On 11 April 2026, during the Baptismal Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Holy Saturday, thirty-two catechumens were baptised at Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church, Brisbane, marking what is believed to be the largest number baptised in a single service in the history of the Orthodox Church within Australia.
The five-hour service was celebrated by Fr Andrew Smith with Fr Stephen David, and the deacons Fr Palladius van Zyl and Fr Jeremy Morse, with more than 150 attendees.
In preparation for Holy Baptism, each undertook a structured period of formation, including participating in the liturgical life of the Church, being formally instructed in the Orthodox Faith, and participating in discussions on how to live the Faith in everyday life. Most of the 22 adults completed the Course for 2025-26 and were made catechumens on 14 March 2026, while some were made catechumens in Spring 2025.
During the fifteenth Old Testament prophecy reading, a procession was made to the fonts, where the baptisms were carried out. Following their anointing with oil and their immersion in the baptismal waters, the newly-baptised re-entered the church in procession as full members of ths Church.
After being clothed in their baptismal robes and receiving their baptismal crosses, and with the choir singing, “All ye who in Christ have been baptised, in Christ have ye been clothed. Alleluia.”, Fr Andrew led the newly-illumined, together with their godparents, in a procession of around 50 people around the entire nave of the church – visibly expressing their incorporation into the Body of Christ and His Church. The newly-baptised received Communion first, with the assistance of their godparents – their third sacrament on that glorious day. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, the newly-illumined were congratulated, along with their respective godparents, and the choir led the congregation in praying that God grant them many years ahead.
The service was marked by a profound sense of reverence and joy. Many parishioners remarked on its beauty, while some of the newly-illumined were visibly moved to tears throughout.
In his homily, Fr Andrew spoke of the newly-baptised as a living, visible witness to the purpose of Christ’s coming into the world – so that humanity might also rise with Him. He exhorted the newly-illumined to continue steadfastly in their life in Christ, supported by their godparents and the wider parish community, and to grow in faith and holiness throughout their lives.
These newly-illumined hail from a wide variety of social and cultural backgrounds, toddlers through to 85y.o. Religious backgrounds varied widely, from Roman Catholic and Mainline Protestant backgrounds; others from Evangelical or Pentecostal denominations; a few were from other religions, while many were from non-religious backgrounds – from agnostic through militantly atheistic.
This event stands as a striking sign of the continued growth of the Orthodox faith in Australia. The faithful are asked to keep these newly-illumined servants of God in their prayers, that they may be strengthened in the grace they have received, and remain steadfast in their walk with Christ.
Christ is Risen!
Truly He is Risen!
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