I think that a summary reading of the various historical circumstances and the canons and writing of the Fathers, it seems that their approach was, above all, pastoral in nature. Certainly dogma informs pastoral practice, but pastoral concerns also inform dogma. This is why we work between economia and akrivia. My bishop knows the canons well, but his first concern has always been pastoral in nature. So, if there is any question, he examines the faith vita of the candidate and makes a decision about what must be done. Its my opinion that it is not advantageous to take a rigid view of the issue- ie., always baptize...always chrismate. Circumstances vary. Life is messy. We do our best.
Fr. John
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