x

Church under fire as six-week-old baby dies in baptism

The Orthodox Church in Romania is facing growing pressure to change baptism rituals after a  six-week-old baby died following a ceremony earlier this week.


The baby boy reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest during the Baptism on Monday and was rushed to hospital but died a few hours later, with autopsy revealing liquid in his lungs. 

Prosecutors have now opened a manslaughter investigation against the priest in the north-eastern city of Suceava.

An online petition calling for changes to the ritual had gathered more than 56,000 signatures by Thursday evening.

“The death of a newborn baby because of this practice is a huge tragedy,” said a message with the petition. “This risk must be ruled out for the joy of baptism to triumph.”

Due to several similar incidents in recent years, Church spokesman, Vasile Banescu had suggested that priests pour a little water on the baby’s forehead instead of immersing infants three times in holy water. But Archbishop Teodosie, leader of the Church’s traditionalist wing, said the ritual would not change.

More than 80% of Romanians are Orthodox and the Church is one of the most trusted institutions, according to recent opinion polls.

Hot this week

DSS Nabs 3 Gunrunners Supplying Arms to Bandits in Kaduna

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested three...

Wike Commissions Wuye Engineering Infrastructure,16 years After

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuHistory was made on Tuesday when...

Northern Governors Mourn Victims of Niger Tanker Explosion

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has expressed deep...

Gov. Alia Hails Gowon’s Contributions to Public Health, Nation-Building at 91

By Isaac Kertyo, MakurdiBenue State Governor, Rev. Fr....

FG Launches Made-in- Nigeria Mobile App to Boost Community Healthcare Services

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe Federal Government has launched a...

Hazras Charity Foundation Concludes Educational Kits Distribution in Kano, Expands to Jigawa State

By Jabiru HassanThe Hazras Charity Foundation, a delivery partner...

Kaduna Women Journalists Urge Government Action on Poor Power Supply, Commend State’s Climate Efforts

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Nigeria Association of Women Journalists...

Gov. Ododo Hails Appointment of Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu as New Chief of Army Staff

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaKogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman...

NDDC Commissions Naval Facility in Bayelsa to Boost Security in Niger Delta

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, YenagoaThe Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)...

KOSIEC Releases Timetable for 2026 Kogi Local Government Elections

By Noah Ocheni, LokojaThe Kogi State Independent...

Terrorist Invade Southern Kaduna Community, Abduct 10 Residents in Kauru LGA

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaTerrorists have again attacked Southern Kaduna,...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img