The Sacrament of Baptism and Chrismation

In the Orthodox Church, entry into the life of Christ and His Church takes place through what the early Church called Triple Initiation: Baptism, Chrismation, and Holy Communion. These three sacred mysteries unite us to Christ and incorporate us fully into the life of the Church.

Holy Baptism: Our New Life in Christ

Baptism is the way we are united to Jesus Christ and His Church.

Through Baptism we die to our old life separated from God, a condition that entered the world through the fall of Adam and Eve. At the same time, we are raised to a new life in Christ. In this way, Baptism is our personal participation in Pascha, the passage from death to life.

From the moment of Baptism—infants included—we become full members of the Body of Christ and citizens of His Kingdom. Through the sacramental life of the Church, we receive God’s grace and begin to grow in our new life in Christ.

Chrismation: The Gift of the Holy Spirit

Immediately following Baptism, the newly baptized person receives the sacrament of Chrismation.

Through anointing with Holy Chrism, the Church invokes the Holy Spirit upon the newly illumined Christian. During this anointing the priest proclaims:

“The Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”

This moment is often described as the Christian’s personal Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit is given to strengthen, guide, and confirm the believer in the Orthodox Faith.

Holy Communion: Spiritual Nourishment

Following Baptism and Chrismation, the newly baptized person receives Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is the spiritual food of the Christian life. In Holy Communion we receive the true Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, given to us as the Bread of Life. Through this sacred mystery we are united with Christ and strengthened in faith.

Holy Communion is given for:

• Spiritual and physical healing
• Forgiveness of sins
• Growth in the life of Christ
• The hope of eternal life

By tradition, the newly baptized receives Holy Communion for three consecutive Sundays, and afterward as frequently as possible.

The Role of the Godparent (Sponsor)

In the Orthodox Church, the role of the Godparent or Sponsor is an important spiritual responsibility.

The Godparent represents the Church and assists the parents in helping the child grow in the Orthodox Faith. Because of this sacred role, the Godparent must be:

• An Orthodox Christian
• A member of the Church in good standing
• Canonically and sacramentally connected to the Church

Godparents serve as spiritual mentors, helping guide the baptized person in their life in Christ.

Choosing a Christian Name

At Baptism, the newly baptized person receives a Christian name.

This name is traditionally taken from:

• A Biblical figure, or
• An Orthodox saint

The saint becomes the person’s heavenly patron and role model. The Saints of the Church have “fought the good fight” and received their crown in heaven, and their lives inspire us to live faithfully as followers of Christ.

The Ancient Practice of Baptism

The practice of Baptism is attested in some of the earliest Christian writings.

Around 217 A.D., St. Hippolytus of Rome wrote in The Apostolic Tradition:

“First baptize the little ones; if they can speak for themselves, let them do so. If not, let their parents or relatives speak for them. Then baptize the men, and the women.”

This early witness shows that Baptism—including the Baptism of children—has been part of the life of the Church since ancient times.

Symbols Used in the Sacrament of Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism includes several visible symbols. These physical elements of God’s creation help reveal the invisible grace of God at work in the Holy Mysteries.

The Baptismal Font

The Baptismal Font has been described by the Church Fathers as the Divine Womb, from which we receive our second birth as children of God.

It represents both the Jordan River, where Christ was baptized, and the Tomb of Christ, from which new life emerges.

Water

Water is a symbol of cleansing and renewal. Through the waters of Baptism, Christ cleanses us from sin and grants us new life in Him.

Olive Oil

Blessed olive oil is applied by the priest to the hands, feet, ears, mouth, and chest of the person being baptized. This anointing dedicates the whole person to the service of Christ.

Oil also symbolizes peace and reconciliation, recalling the dove that brought the olive branch to Noah after the flood.

White Garments and Candles

The newly baptized person is clothed in white garments, symbolizing the purity of the new life received in Christ.

The candle given during the service reminds the Christian to live by the light of Christ.

Holy Chrism

Holy Chrism is a sacred oil of consecration made from olive oil and fragrant spices. Through this anointing, the newly baptized receives the Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit, marking them as belonging to Christ.

The Tonsure

After Baptism and Chrismation, the priest cuts three small locks of hair from the head of the newly baptized.

This act represents offering oneself to God in gratitude and committing one's strength and life to His service.

The Cross

The Godparent provides a cross and chain, which the priest blesses and places on the newly baptized.

The Cross is the central symbol of the Christian faith and serves as a continual reminder that we belong to Christ.