A Word on Theophany (The Baptism) in New Jersey

The word addresses the sacrament of baptism (theophany) as a feast and doctrinal teaching, and highlights baptism as the beginning of Christ’s ministry, and as a source of grace, forgiveness and spiritual renewal, while emphasizing the humility of Christ and John the Baptist, and the importance for believers to live in the righteousness and manifestations of baptism throughout their lives. It also addresses ecclesial unity and the effort to establish a headquarters and the good of the Coptic churches in America.

Points and summary:

• The beginning of Christ’s ministry: Baptism was the beginning of the Lord Jesus Christ’s public ministry after thirty years of his earthly life, and it was preceded by the outpouring of the Spirit and by seclusion and prayer.

• The greatness and humility of John: John the Baptist was described as great because he was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb, yet he lived an ascetic life and showed clear humility.

• Christ’s humility in baptism: Christ took the form of a servant and it is remarkable humility that he came to be baptized by John, emphasizing that this was to fulfill all righteousness.

• The meaning of baptism for the believer: Baptism signifies death with Christ and resurrection with him, a new birth and the washing away of previous sins and the reception of the gift of the Holy Spirit; the baptized “put on Christ” and become a member of the Church.

• Infant baptism: Children are baptized by the faith of their parents as was foreshadowed in the Old Testament (circumcision, Passover), and there must be someone with faith to present the child for faith.

• Continuing in the grace: Believers must live according to the righteousness they received in baptism; the white garments and the red belt symbolize the renewal and the blood of Christ.

• The danger after baptism: A warning against losing the grace by returning to the sins of the world and pride after having “put on Christ.” A call to gratitude and persistent living in the righteousness of baptism.

• Ecclesial unity and ministry in the diaspora: A call to unify the Coptic churches in America, to establish a regional headquarters and coordination in education, services, liturgical translations, and pastoral care, and thanksgiving to those who contributed to this step.

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