Can adults be baptized in the Orthodox Church?

Yes. Adults who wish to become Orthodox are first catechized (taught the faith), then baptized, chrismated, and communed. The preparation period varies but often lasts several months to a year. Speak with a priest to begin the process.

Does the Orthodox Church accept baptisms from other churches?

This varies by jurisdiction and circumstance. Many Orthodox churches accept Trinitarian baptisms (performed with water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) from Catholic, Anglican, and some Protestant churches, receiving converts through Chrismation or confession. Others practice baptism for all converts. Consult your priest.

Orthodox Baptism: Born Again of Water and Spirit

The Door to the Church

Baptism is the beginning of the Christian life. Through this sacrament, a person dies with Christ and rises with Him to new life (Romans 6:3–4). Baptism washes away sin, bestows the Holy Spirit (in conjunction with Chrismation), and makes the baptized a member of the Body of Christ. Without baptism, one cannot receive the other sacraments.

Triple Immersion

The Orthodox Church practices baptism by triple immersion: the one being baptized is submerged three times in water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. This ancient practice symbolizes the three days Christ spent in the tomb and the person's participation in His death and resurrection. The whole person—body and soul—is buried and raised with Christ.

Infant Baptism

The Orthodox Church baptizes infants as well as adults, following the apostolic practice of baptizing 'whole households' (Acts 16:15, 33). Just as circumcision brought Jewish infants into the covenant, baptism brings children into the New Covenant. The faith of the Church, confessed by godparents on behalf of the child, embraces the infant until the child can confess for themselves.

The Rite of Baptism

The baptismal service begins with exorcisms, renouncing Satan and uniting the catechumen to Christ. The catechumen (or godparents, for an infant) turns to the West, spits upon Satan, then turns to the East and confesses the Creed. The priest blesses the water, anoints the person with the Oil of Catechumens, and then performs the triple immersion. The newly baptized is clothed in a white garment.

Chrismation Follows Immediately

In the Orthodox Church, Chrismation (confirmation) immediately follows Baptism. The priest anoints the newly baptized with Holy Chrism (myrrh blessed by a bishop), sealing the gift of the Holy Spirit. The newly illumined Christian is then ready to receive Holy Communion—infants included. Baptism, Chrismation, and Eucharist form a single rite of initiation.

Godparents

Every baptism requires at least one godparent (sponsor), who must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing. The godparent assists in the rite, confesses the faith on behalf of an infant, and takes spiritual responsibility for the newly baptized. This is a serious commitment, not merely an honorary title.

Names and Name Days

At baptism, the person being baptized receives a Christian name—usually that of a saint. This saint becomes the baptized person's patron, to be invoked in prayer and imitated in life. The feast day of this saint becomes the person's 'name day,' often celebrated more than the birthday in Orthodox cultures.

Only One Baptism

The Creed confesses 'one baptism for the remission of sins.' Baptism is not repeated. If someone baptized in another Christian tradition enters the Orthodox Church, the manner of reception depends on the particular church and circumstances—some are received through Chrismation, others through confession of faith. Consult your priest for guidance.