Air Baptism

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Servus_Pio_XII

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In cases of grave emergency, when the life of an infant is in serious danger, and when no water is present, the Orthodox will perform an “air baptism” in which case the formula of baptism is given, but the baby (rather than being immersed) is thrown (gently) into the air thrice.

Do the Eastern Catholics do this?

Does the Catholic Church recognise the validity of these baptisms?
 
Never heard of “air.” But I’m almost certain that if you do not have water you can use sand/earth.
 
I think the idea behind the air baptism is that since there are water molecules in the air in the gaseous state, then the baptism is still being done by water and the Spirit. But if one is going to do this in cases of emergency, then why not just use saliva?

As far as sand/earth, what’s the explanation behind this?

God bless,

Rony
 
These sorts of Baptisms are ment only for emergency situations. The individual is to be Baptised in water (at least in the Catholic Church’s view) as soon as possible . The sand/air are just representing a Baptism of Desire , but that sort of Baptism is only recognized if the person dies before the opporunity for a real Baptism with water presents itself.
 
ronyodish said:
I think the idea behind the air baptism is that since there are water molecules in the air in the gaseous state, then the baptism is still being done by water and the Spirit. But if one is going to do this in cases of emergency, then why not just use saliva?

As far as sand/earth, what’s the explanation behind this?
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I believe the sand/earth symbolism is because we are being buried with him in His death.

Blessings,
Marduk
 
Servus_Pio_XII said:
In cases of grave emergency, when the life of an infant is in serious danger, and when no water is present, the Orthodox will perform an “air baptism” in which case the formula of baptism is given, but the baby (rather than being immersed) is thrown (gently) into the air thrice.

Do the Eastern Catholics do this?

Does the Catholic Church recognise the validity of these baptisms?
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I don’t think I have ever heard of anyone - EO or EC - doing this. I don’t know that it has ever been an issue that came out and needed to be addressed… Then again, I never went looking.

Can you perhaps link to an article describing this more? I would be inclined to assume that after the emergency, if possible, baptism with water would take place. Is that the case from what you have read?
 
That is the case, from what I read, but there is really no authoritative article on the subject to which I can link. The literature is very sparse.
 
Servus_Pio_XII said:
That is the case, from what I read, but there is really no authoritative article on the subject to which I can link. The literature is very sparse.
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That being the case I think it may even then be safe to say that this is not universally taught within the East… Parties may be well divided as to the practice.
 
What a heartbreaking question. You would not have asked unless an infant you knew was in a very grave situation. I’m so sorry. May that child’s memory be eternal.

Children are Jesus’ property. They cannot sin and go straight to Him. As an Orthodox Christian, that’s what I’ve been taught.

Again, I’m so sorry for your loss.

😦
 
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