Born of water and the Spirit

The phrase “born again” comes from the Gospel of John, where Jesus tells Nicodemus: “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Jesus then clarifies, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God” (John 3:5). The Orthodox Church has always understood these words as referring to the mysteries (sacraments) of Baptism and Chrismation. “Water” refers to the baptismal waters; “the Spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit, received through Chrismation (anointing with holy oil immediately after Baptism).

This is the new birth Christ speaks of: not merely a symbolic or intellectual event, but a real, ontological transformation. Baptism and Chrismation together constitute the sacramental gateway into the Church and the life of grace.

 Sacrament of holy baptism in the Orthodox Christian church
The Church practices infant Baptism as an expression of God’s great love for us.  It shows we are wanted and loved by God from the moment of our birth.  The Sacrament of Baptism is done in two segments which are comprised of several symbolic parts.  These are The Prayers at the Reception of the Catechumen and Baptism.  The Service actually consists of two Sacraments: Baptism and Chrismation (Confirmation.)

The Prayers at the Reception of a Catechumen
The first part begins in the entrance way of the Church to show that the infant is not yet a member of the Church.  The purpose is to bring the child to Christ to become a member of His body.

Renunciation of the Devil
The priest calls upon the Godparents to renounce the devil and all his works on behalf of the child.  No one can be Christ’s until they have first faced Evil, and then become ready to fight it.  The renunciation is proclaimed by the Godparents facing West.  This follows the Old Testament belief that the sun sets upon the gates of Hades.

Acceptance of Christ
The priest faces the East where the light of the sun rises and asks the Godparents to accept Christ who is the Light of the World on behalf of the infant.

Confession of Faith
The priest makes the sign of the cross over the infant as a sign of Christian victory.  The cross is sealed in sets of three representing the Holy Trinity.  The Godparents then make their Profession of Faith by reciting the Nicene Creed on behalf of the infant.

The Scrament of Holy Baptism
The baptismal font is symbolic of the Divine Womb where we receive our second birth as children of God.  As quoted in John 1: 12-13: “But to all who received Him, who believed in His name, He gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.”

A lighted candle is given as a reminder during the child’s life that Christ is the Light of the World.  “I am the Light of the World.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life” (John 8: 12).

Anointment by Holy Oil
As the olive branch carried by the dove represented the deliverance from the Flood to Noah, so too, the oil symbolizes our deliverance from Death.  The Priest anoints the child with the oil of gladness making the sign of the cross on him/her saying: “ 

Triple Immersion
The very word “baptize”  means to immerse. The Orthodox Church has always baptized by triple immersion, “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). This is not incidental: it reflects the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The triple immersion also mirrors the three days Christ spent in the tomb, and symbolizes the fullness of participation in the life of the Holy Trinity.

Putting On of Christ
The newly-baptized is then clothed in new white clothes to signify the new life in Christ.  The Priest says: “The servant of God is clothed with the garment of righteousness…”  These clothes express the purity of the soul and recall the shining robe in which Christ appeared in the Transfiguration.

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.

Then the Priest, the Godparents with the newly baptized child process around the sacramental table three times singing the hymn, “As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ, Alleluia!” (Galatians 3: 27)

Epistle and Gospel Readings
The reader recites the Epistle (Romans 6: 3-11) in which Saint Paul explains the meaning of Baptism.  Then the Priest offers the Gospel reading (Matthew 28: 16-20) in which Christ commands us to “go forth and baptize all people in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

The Tonsure
The newly-baptized child’s hair is cut crosswise symbolizing the child’s willingness to come to Christ as a servant and to do His will.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST

Holy Communion
It is the Orthodox tradition that the mysteries of baptism and Chrismation, called officially “holy illumination,” are fulfilled in the reception by the “newly-enlightened” of Holy Communion in the Eucharistic liturgy of the Church.

Choosing a Sponsor or Godparent

In choosing a Sponsor or Godparent in the Baptismal service, the Church requires that a Sponsor/Godparent (Kum– male, Kuma – female) must be an active, participating member of an Orthodox Church . The Godparent is the one who vouches for the child and the family as to the sincerity of the reasons why they are seeking baptism. In addition, the godparents serve to guide, teach, and counsel their godchildren in the Orthodox faith. 

Baptism Checklist:

The following items may be provided by the parents or the Godparents.

• Cross & Chain  (optional)

• White Outfit for after the imersion in water

• A Small Bottle of Olive Oil (optional)

• 1 Large White Bath Towel/Sheet – (If a double baptism – bring 2)

• 1 Large Candle- (If a double baptism – bring 2)

• Optional additional smaller candles for Children to participate in a procession, if applicable. Please let Father know beforehand.