Holy Baptism

Baptism

The entire Church, triumphant and militant, rejoices when a child is grafted on to Christ through Holy Baptism. Your decision to baptize your child in the Orthodox Church is an indication of your love for the Church and for her sacramental life. Holy Baptism is the cleansing of one's soul from the sin of Adam and Eve. It is also the initiation, if you will, of the child into the Church which has been instituted by Christ Himself, when He was baptized in the Jordan river by John the Baptist. This sacrament actually has within it three sacraments, Holy Baptism, Holy Chrismation, and Holy Communion. Holy Chrismation is the imparting of the gift of the Holy Spirit to the child, and thus fills the void which is created when we wash away the sins of Adam and Eve and our own individual sins. 

Coordinating Your Baptism

Please contact the church office or our parish priest directly in order to arrange for a meeting pertaining to the needs and requirements of your baptism, where all necessary Church documents can be prepared, along with the collection of Church and Membership fees. Please feel free to ask our priest any questions you may have concerning your baptismal service here at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church.

Setting The Date

An individual or a family desiring to baptize their child should first contact the church office to schedule an appointment with the parish priest. It is preferable to schedule your baptismal date with the parish priest at least three months prior to the desired date so that scheduling conflicts can be avoided. According to the official policies of our Archdiocese, baptisms should not be celebrated during Great Lent along with several large feast days of the Church. However, please speak with our parish priest if you are choosing such a date.

Baptism: Spiritual Presuppositions

Due to the fact that Baptism is a sacrament, it cannot be celebrated in a spiritual vacuum. This, therefore, presupposes that:

The person to be baptized has never been baptized before in the Orthodox Church.

If someone has been baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in another Church - and wishes to join the Orthodox Church, they need to be baptized again. However, for Roman Catholics and Oriental Orthodox Chirstians, re-baptism is not required, only Holy Chrismation is sufficient to 'make whole anything that is lacking', and to join the individual to the Orthodox Church.

God Parents

The “koumbaro” or “koumbara” - the sponsor, who will participate sacramentally in the service by: speaking on behalf of the child, or standing with the adult as they accept Christ and renounce the devil, placing oil on the individual and receiving them as they come out of the Baptismal font, must be an Orthodox Christian "In Good Standing" and a steward/supporting member of his/her parish. Being in Good Standing s more that just paying membership dues. For more details click here.


The Godparents are charged with being the spiritual parents of those baptized, to raise them in the Orthodox Church. If one is not Orthodox, then this role cannot be fulfilled. 



If the “koumbaro” or koumbara”, is from another Orthodox parish, they must provide a letter from his/her parish priest certifying his/her membership in good standing in the Church.


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Visiting Clergy

Guest clergy, in Communion with the Orthodox Church, may participate in a baptism at Koimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church. Canonically, it is the responsibility of the priest where the baptism is taking place to extend an invitation to any and all visiting clergy. Orthodox Christian clergymen in communion with the Archdiocese are welcome to participate in the celebration of sacraments at Koimisis Tis Theotokou with the blessings of our parish priest.

Photography and Videotaping

Photographs of your baptism are permitted but should not in any way impede or distract from the celebration of the sacrament. Photographers should be quiet and respectful; the use of a flash is allowed. If you are planning on professional photography and videography, please ask that your photographer arrive early at the Church so that guidelines can be laid out by the parish priest. Also, please ask guests to be respectful of the professional’s space, for your benefit.

Washing of the Baby/Adult

Due to the fact that Holy Oil has been spread upon the child/adult and has seeped into the clothing and towels, care must be taken when washing everything. When bathing yourself, or your child for the first time after the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, please do so in a tub which does not empty into the sewer system. It is recommended that when you are finished you empty the water, together with the Holy Oil, around the foundations of your home, in your flower gardens or any place outside where people do not step. The same holds true for washing the towels and clothing.

Extra Touches

A program describing the Baptismal Service is an extra touch you might like to add to your Baptism. The following file contains a nice description of the various aspect of the Baptismal Service and is available in Word format for easy preparation, and editing into your favourite fonts.


Download Baptism Outline

Items Needed

  • 1. Bottle of Olive Oil

  • 2. A Cross

  • 3. A Bar of Soap

  • 4. A Large White Towel, such as a “Bath Sheet”

  • 5. A Large White Sheet (similar size to the Large Towel)

  • 6. New White Clothing

  • 7. A Hand Towel

  • 8. A Large Candle

  • 9. A receiving blanket to keep baby warm in (optional)

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