Chrismation

Chrismation is the second stage of initiation into the Church, performed immediately after baptism.

Personal Pentecost: If baptism is a participation in Easter (Christ's death and resurrection), Chrismation is a participation in Pentecost (the coming of the Holy Spirit).
The Seal: Through this sacrament, the believer receives "the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit." They are empowered with "power from on high" to live the new life initiated in baptism.
Unity with Baptism: Unlike in Roman Catholic or Protestant traditions where these sacraments are often separated, Orthodoxy always performs them together. Baptism has no meaning for the Christian without Chrismation, just as Easter is incomplete without Pentecost.

Anointing: The priest anoints various parts of the body (eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands, feet, back, and chest) with Holy Chrism (a special oil prepared by bishops on Holy Thursday). This consecrates the body as a "temple of the Holy Spirit."
Becoming a "Christ": The word "Christ" means "Anointed One." By being anointed, the believer becomes - as the fathers of the Church dared to put it - a "christ"— “a child of God in whom the Holy Spirit dwells - as long as we want him and cooperate with his powerful and holy inspiration”.
The Tonsure: Following Chrismation, the priest cuts a lock of hair from the newly baptized in the shape of a cross. Since hair represents strength (see Judges 16:17), this is a sign that the person offers their life and strength completely to God.

While baptism is never repeated, Chrismation can be used in specific cases for receiving adults into the Church.

Returning to the Faith: An Orthodox Christian who left the Church for another religion or denomination must be Chrismated again upon their return as a way of being "re-consecrated."
Receiving Converts (via Oikonomía): The standard entry into the Church is Baptism. However, as a pastoral exception (oikonomía), converts from certain Christian denominations may be received by Chrismation alone(without re-baptism) if their previous baptism met three criteria:
1. Performed in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2. Involved a threefold immersion/application of water.
3. The denomination holds a mainstream understanding of the Holy Trinity.

In these cases, Chrismation is seen as filling the "empty form" of the previous baptism with grace.

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 6-9 months are required.