvation.
How is the Sacrament Organized and Performed?
The organization of the sacrament is not a particularly demanding process. The modesty and the humble way of life of the Athonite state requires discretion and focus on the very essence of the sacrament. Thus, although it may be organized before the actual arrival to Athos, yet there are cases when people decide to be baptized while they are already there. The blessing of the hegumen is sufficient for a baptism to be performed within a few days.
This is the most important part of the procedure. The parent who wishes to baptize his child or the adult who wishes to be baptized, must get the blessing of the hegumen.
The latter often asks about the reasons leading to this choice. Once he has given his blessing, all the necessary documents should be filed, as with any baptism. In addition, both the person to be baptized and the godfather are expected to go to confession before participating in the sacrament.
As far as the ritual is concerned, the only difference is that the baptism takes place in the sea and not in the baptismal font. The priest and all guests are headed to the Athonite shores, where the new Christian is immersed in the water three times in the name of the Trinity.
It is strongly emphasized that the communication with the hegumen is the most important requirement. It is him who decides on the celebration of baptism in his monastery, ensuring the spirituality and the proper organization of the sacrament.
Cases of Baptism in Mount Athos
Some of the most notable cases of baptism in Athos are the following:
- Baptism of a Japanese: In 2017, a Japanese man was baptized in the Holy Monastery of Docheiariou with the name Anastasios. The event was highly publicized, highlighting the global appeal of Orthodoxy.
- Baptism of an African king: In 2018, King Tchiffi Zae Jean Gervais of the Ivory Coast was baptized in the Koutloumousiou Monastery with the name David.
- Baptism of a young man from Thessaloniki: The son of a large family, young Stefanos decided to be baptized at the age of 26 in the Holy Monastery of Docheiariou.
- Baptism of a Polish: In 2021, a 28-year-old Polish man was baptized in the Holy Monastery of Great Lavra.
- Today, Fr. Panaretos, a priest at the metochi of the Holy Monastery of Vatopaidi in Istanbul, frequently visits Mount Athos, offering the possibility of baptism to a great number of Turkish believers who wish to become Christians.
The monks of Mount Athos welcome and support with their prayers all believers who wish to receive baptism. They willingly stand by those who come to them and help them prepare for the holy sacrament.
