Credo Series
I believe in One God
Claimed in the Name of the life-giving Trinity
THE MYSTERY OF BAPTISM
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is the Ritual of initiating new members into the fullness of the active lifestyle required for those who wish to be participants in Ecclesial (Church) society in order that they may share the spiritual and pastoral benefits bestowed on them by the Lord through His clergy.
WHY MUST ONE BE BAPTIZED?
If a person whishes to belong to a particular club or in this case be in full Communion with the Lord, they must register in order to validate their membership and in doing so must submit to the Divine Command; that of being Baptized in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit! (Mtt 28: 19-20) Furthermore, a person must bare or will be given a name of a Saintly person in order to fully compliment the new life.
HOW IS ONE BAPTIZED?
A person is presented to the presbyter by their sponsor who may vouch for their candidacy (Catechumenate) overseeing their spiritual growth and commitment to Christ and His Church! Thus, the candidate or Catechumen (under instruction) is then immersed thrice in the sanctified waters (made holy via the grace of Apostolic ordination) in the Name of the life giving Trinity.
WHO MAY BE BAPTISED?
Anyone who seriously seeks to follow the Lord by desiring to mold their life to that of the Savior may if an adult receive the grace of Baptism after a probationary period with the hope of renewed commitment throughout their lifetime; which was the case in the formative years of the Church and still remains the same! Infants too are baptized usually after 40 days from their birth remaining loyal to the ancient custom of presentation in the Old Covenant. (Lk 2:22) Furthermore, immediate Baptism may be offered in life threatening circumstances; by any Baptized Orthodox Christian if the clergy are unavailable!
WHERE IS ONE BAPTIZED?
The Mystery of Baptism usually takes place in the Temple where the Church (Community) gathers for worship. Baptism may be ministered anywhere according to the circumstances upon the discretion of the presbyter. Furthermore, if the Mystery takes place in the temple, the sacred ritual unfolds in the Baptistery where the font/pool that is proper to the Rite is located.
WHEN MAY BAPTISM TAKE PLACE?
After the Catechumen (if an adult) has fulfilled the necessary requirements and has demonstrated that they are more than capable in honoring the Sabbath (the Sunday) the Rite may be administered via the Presbyter’s discretion. Traditionally, Adult Baptisms take place at the Liturgy on Holy Saturday Morning so that the Newly Illumined (the baptized person) may fully participate in the Paschal Mysteries that draw to a close on Resurrection day.
(Easter Sunday)