The Holy Sacrament of Baptism is the act by which the person being baptized identifies with the Lord Jesus Christ, His suffering, and death on Golgotha, and His glorious Resurrection. This means that everyone baptized takes upon themselves Christ’s death on Golgotha to become participants in His Resurrection, which is the ultimate goal and meaning of existence for every individual and the entire world. Through Baptism, one enters into a new relationship with God, who, for the baptized, becomes the Father who grants them the experience of the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven even in this world. Baptism makes each person a member of the community that transcends all the divisions we humans create to identify ourselves. This community is the Church as the Body of Christ – a living organism of all those who believe in God, manifested visibly in the Holy Liturgy. In other words, Baptism is the recognition of each person being baptized to identify the Lord and God in the person of Jesus Christ, who became man for us, and to surrender to Him, live His life, and be filled with the love He has shown and continues to show toward all existence.

Chrismation is the Holy Sacrament that follows Baptism and represents the gift of the Holy Spirit to the newly baptized, identifying them with Christ as God’s chosen and consecrated one, i.e., the Messiah. Chrismation also appoints Christians to the exalted service of God’s people, known as the royal priesthood. From this arises the privilege that only Christians have, which is to call God their Father and to partake in the Body and Blood of Christ.

To be a Christian is the highest calling and dignity bestowed upon humanity. Everyone baptized is therefore obligated to sanctify everything around them, from the people near them to nature itself, through their life, showing God as the Father of goodness, mercy, and love, who calls all to His embrace. This is done by sharing life with God through Communion, praying, fasting, and striving to acquire virtues, showing the beauty and greatness of God’s image within themselves and, consequently, God Himself. In other words, they are called to be witnesses of the love and richness of life that God has destined for all of creation.

To be baptized in the Orthodox Church, faith is essential – either the faith of the individual (if they are an adult) or the faith of the parents and godparent (if they are a baby or small child). Additionally, the following are required: a godparent of the Orthodox faith, white cloth, a candle, and a small container for hair. The baptism should be scheduled in agreement with the parish priest serving at the church closest to the place of residence. Any questions or uncertainties should be discussed with the parish priest.