Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral shares your joy in anticipation of the Holy Baptism of your child. Through Baptism, your child is filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit and is brought into the fullness of life in the Holy Orthodox Church, the Body of Christ.
Baptismal Packet
For instructions, forms, guidelines and more, please see the Baptismal Packet.
Service Overview
The service begins with initial petitions and prayers blessing the water followed by the anointing of the baby with pre-baptismal oil. Oil is an oft-used symbol in the Orthodox faith, representing light, reconciliation, and peace. From ancient times, oil was recognized as having marvelous medicinal properties, and as such, represents the healing of the stain of original sin. The priest makes the sign of the cross in the water with the oil three times and anoints the baby on the brow, chest, ears, hands, feet, and back. The sponsor makes the confession of faith on the child’s behalf by reciting the Nicene Creed. The baby is immersed in water thrice in the name of the Holy Trinity, during which the entire Church “seals” each immersion with an “Amen.” After the service, the child is dressed in a post-baptismal outfit representative of its new spiritual life. For two consecutive Sundays after the Baptism, the sponsor carries the infant to the Holy Altar to receive Holy Communion.
