Birth of Christ and Rebirth in Christ
In what has become something of a tradition, nine newly-baptised Orthodox Christians were welcomed by Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church, Brisbane, on the morning of 6 January 2026 – the Eve of the Nativity of Christ. At 8:30am, the Ninth Royal Hour was served, followed by Typica, and then the Baptismal Vesperal Divine Liturgy began. Services were led by parish clergy, with Mr T. Selke leading the choir.
After the conclusion of the eight Prophecy Readings, eight adults and one infant were successively anointed with ‘the oil of gladness’, thrice-immersed in the baptismal waters, robed in white, and anointed with Chrism. Later, they were the first to receive Communion – their third sacrament of this unique day. The godparents began their lifelong role by assisting their respective godchildren – particularly at the font, when being robed, when receiving Communion, and at the baptismal tonsure.
The sermon was delivered by Fr Stephen David at the conclusion of the service, during which he connected Nativity with baptism, and encouraged the newly-baptised as they follow Christ in the world.
The eight adults who were baptised had been prepared through a lengthy period of formation, including regular church attendance, integration into the community, and completing a 17 week Catechism Course run by the parish. The infant, on the other hand, was a child of a couple who had converted and were baptised two years prior.
Around 120 people gathered for this dual celebration – of the Birth of Jesus Christ, and of the re-birth, ‘of water and the Spirit’ – filling St Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church, where this joyous service was hosted due to the ongoing renovations at Holy Annunciation’s church.
Those in attendance described the atmosphere as reverent and joyful, with the newly-illumined visibly radiant as they emerged from the waters of baptism and joined the faithful at the chalice. The Rector, Fr Andrew Smith, noted that many inquirers at Holy Annunciation continued to be on the present Catechism Course, and he looked forward to a similarly joyous event on Holy Saturday.
As was intoned at the end of the Liturgy, we pray that God grants peace, health, and salvation to these newly-illumined, along with their godparents, and preserves them for many years!
Enrolments are open for the next Catechism Course from Holy Annunciation, scheduled to run from May to October, at this link – available for students across the diocese via remote options.
