QUESTION:
7/18/2010: Hello,
I have a personal situation that I would like direction on. My father is Greek-Orthodox and my mother is Roman Catholic, we grew up learning about both and followed Easter in the Orthodox tradition. I was not baptized Greek Orthodox simply because my mom did not drive and we lived far from a Greek Orthodox church and there were many Catholic ones in the area. I have always been compelled to the Orthodox faith. I have followed saint days and have a strong belief. I wanted to convert long ago before I got married but my parents both got sick and it was difficult. I married a Catholic man and we got married in a Catholic church. Now that we have a son, I really want for us to convert and for him to be baptized into the Greek Orthodox faith. He is 9 months now and we would like to baptize him as soon as we can. What are the steps? Would we be able to convert and then baptize him? Or baptize him and then convert?
Thanks so much |
ANSWER:
In this context, the best is first to be willing to spend the time to really understand the commonalities and differences between Catholicism and Orthodoxy. I would of recommend the book His Broken Body (author: Cleenewerck) available on Amazon.com which will give you all that you need to understand both traditions.
Once this study is done (and it will take an effort), the matter has to be discussed by the couple. Then, the decision to become and or raise the child Orthodox is possible but this would require the assent of both parents and a discussion with the Orthodox priest regarding the requirements (godparents, parent, etc). |
