Services

The Sacrament of Baptism incorporates us into the Church, the Body of Christ, and is our introduction to the life of the Holy Trinity. Water is a natural symbol of cleansing and newness of life. Through the three-fold immersion in the waters of Baptism in the Name of the Holy Trinity, one dies to the old ways of sin and is born to a new life in Christ. Baptism is one's public identification with Christ Death and victorious Resurrection. Following the custom of the early Church, Orthodoxy encourages the baptism of infants. The Church believes that the Sacrament is bearing witness to the action of God who chooses a child to be an important member of His people. From the day of their baptism, children are expected to mature in the life of the Spirit, through their family and the Church. The Baptism of adults is practiced when there was no previous baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity. (Source: www.goarch.org)

Chrismation

The Sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation) immediately follows baptism. As the ministry of Christ was enlivened by the Spirit, and the preaching of the Apostles strengthened by the Spirit, so is the life of each Orthodox Christian sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Chrismation, which is often referred to as one's personal Pentecost, is the Sacrament which imparts the Spirit in a special way.

In the Sacrament of Chrismation, the priest anoints the various parts of the body of the newly-baptized with Holy Oil saying: "The seal of the gifts of the Holy Spirit." The Holy Oil, which is blessed by the bishop, is a sign of consecration and strength. The Sacrament emphasizes the truths that not only is each person a valuable member of the Church, but also each one is blessed by the Spirit with certain gifts and talents. The anointing also reminds us that our bodies are valuable and are involved in the process of salvation.

The Sacraments of initiation always are concluded with the distribution of Holy Communion to the newly-baptized. Ideally, this takes place within the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. This practice reveals that Orthodoxy views children from their infancy as important members of the Church. There is never time when the young are not part of God's people. (Source: www.goarch.org)

Overview

The service begins with initial petitions and prayers blessing the water and then the baby is anointed with pre-baptismal oil. Oil is an oft-used symbol in the Orthodox faith, representing light, reconciliation and peace. From ancient times, oil had 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 their brow, chest, ears, hands, feet and back. The sponsor will make the confession of faith by reciting the Nicene Creed on the child’s behalf. Thrice, the baby is immersed in water in the name of the Holy Trinity, during which the entire Church "seals" each with an "Amen." After the service, the child is dressed in a post-baptismal outfit representative of their new spiritual life. For three consecutive Sundays after the Baptism, the sponsor should carry the infant to the Holy Altar to receive Holy Communion.

Guidelines for Parents:

1. Contact the Cathedral office at 202.333.4730 as soon as possible to schedule a date and time for the baptism.
2. Select a baptismal name after a canonized Saint of the Orthodox Church.
3. Give considered thought to your selection of a godparent(s), keeping in mind their role as spiritual guide in your child’s life.
4. The godfather/godmother must be:
   • A baptized Othodox Christian.
   • Thirteen years of age or older.
   • If married, married in the Orthodox Church.
   • A member in good standing with their respective parish (a letter of good standing from their home parish is required)
   • IMPORTANT: Only ONE individual is permitted to act as sponsor (godfather/godmother). The ONLY exception to this canonical rule is in the case of a MARRIED COUPLE who are BOTH Orthodox Christians, and who are thus defined by the Church as ONE individual through the Sacrament of marriage.
5. The parents must:
   • Be members in good standing with the cathedral; their membership dues must be paid in full by the time of the baptism.
   • Present the clergy with a photocopy of the child's official birth certificate BEFORE the baptism.
   • Appoint special individuals to undress and dress the child and to carry candles during the service.
6. Guidelines for Sponsors:

Traditionally, the godmother/godfather has provided the following items for the baptismal service:

• A baptismal cross (usually gold)
• Three white candles (typically one is larger than the other two, being that of the sponsor(s), and all three are usally decorated with ribbons or trimming)
• Olive oil (bottle), bath soap (new bar), three white towels (one bath and two hand towels) and one white twin bed sheet
• A celebratory baptismal outfit for the child
• The godparent will also be responsible for bringing the child to communion the next two Divine Liturgies the child is able to attend.