Baptism & Chrismation
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Although infant baptism has been common within the Church since its earliest days, the reception of adult converts has always been regarded as a normative practice. Adults who wish to convert to the Orthodox Church undergo a process of preparation and religious instruction, and are then received either through Baptism and Chrismation or by Chrismation alone, depending on their circumstances.
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The first step in preparation for baptism is enrollment in the order of the catechumens. From the earliest days of the Church, a catechumen was a person who was undergoing religious instruction and spiritual formation in preparation to receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Classes for inquirers and catechumens are held beginning in September of each year, and continuing until Lent begins. In keeping with the practice of the early Church, we receive new Orthodox Christians on Holy Saturday (the day before Easter) whenever possible. As a general rule, it is expected that those who wish to be received into the Orthodox Church attend as many classes as possible, attend Divine Liturgy regularly, and meet individually with the priest before being baptized or chrismated. For more information about enrolling in catechism classes, contact our priest, Fr. Nektarios.
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It is the practice of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and the Metropolis of Denver that those who have been baptized in water with a Trinitarian formula (i.e., "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit") within the context of a Church that affirms the Holy Trinity are received into the Orthodox Church through the Sacramant of Chrismation or anointing with Holy Chrism. Those who have never been baptized, or who were baptized in a church that does not affirm the Trinity or use a Trinitarian formula, are received through Baptism and Chrismation.
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In preparation for Baptism or Chrismation, you will be asked to select a godparent. The godparent’s role is to serve as a spiritual mentor and guide, assisting you in the process of integrating fully into the life of the Church. Your godparent must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing, and should be a person you feel will be able to assist and support you in your ongoing spiritual journey.
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It is the ordinary practice of the Orthodox Church for a person who is baptized or chrismated as an adult to take the name of a Saint of the Church. Your baptismal name represents your new identity in Christ, and is used when receiving Holy Communion and any other sacraments of the Church.
A searchable database of saints' names that may be used as baptismal names may be found here: http://www.goarch.org/chapel/saintfeast_search or you may ask your priest for assistance in discerning a suitable saint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to become a member of the Orthodox Faith?
A: Usually, it is a year-long process. However, the priest always uses discretion to determine the readiness of a catechumen. Becoming a member is not just learning about the Faith but growing in Faith—a personal transformation must be evident. Often, this takes time and is dependent on the level of commitment of the catechumen.
Q: If my fiancee and I wish to be married, does the non-Orthodox spouse need to join the Church?
A: No, the Church does not require or force a person to join the Church. The Church will marry someone who is Orthodox with someone who is non-Orthodox. That non-Orthodox person however, must be a Christian baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity.
Q: When can I start receiving Holy Communion and other Sacraments?
A: Holy Communion and the other Sacraments (except Marriage, see above) are offered only to those persons who are baptized and chrismated in the Orthodox Church. Becoming a catechumen is the process of preparing for Baptism and/or Chrismation. After you are baptized/chrismated, you should first participate in the Sacrament of Holy Confession and then, under the guidance of the priest, you may receive Holy Communion and other Sacraments.
Q: If I was baptized in another Faith/Denomination, do I need to be re-baptized?
A: The practice of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and most Orthodox Churches that "confess One baptism," is to not re-baptize converts. Rather, the Sacrament of Chrismation, which is the bestowing of the Grace of the Holy Spirit, is believed to fulfill and complete the Grace given in Baptism. However, a potential convert must provide documented proof of his/her Trinitarian baptism (done in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) in another Faith.
Q: Do I need to change my name?
A: Legally, no. Spiritually, one who is converting to Orthodoxy through baptism or chrismation is encouraged to take on a Christian or Saint’s name. The reason is two-fold. First, the saint becomes a personal example to the catechumen of how to live the Christian life. Second, the saint becomes the patron of the newly converted, praying and interceding to God on their behalf. This new name would be used when participating in the sacraments of the Orthodox Church. Some catechumens may already have a saints name, some might choose a name that sounds similar to their name, some may choose a name based on admiration for a particular saint. IF YOU FEEL UNSURE, IT IS BEST TO TALK TO YOUR PRIEST.
Q: Do I need a Godparent?
A: Yes, everyone who is converting to the Orthodox Faith needs a godparent (aka sponsor). The sponsor must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing with the Church. He/she should be a model and example of faithfulness and take quite seriously the role of godparent. A female catechumen is encouraged to choose a female godparent and likewise male for male. If the godparent is from another parish, a letter of verification of membership in good standing from his/her parish priest is required.
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