A Greek Orthodox bishop has sparked division after a video of him baptising a child was posted online.

He can be seen dunking the naked boy three times, swinging him by his arms and repeatedly dunking him in water, reports the Metro.

Children nearby back away as water splashes from the dunking that one viewer described as ‘the most violent baptism ever’.

The footage was taken during the baptism in Ayia Napa, Cyprus. Despite it being tradition and performed in a similar way elsewhere people have reacted with anger.

MiKi Minach said: ‘Omg that’s the most violent baptism?! I’ve ever seen?!’ Mildred Tuhaise commented: ‘But this sort of baptism. Aaaah. It’s actually Roughism.’ Zita London added: ‘Oh my I bet this baby is left brain dead’.