Baptism

The Meaning of Baptism

While ritual immersion existed in the Old Testament and pagan religions as a sign of "starting anew" or repentance, Christian baptism holds a deeper, specific significance.

  • Christ’s Example: Jesus was baptised not because He needed repentance, but to reveal Himself as the "Beloved Son" and the "Lamb of God."

  • Death and Resurrection: For Christians, baptism is a participation in Easter. It is not just a moral change, but a literal spiritual death and rebirth. The baptismal font is viewed as both a "tomb and a womb": through immersion, the believer dies to the fallen world and is born again into the Kingdom of God.

The Baptismal Service

The service is a progression of rituals that mark the initiate's entry into the Church:

  • Exorcism & Creed: The service begins with the rejection of Satan and the confession of the Nicene Creed. For infants, the godparent speaks on their behalf.

  • Anointing with Oil: Before immersion, the candidate is anointed with olive oil, symbolizing reconciliation and the goodness of God’s creation.

  • Triple Immersion: The candidate is fully immersed into blessed water three times in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This symbolizes Christ's three-day burial and resurrection.

  • The White Robe: The newly baptized is clothed in white, symbolizing the "garments of salvation" and the putting on of Christ (the new humanity).

  • The Procession: Circling the font three times with a lit candle represents the journey toward the Kingdom of God and spiritual enlightenment.

  • The Tonsure: A small lock of hair is cut crosswise as a first sacrificial offering to God.

Note: Initiation is considered complete only after the newly baptized receives Chrismation (the seal of the Holy Spirit) and Holy Communion (the Eucharist).

The Rite of Churching

Imitating the Old Testament presentation of Christ in the Temple (Luke 2:22), this rite usually occurs around the 40th day after birth.

  • For the Child: The infant is formally presented to God in the Church.

  • For the Mother: This marks the mother’s re-entry into the assembly after her recovery period. It allows her to receive Holy Communion again. Ideally, the mother is "churched" before the baptism so she can witness her child's entry into the Kingdom.

Practical Guidelines

1. What to Bring

  • Before (ideally 2-3 months beforehand)

  • Bring documents: Birth certificate and the Godparent’s baptism certificate.

  • On the Day

    • Essentials: A cross (neck), a white candle (lampáda), and a bottle of olive oil.

    • Clothing/Linens: New white clothes (or a white robe for adults), a large towel, a small hand towel (for the priest), and a myropáni (a large sheet).

    • Documents: Birth certificate and the Godparent’s baptism certificate.

    • Important: Once baptised you must not bathe until the third day after the baptism. On this day you should bathe and wash your baptismal garments and the water used should be poured onto the ground where living plants grow and will not be trodden on. 

2. Godparents

Godparents must be active, faithful members of the Orthodox Church (of any canonical jurisdiction), as they are responsible for the child's spiritual upbringing.

3. Logistics

  • Booking: Contact the church or come to our Sunday services.

  • Re-baptism: The Church confesses "one baptism." It is forbidden to re-baptize anyone who has already received a valid Orthodox baptism.

How to Join

If you are interested in joining the Orthodox Church:

  • Contact: Telephone email the church secretary or priest or attend a Sunday service and introduce yourself after the liturgy to the priest

  • Catechesis: Reception is always preceded by a period of religious instruction. The duration depends on your personal background and prior knowledge but at a minimum 6-12 months are required.