40 gypsy children baptized in Achaea

A joyous mass Baptism was celebrated in Achaea in Western Greece on Wednesday.

On that day, His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos visited the village of Sageika to baptize 40 gypsy children from families living permanently in the area, Romfea reports.

This was not the first such Baptism celebrated by the metropolitan—there have been six in the past few years in Sageika and Riganokampos, preceded by the necessary spiritual formation. About 100 children in total have been baptized thus far.

Gypsy couples are also being prepared to receive the Sacrament of Marriage in the holy Orthodox Church.

The Baptism was attended by the president of the Pan-Hellenic Confederation of Greek Gypsies “Ellan Passe” Panzios Vassilios, the president and Board of Directors of the Gypsy Association of the Prefecture of Achaea, and the director of the Sageika elementary school, representing those who have educational responsibility for the children.

His Eminence thanked all those present for their cooperation and help for the local gypsy population. He also thanked priest Nicholas Ritsikalis for his interest in the many gypsy who live in Achaea.

Source: orthochristian.com