Most violent baptism ever? Kids run scared as bishop roughly dunks baby

Twitter users have been outraged after bizarre footage emerged on social media showing a Greek Orthodox bishop violently baptising a baby in water.

In the clip the Archbishop swings the naked child by its arms and repeatedly dunks him in the baptismal font.

The clergyman dips the boy in the basin three times before handing him back to the parents who seem totally unfazed.

The Archbishop swings the naked child by its arms and repeatedly dunks him in the baptismal font. Photo / Alex Alexloy

It is believed the clip was filmed in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, at a Greek Orthodox church.

It is tradition for Greek Orthodox churches to perform 'forceful' baptisms because it is seen as a solution to the declining birth rate.

Many online commentators have criticised the bishop's rough approach, the MailOnline reported.

It is tradition for Greek Orthodox churches to perform 'forceful' baptisms because it is seen as a solution to the declining birth rate. Photo / Alex Alexloy

On Twitter, Zita London wrote: "Oh my I bet this baby is left brain dead."

Another user posted: "Omg that's the most violent baptism?! I've ever seen?!"

User @myaaa_tyn wrote: "Baptism?? More like attempted murder."

Mildred Tuhaise commented: "But this sort of baptism. Aaaah. It's actually Roughism."

Last year, a similar video emerged of a baby being violently dunked in water in a church in Georgia.