In the history of religions, powerful and dynamic motifs resonate, where rituals become conduits of deep spirituality.

Evolution of Faith Rituals: Baptism, Circumcision, and National Identi

In the history of religions, powerful and dynamic motifs resonate, where rituals become conduits of deep spirituality. At the heart of the Orthodox experience—whether among Russian or Greek followers—is the ritual of baptism, symbolizing the entry into the New Covenant and union with the Messiah. This practice not only marks the beginning of a new era of faith but also emphasizes the idea of renewal, while the ancient ritual of circumcision, once serving as a metaphor for the covenant in the old tradition, has lost its functional role with the coming of Christ.

A vivid and illustrative alternative understanding of the chosen people is also portrayed. The Orthodox tradition, especially in Russian self-awareness, sees its calling in the role of guardians of living faith and as the source of spiritual water made available to everyone. In contrast, Jewish traditions, as anchored in the Talmud, draw their strength from the ideal of a uniquely chosen people, thereby creating a distinct, nationally tinted approach to spiritual identity. This polarity of views reflects not only historical and cultural differences but also the profound transformation of the covenant idea when transitioning from the pre-Christian world to the reality of the New Testament.

In conclusion, these differences serve as a key argument in reflecting on the role of rituals in shaping cultural and spiritual uniqueness. The evolution from a physical sign in the form of circumcision to a symbol of new life through baptism demonstrates how religion is capable of transformation while retaining its power, energetic wholeness, and deep meaning—a meaning that remains invisible yet palpable to every follower.

Regarding the main differences between Russian/Greek Orthodox and Jewish/“baptized” Judean traditions: The primary differences lie in the understanding and continuity of the religious covenant. For Russian and Greek Orthodox, baptism stands as the central rite of entering the covenant, symbolizing entry into the New Covenant with the coming of the Messiah. Conversely, the ritual of circumcision, which served as the sign of the old covenant, has lost its functional significance in the New Testament Church. As one source notes:
"In the book of Genesis (17:11), circumcision is named the sign of the covenant, the token of the alliance (baptism, on the other hand, is the entry into the New Covenant, the establishment of the alliance). This practice in the New Testament Church disappeared not because it was deemed erroneous, but because it was fulfilled with the advent of the Messiah." (source: link txt)

Moreover, the very understanding of the chosen people has fundamentally different nuances between these groups. The Orthodox tradition, particularly within Russian self-consciousness, views its task as that of a God-bearing people, destined to serve as the guardian of true faith and to offer anyone the opportunity to partake from this source of living water, leading to eternal and blissful life. On the other hand, Judaism—as demonstrated in the Talmud—teaches a distinct elevation of the Jews as the chosen people, thereby setting a different criterion for spiritual uniqueness. As the following excerpt explains:
"The Russian people recognized their task as a God-bearing nation, to act as the keepers of true faith, enabling anyone desirous to partake in that source of living water, which flows into eternal and blessed life. A different understanding of chosenness is implied in Judaism. 'The Jews are dearer to God than the angels,' 'just as a man in the world is held in higher esteem than animals, so the Jews stand above all nations in the world'—so teaches the Talmud." (source: link txt)

It is also worth noting that the ideological and practical transformation inherent in Christianity led Judaism to lose its status as a world religion, becoming instead a national phenomenon while remaining at the level of pre-Christian consciousness. This circumstance further underscores the difference:
"Judaism ceased to be a world religion and became a national religion. That is its main distinction. Moreover, since it is outside of Christ, it remained at the level of pre-Christian consciousness." (source: link txt)

Finally, the disparate understanding of the physical and internal aspects of religious ritual also plays a role. For instance, in the Christian context, the physical sign (such as circumcision) is not the sole criterion for belonging to the community of believers, as illustrated in the discussion in one of the sources:
"Emperor: So, piety does not consist in being circumcised. Even if, as is said, the very meaning of faith lay in that... It was meant to imply something else through this." (source: link txt)

Thus, the main differences between Russian/Greek Orthodox and Jewish/“baptized” Judean traditions emerge from differences in the ritual initiation into the covenant (baptism versus circumcision), in the understanding of the chosen people, and in the historical and cultural contexts shaping their identities.

Supporting citation(s):

"In the book of Genesis (17:11), circumcision is named the sign of the covenant, the token of the alliance (baptism is the entry into the New Covenant, the establishment of the alliance). This practice in the New Testament Church disappeared not because it was deemed erroneous, but because it was fulfilled with the advent of the Messiah." (source: link txt)

"The Russian people recognized their task as a God-bearing nation, to act as the keepers of true faith, enabling anyone desirous to partake in that source of living water, which flows into eternal and blessed life. A different understanding of chosenness is implied in Judaism. 'The Jews are dearer to God than the angels,' 'just as a man in the world is held in higher esteem than animals, so the Jews stand above all nations in the world'—so teaches the Talmud." (source: link txt)

"Judaism ceased to be a world religion and became a national religion. That is its main distinction. Moreover, since it is outside of Christ, it remained at the level of pre-Christian consciousness." (source: link txt)

"Emperor: So, piety does not consist in being circumcised. Even if, as is said, the very meaning of faith lay in that... It was meant to imply something else through this." (source: link txt)