Circumcision

Question

What is the Orthodox attitude toward circumcision?


Answer

Thank you for your enquiry.

If you are asking about circumcision for medical or hygenic purposes, the Church does not object.

If you are asking about circumcision for religious reasons, the Church holds to that which is explained in Galatians 6:15, Romans 2:28 and 4:11, and Philippians 3:3—namely, that circumcision was a critical element of the Old Covenent, but not of the New Covenant.