New life in Christ

Baptism at St. Nectarios

Through Holy Baptism and Chrismation, a person is united to Christ and received into the sacramental life of the Orthodox Church.

Parents planning an infant baptism, and adults seeking to enter the Church, should contact the Parish Office at least one month before the hoped-for date. The priest will meet with the parents and godparent to explain the service and prepare together.

Icon of the Baptism of Christ surrounded by flowers

The Service of Baptism

The service unfolds in this order; each part carries deep meaning.

Making a Catechumen

Prayers of renunciation and faith prepare the candidate to be united to Christ.

Blessing of the Water

The water is blessed as the place of cleansing, burial and new birth.

Triple Immersion

The candidate is immersed three times, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Chrismation

The newly baptized is sealed with Holy Chrism and receives the gift of the Holy Spirit.

White Garment and Tonsure

The white garment shows new life; the tonsure is a first offering of oneself to God.

Holy Communion

The newly illumined receives Holy Communion and enters the Eucharistic life of the Church.

Children gathered in the church

Before You Set a Date

  • Call the office at least one month in advance.
  • Parents should be current in their stewardship commitment.
  • The child receives at least one Orthodox Christian name.
  • Baptisms are not celebrated from December 25 to January 6, during Holy Week or on major feast days.
  • Photography should be respectful and arranged with the priest; guest clergy need the priest’s approval.

The Godparent (Nonós or Nouná)

The godparent accepts a lifelong spiritual responsibility for the newly baptized.

An Orthodox Christian

The godparent must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing and a supporting member of a canonical Orthodox parish.

Married in the Church

A married godparent must have a marriage blessed by the Orthodox Church, and any ecclesiastical divorce required.

A Lifelong Guide

The godparent helps the child grow in faith through prayer, example, worship and participation in parish life.

What to Bring

The priest will confirm the final list. Families usually bring:

  • A complete white change of clothes, including a new undershirt
  • A cross (often gold) and chain
  • Three white candles
  • Olive oil
  • One bar of soap
  • One white hand towel and one white bath towel
  • One white twin sheet (unfitted)
  • Martyrika (witness pins) for guests, if desired
Children at St. Nectarios

Adults Entering the Church

Adults prepare through a period of instruction and pastoral guidance with one of our priests. Depending on a person’s prior Christian baptism, reception into the Church takes place through Baptism and Chrismation or through Chrismation.

Plan a Baptism

Contact the Parish Office to talk about the candidate, the godparent, the date and preparation.