About Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism incorporates us into the Church, the Body of Christ, and is our introduction to the life of the Holy Trinity. Water is a natural symbol of cleansing and newness of life. Through the three-fold immersion in the waters of Baptism in the Name of the Holy Trinity, one dies to the old ways of sin and is born to a new life in Christ. Baptism is one’s public identification with Christ Death and victorious Resurrection. Following the custom of the early Church, Orthodoxy encourages the baptism of infants. The Church believes that the Sacrament is bearing witness to the action of God who chooses a child to be an important member of His people. From the day of their baptism, children are expected to mature in the life of the Spirit, through their family and the Church. The Baptism of adults is practiced when there was no previous baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity. (From “The Sacraments“, by Fr. Thomas Fitzgerald)
For Parents Who Want to Baptize Their Child
Parents who seek to have their children baptized in the Orthodox Church must have the intention to raise their children in the Faith.
In the case of an infant or child, the godparent (nouno or nouna) is the one who receives the child out of the font and spiritually accepts responsibility for the child. An adult’s godparent stands with them as a guide and fellow struggler on the path. Hence, it is necessary that this person be an Orthodox Christian. The godparents must also be members in good standing of the Orthodox Church, which includes regular attendance and submitting a Stewardship Card to their church each year. If he/she belongs to another Orthodox parish, the priest must receive a letter verifying that they are members in good standing from their parish priest.
The items for baptism and chrismation are traditionally provided by the sponsor or godparents. In some cases, the parents and godparents divide the list up. If so, the cross, candles and white clothes are still provided by the sponsor.
While there is no cost for the sacraments of the church, it is appropriate to offer the sexton (the person preparing the baptismal font) an honorarium. Please ask the parish administrator if you have questions as to what an appropriate amount might be.
Infant Baptism & Chrismation Checklist
- 1 white twin sheet
- 1 white towel
- 2 white hand towels
- Olive oil
- Bar of white soap
- White baptismal gown or outfit – usually provided by the sponsor
- Cross – provided by the sponsor
- 1 candle for the godparents
- 1 candle for the family
- Optional: Witness pins (martyriki)
Candles, baptismal crosses and witness pins are available at Logos Bookstore.
Adult Baptism & Chrismation Checklist
- 3 large white towels
- 1 hand white towel
- Olive oil
- Bathing suit or shorts to wear under robe
- Baptismal gown for wearing into the font – may be provided by the sponsor or borrowed
- Cross – provided by the sponsor
- 1 candle for newly illumined person
- 1 candle for godparent
- Something to wear on the feet after stepping out of the font (sandals)
- A new set of white clothes to wear after baptism – these clothes should also be worn to church through the next three Liturgies after the baptism.
- Optional: Witness pins (martyriki)
Candles, baptismal crosses and witness pins are available at Logos Bookstore.
Chrismation-Only Checklist
- Cross – provided by the sponsor
- 1 candle for newly illumined person
- 1 candle for godparent
- Something to wear on the feet after stepping out of the font (sandals)
- A new set of white clothes to wear during the service – these clothes should also be worn to church through the next three Liturgies after the baptism.
Candles and crosses are available at Logos Bookstore.
