Congratulations on joining the Orthodox Christian faith! As you prepare for your baptism, keep the following steps in mind:

Prior to Baptism (about a week or so before)

Set up an appointment for confession. If you would like to confess with Fr. David you can make an appointment here.

The Day Before Your Baptism

• Make sure you have had confession by the night before if you have not already.
• Prepare the necessary attire. You will need the following:
  • The clothes you will arrive in. Make sure that these are dark articles of clothing that you are comfortable with getting wet, as baptism is done by full immersion.
  • The clothes to wear after the baptism. These clothes should be all white as much as possible. Wearing white symbolizes being born again and united with Christ.
• Abstain from all food and drink from midnight the day of baptism.
• Dress modestly for the baptism and the Divine Liturgy. Please avoid tight fitting clothing, shorts, and sleeveless tops. It is preferable that skirts and dresses be at least knee length.
• Feel free to invite as many people as you want to the baptism.
• Discuss with the priest a baptismal name. During baptism we are given a baptismal name that represents our new life in Christ. A baptismal name will typically be a name from the Bible or one of the saints of the Church.

The Day of Your Baptism

• Prayers will begin at 6:45 AM on the Sunday of your baptism unless otherwise indicated by the priest. Please arrive on time for the beginning of prayers.
• The priest will put you in the white tunic over your dark clothing and pray over you, then over the baptismal water.
• You will then be anointed with the oil of catechumens and take the baptismal vow, and then anointed with the oil of joy.
• During the baptism itself, the priest will submerge your head in the water three times in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
• You will then enter a room to change into your white clothing and return for additional prayers.
• The priest will anoint you with the holy Myron oil for your confirmation and will tie a red ribbon around you. The red ribbon symbolizes being saved through the blood of Christ.
• You will attend the Divine Liturgy and receive communion. When communion begins, make your way to the front of the line, as you will be the first to receive both the Body and the Blood. Please remove your shoes before coming forward. Women should also have their heads covered — head coverings are available in the back of the church.
• During standard times of the year, there will be a procession immediately after the Divine Liturgy. During the Holy 50 days following the Feast of the Resurrection, the procession will be during the Liturgy. You will join the procession with the deacons and will carry a candle as you walk around the church.
• At the end of the Liturgy (immediately after the procession during standard times of the year), please remain in the front of the church and stand facing the altar. The priest will stand before you, pray a concluding prayer over you, and will remove the red ribbon.

Congratulations again! We are so happy that you have joined our Orthodox family, and we look forward to seeing what God will do through you to further His kingdom. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Fr. Theodore.

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free — and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13