HOLY 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’s 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.
(Source: http://www.goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith7105)
LIST OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS & ITEMS FOR BAPTISMS…
- Three (3) Photocopies of (child’s/adult’s) Civil Birth Certificate (for registry)
- One (1) Letter of Good (Spiritual and Financial) Standing for Each (Orthodox Christian) Godparent
- Three (3) White-Colored Large-Sized Candles (to be held by godparent(s) / replacement candles)
- One (1) Medium-Sized Bottle of Olive Oil (for blessing/covering with oil)
- One (1) White-Colored Bar of Soap w/ Matching White-Colored Soap Dish (for washing of hands)
- Two (2) White-Colored Medium-Sized Hand Towels (for drying of hands)
- One (1) White-Colored Large-Sized Bath Towel (for drying)
- One (1) White-Colored Twin-Size Bed Sheet (to be used as an oil barrier)
- One (1) White-Colored Baptismal Garment / Clothing (for wearing, following baptism)
- One (1) Gold-Colored Cross with Gold-Colored Chain (for wearing, following baptism)
- One (1) Icon of Patron Saint of Baptizee — *(OPTIONAL)