Great is the Foreordained Baptism: A Ransom for Captives, Forgiveness of Sins, Death of Sin, Rebirth of the Soul, a Garment of Light, a Holy and Indestructible Seal, a Chariot to Heaven, a Luxury of Paradise, a Provision of the Kingdom, the Gift of Adoption.
– Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures
In the Mystery of Baptism, a person puts to death the old human nature subjected to sin and rises to walk in the new life in Christ. Baptism is how we unite with Christ’s death and Resurrection and become part of His Body, the Church.
Instructions for Baptism
Click here to fill out the baptism application
Instructions for Parents:
1. A Sponsor (also known as Godparent, Nounos/Nouna) should not be just any friend or relative, but should be a faithful Orthodox Christian who can ensure that the newly baptized child will grow in faith.
2. Both parents, if they are Orthodox Christians, must be Members in good standing and active as Members in the Church.
3. A name of Christian origin must be given to the child at baptism. If you are unsure of a Christian name, Fr. Alexandros can help you choose an appropriate patron for your child.
4. The day, time, and other arrangements must be made by submitting the Baptism Application (see link above) to the Church Office at least three weeks prior to the baptism. Dates are not set until confirmed by the Church Office.
5. Someone should be appointed to undress and dress the child.
6. Two people should be appointed to carry the candles during the service.
7. To ensure the dignity and solemnity of the baptismal images of your child, photography should be as limited as possible.
Instructions for the Sponsor:
The sponsor (godparent, nounos/nouna) must:
1. Be an Orthodox Christian.
2. Be a Member in good standing and up-to-date with Membership dues to the Church.
3. If married, have been married in the Orthodox Church by an Orthodox Priest.
4. If divorced, must have received an ecclesiastical divorce from the Orthodox Church.
5. If from another parish, provide a letter from their parish priest before the Baptism stating that they are in good standing with the Church and eligible to serve as a sponsor.
The sponsor should provide:
1. Small bottle of olive oil
2. Bar of white soap
3. Unused white towel
4. Large, unused white bath towel
5. Unused white sheet (a flat, twin-size is appropriate)
6. Three candles of white or natural beeswax
7. Baptismal cross with chain
8. White undergarments (or diaper for infants)
9. White baptismal dress or outfit, including white bonnet
The sponsor’s role was originally to assure the Church of the faith of the one to be baptized; this is still the practice in the case of adult baptism or chrismation. In the case of infant baptism, the Sponsor speaks on behalf of the child, who is unable to make the necessary confession of faith.
During the service, the Sponsor should be able to recite the Nicene Creed confidently in either Greek or English.
For three consecutive Sundays after the Baptism, the sponsor (or parents, if the sponsor resides elsewhere) should bring the infant to the Holy Altar to receive Holy Communion.
Reception of Converts
Adults wishing to join the Orthodox Church are received in different ways depending on their previous religious background. Depending on the specific circumstances, Fr. Alexandros will determine which of the following three means of reception is necessary:
1. Baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit with triple immersion.
2. Chrismation.
3. Confession of Faith.
Emergency Baptism
If an unbaptized infant is nearing death, a priest should be called immediately for an emergency baptism. However, if time is of the essence and the priest cannot arrive in time, any Orthodox layperson may baptize the infant by sprinkling the infant with Holy Water or lifting the infant into the air three times, saying: “The servant of God (name) is baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
Days When Baptisms Are Not Permitted:
Baptisms are not permitted during the following periods:
1. December 25 – January 6 (Christmas & Theophany).
2. Holy Week & Pascha.
3. Any Great Feast of Our Lord:
– Elevation of the Cross, September 14.
– Presentation of Christ in the Temple, February 2.
– Annunciation, March 25.
– Lazarus Saturday & Palm Sunday, 1 week before Pascha.
– Ascension, 40 days after Pascha.
– Pentecost, 50 days after Pascha.
– Transfiguration, August 6.