Baby dies during baptism after it’s head was put under water three times at Romanian Orthodox Church

Six-week-old baby died of cardiac arrest after a baptism ceremony in Romania. The priest, who now faces manslaughter charges, immersed the infant in the holy water three times. The poor baby inhaled the water and was rushed to hospital but passed away hours later due to liquid in his lungs.

A Romanian Orthodox priest sinks a child during a baptism at a church in Bucharest in May 2014. (File photo)

The baptism ceremonies held in Romania where over 80 percent of the population is Orthodox are considered very important events and are often celebrated with hundreds of guests and huge parties.

According to a number of recent polls, the church is the most trusted institution in this European county. However, after this tragedy, a number of people have asked from the church to change the baptism rituals. In fact, by Thursday evening, over 56,000 signatures have been gathered. The petition said: “The death of a newborn baby because of this practice is a huge tragedy. This risk must be ruled out for the joy of baptism to triumph.”

Romanian Orthodox priests sprinkle holy water over believers to bless them at the end of the Epiphany mass held on January 6 every year 

Church representatives took their stand, among which Vasile Banescu who believes that instead of immersing the babies in the water three times, priests can pour or sprinkle a little water on the little one’s forehead, which is the case in other Orthodox countries. Archbishop Teodosie, the leader of the Church’s traditionalist wing, however, said the tradition won’t change.

EPA

We are so very sorry for the loss of an innocent soul. Rest in peace.

Monica Pop
Monica Pop
Monica Pop is a senior writer for Bored Daddy magazine covering the latest trending and popular articles across the United States and around the world.

More from author

Related posts

Latest posts

The holy items inside Pope Francis’ casket

Pope Francis “returned to the home of the Father,” and the news of his passing, mere hours after his final public appearance, sent waves...

Boy, 6, dies after showing symptom nearly all kids experience

The Menai-Davis family experienced an inexplicable loss when their 6-year-old son, Hugh, passed away in September 2021. The boy was diagnosed with a rare and...

May Jimmy Kimmel be quitting TV?

Jimmy Kimmel has to be one of the most beloved TV faces. Except for being the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live, he has been in...

Dog’s barking at a funeral exposes an empty coffin

That morning felt heavier than any other. Ryan was returning home for his father's funeral, the man who meant the world to him. When...

The science behind eye ‘sleep:’ What that crust really is

Overnight, a yellow crust known as eye sleep builds up on our eyelashes and the corners of our eyes. At some people, the eye...

Pope Francis’ last public appearance sends a deep message

The Catholic world is mourning the passing of the first pope from Latin America, Pope Francis, whose liberal views on the church felt like...