How is baptism performed in the Orthodox Church?

Baptism is normally performed by triple immersion as a sign of the death and Resurrection of Christ; thus, the rite appears essentially as a gift of new life. It is immediately followed by chrismation, performed by the priest who anoints the newly baptized Christian with “Holy Chrism” (oil) blessed by the bishop.

Table of Contents

What are the steps in a baptism ceremony?

5 STEPS TO BAPTIZING SOMEONE. Do you know someone who is ready to take his/her next step in following Jesus through baptism?

Step 1: Find some water.

Step 2: Go into the water.

Step 3: Take their confession of faith.

Step 4: What to say.

Step 5: Lay the person down into the water and back up.

What do you need for an Orthodox baptism?

Baptismal Guidelines

A complete change of clothes for the child (i.e. white baptismal gown, with inner shirt or onesie)
A gold cross.
Three white candles (baptismal candle should be larger or at least more ornate)
One bottle of olive oil.
One bar of soap.
One small white hand towel.
One large white bath towel.

What are the 5 parts of baptism?

Familiar Symbols Used in Baptism. There are five universal symbols of baptism: the cross, a white garment, oil, water, and light. Other familiar symbols include the baptismal font, scriptural readings and prayers, and godparents.

Do Orthodox say Christening or baptism?

For starters many times the term Christening and Baptism are used interchangeably to explain the same thing. However, Baptism and Chrismation are two completely different things, and each is actually its own sacrament in the Orthodox Church. The Baptism does in fact introduce us into the Greek Orthodox Church.

What are the four parts of baptism?

Rite of Catholic Baptism: Ceremony Steps

Reception of the child.
Celebration of God’s word.
Celebration of the sacrament.
Explanatory rites.
Conclusion of the rite.

What do parents do during baptism?

The parents respond aloud, ideally with a Christian name, such as one of the saints or heroes of the Bible. In adult Baptism, skip this step. The priest or deacon asks, “What do you ask of God’s Church for your child?” The parents respond, “Baptism.” If an adult is being baptized, she answers the same.

Why do Orthodox cut hair at baptism?

The Tonsure Following the Baptism and Chrism, the Priest will tonsure the child by cutting some of his hair crosswise to signify: that Christ will be the head of the child from now on, that he will reject other allegiances.

How many candles are needed for an Orthodox baptism?

3 candles
Technical Details. Lambathes are traditionally used in Greek Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox baptism ceremonies. In an Orthodox baptism, 3 candles are generally used — one large candle for the child and two smaller matching candles for witnesses to circle the font.

What are the 3 essential elements of baptism?

The infusion of grace in the form of sanctifying grace (the life of God within us); the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit; and the three theological virtues. Becoming a part of Christ. Becoming a part of the Church, which is the Mystical Body of Christ on earth.

Who holds the baby during baptism?

At the baptismal font, sometimes referred to as the baptistery, a parent or godparent will hold the baby. By tradition, one godparent usually holds the child while the other places their right hand on the child’s shoulder. The celebration of the sacrament has three parts, including the baptism itself.