Why Infant Baptism?
Holy Baptism is the first of the seven Sacraments in the Orthodox Christian Church. Together with the Sacrament of Holy Chrism, it unites the candidate with the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church. Some people believe that only adult baptism, after personal belief in Christ, is valid. They argue that baptizing an infant, unable to believe, is meaningless. Why baptize a baby who doesn’t understand what is happening? Why not wait for the child to grow and believe in Christ first? If we followed this line of reasoning, we wouldn’t vaccinate a baby against diphtheria until they ask for it! But we know better. Baptizing infants, even when they don’t comprehend, reflects God’s immense love for us. It demonstrates that God loves us and accepts us before we are even able to love Him back. It shows that from the moment of our birth, we are wanted and loved by God. Nothing reflects God’s grace better than infant baptism. The Orthodox Church does not downplay the importance of personal faith in an adult seeking baptism; rather, it emphasizes that baptism is not about the actions of the baby, parents, or godparents, but about what God does. Our Christian identity is not a result of our own actions but of God’s work in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Of course, Baptism calls for a personal response from the baptized child when they reach the age of reason, accepting what God has done for them. Baptism is not a divine guarantee for Heaven; it requires a personal awareness of God’s gifts through this great sacrament.
The Institution of the Sacrament of Baptism
Jesus Christ Himself instituted Baptism. As He said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). He also commanded, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). In John 3:5, He declared, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” The baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan is the great model for our own baptism.
The Purpose of Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism serves several purposes:
To remove the consequences of ‘original sin’.
To wash away any other sins committed before Baptism, if the individual is old enough.
To unite the person to the “Body of Christ” (the Church) and to open the door to salvation and eternal life.
Explanation of the Ceremony
The actions performed in the Sacrament of Baptism are not empty rituals but are full of meaning. Christianity is a life of action. Every gesture in Baptism reflects what Christ is doing for us. Like all Sacraments, Baptism has both a visible and an invisible aspect. The visible part consists of the actions of the Priest, while the invisible part is the sanctifying Grace from the Holy Spirit, which fills the body and soul of the baptized person.
The Sponsor or Godparent
The tradition of godparents dates back to the early Christian persecutions, particularly under Roman Emperor Nero, when parents were martyred for their faith. Sponsors were chosen to instruct and raise the children in the Christian faith in case the parents were killed. The godparent vows to ensure the child is raised in the Orthodox Christian faith, which is why it’s important to choose godparents who love God and His Church. Sponsors must be Orthodox Christians in good standing with the Church.
The Exorcism
The first act of the Baptismal service takes place in the narthex (entrance) of the church, symbolizing that the person is not yet a member of the Church. The Priest calls the sponsor to renounce Satan and his works on behalf of the child: “Do you renounce Satan, and all his angels, and all his works, and all his services, and all his pride?” The exorcisms symbolize the forthcoming victory of Baptism. The renouncing of Satan happens facing west (symbolizing the sun’s setting, the place of Hades), while the acceptance of Christ is done facing east (where the light rises). This demonstrates the faith that the newly-baptized child is transferred from Satan to Christ, from death to life.
The Sign of the Cross
The Priest marks the child’s body with the sign of the cross, which is repeated throughout the service. The cross is a symbol of victory that defeats the devil. In ancient times, slaves were branded to show their ownership; the cross brands us as belonging to Christ.
The Creed
Next, the godparent confesses faith in Christ on behalf of the child by reciting the Nicene Creed. The Creed was an early Christian symbol of recognition, like a password, distinguishing the true members of God’s family. By reciting the Creed, the godparent affirms the true faith, which will be passed on to the child.
The Naming
The child is given a name, marking their individuality in the Church. This new name represents their new life in Christ, alongside the name “Christian” given at Baptism. From this moment on, the child bears the name of Christ.
The Candles
Baptism is seen as an entrance into the light of Christ, the light of the world. The baptismal candle, once lit, serves as a reminder of the light of Christ that the baptized person is meant to live by. In the early Church, the candle was kept and brought to church for significant events in the baptized person’s life. It was even lit again when the person approached death, symbolizing that the soul continues in the light of Christ.
The Baptismal Font
The baptismal font is known as the Divine Womb, where the second birth as children of God occurs. Baptism symbolizes death to the old, sinful nature and resurrection in Christ. “We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).
The Water
Water is used to cleanse the individual, symbolizing the washing away of sins through the sacrament. The Priest blesses the water in the Font by calling on the Holy Trinity, then makes the sign of the Cross three times, saying, “Let all adverse powers be crushed beneath the signing of Your most precious Cross.”
The Naked Infant
The infant is baptized naked, symbolizing the way we enter life without clothes and emerge from the baptismal font, symbolizing a new birth into Christ. The removal of clothes signifies the shedding of the ‘old man’, a state that is fully transformed through Baptism.
The Anointing with Oil
The Priest blesses olive oil and anoints the child on various parts of the body, dedicating them to Christ. The godparent anoints the child’s whole body, expressing the prayer that with Christ’s help, the child may escape the grip of sin and evil.
Immersion into the Baptismal Font
The Priest immerses the child in the water three times, saying, “The servant of God (name) is baptized in the name of the Father. Amen. And of the Son, Amen. And of the Holy Spirit, Amen.” Each time the Priest immerses the child, it symbolizes their death to the old self and resurrection in Christ.
The Sacrament of Chrismation
Immediately following Baptism, the Sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation) is administered. The Priest anoints the newly baptized with Holy Chrism, saying, “The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.” This sacrament consecrates the individual as a temple of God, filled with the Holy Spirit, called to be Christ’s ambassador in the world.
New Clothes
After Chrismation, the Priest dresses the baptized child in a new robe, symbolizing their new life in Christ. The new garment signifies purity and the washed soul. It recalls the shining robe of Christ at the Transfiguration and symbolizes the righteousness of the newly baptized.
A Religious Walk
Following Chrismation, the Priest, godparent, and child walk around the Font three times, while the chanters sing, “As many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia.” This act reflects the belief that angels rejoice over the new soul in the Book of Life.
The Cutting of Hair (Tonsure)
The Priest cuts four locks of the child’s hair in the shape of a Cross, symbolizing the child’s gratitude for the blessings received through Baptism and Chrismation. The cutting of hair represents the promise to serve God with all one’s strength.
The Holy Eucharist
After Baptism and Chrismation, the newly baptized receives the Holy Eucharist, becoming a full member of the Church. This marks the beginning of their spiritual nourishment in the Body and Blood of Christ, a continuing renewal of the new life received in Baptism.
Summary
Baptism reveals who we are: God’s children. We are loved by Him from birth, and He receives us into His arms through Baptism, Chrismation, and the Eucharist. We are heirs to His riches. We are not forgotten or insignificant; we are precious to God. At the end of our earthly life, God will call us by name, saying, “Come, my son or daughter, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” We know this for certain because we have been baptized in His name.
