I baptise you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. – Matthew 3:11

For as many of you as were baptised into Christ have put on Christ. – Galatians 3:27

Everyone baptized in the Orthodox manner has received mystically the fullness of grace; but he becomes conscious of this grace only to the extent that he actively observes the commandments. – St Kosmas the Aetolian

The Baptism service is the initiation sacrament of the Orthodox Church. As Christ Himself was baptised by John in the Jordan (Matt 3:13-17), so too are we called to ritually be cleansed as Christians that we too may follow in His way. Baptism is ultimately death to the world and resurrection in Christ.

During the Baptismal service, the initiate is exorcised, called to make a statement of faith, fully immersed three times into holy water, being baptised in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19; Didache 7). After this, they receive the Holy Spirit in the form of Holy Chrism and are ‘sealed’ as members of Christ’s body.

Adults who wish to be baptised must undergo a catechism in order to be instructed and informed of their decision to become a member of the Orthodox Church.

Please speak with Fr Jean if you would like to inquire, or read more in the attached pamphlet.