Baptism
Preface
The text for this book is taken directly from the OCA’s Baptism book. Almost no changes have been made.
The sole purpose of this book is to provide a larger print for those who are using it in subdued light. Because this book is on a computer disk, it can be easily printed at various sizes to meet the needs of those using it.
Special thanks are in order to Fr. Gregory Pelesh for his encouragement during the last few months and to Fr. Michael Roshak for continuing the encouragement of Fr. Gregory. Both priests are using my books. Also, thanks are in order to Deacon Basil Haile and Mr. Tom Andreycheck for their encouragement and to many, many others, but especially to His Beatitude Metropolitan THEODOSIUS for his advice when I first started working on service books on an IBM Selectric II typewriter. Now I’m using WordPerfect 6.1 for DOS on personal computers.
Table of Contents
Prayers for a Woman on the Fortieth Day after Childbirth
Reception into the Catechumenate
The Blessing of the Baptismal Water
Prayers for a Woman on the Fortieth Day after Childbirth
The mother stands in the vestibule of the Church holding the child. The priest, vested according to custom, goes to the vestibule and, standing before mother and child, begins:
Priest: Blessed is our God, always now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Reader: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O most-holy Trinity; have mercy on us. O Lord: cleanse us from our sins. O Master: pardon our transgressions. O Holy One: visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord have mercy. (3)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages
of ages. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages
Reader: Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord have mercy.
Priest: O Lord God Almighty, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who by Thy word hast created all things, both reason-endowed men and animals, and hast brought all things from nothingness into being, we pray and implore Thee: Thou hast saved this Thy servant, N., by Thy will. Purify her, therefore, from all sin and from every uncleanness, as she now draws near to Thy Holy Church; and make her worthy to partake, uncondemned, of Thy Holy Mysteries. For Thou art a good God, who lovest mankind, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
(If the child is living, the Priest continues with the following prayers.)
Priest: And bless the child which has been born of her. Increase him (her); sanctify him (her); enlighten him (her); render him (her) chaste, and endow him (her) with good understanding. For Thou hast brought him (her) into being, and hast shown him (her) the physical light, and host appointed him (her) to be mode worthy in due time of the spiritual light, and that he (she) may be numbered among Thy chosen flock, through Thine Only-begotten Son with whom also Thou art blessed, together with Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be unto all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Bow your heads unto the Lord.
People: To Thee, O Lord.
Prayer For The Mother
Priest: O Lord our God, who didst come for the redemption of the human race, come also upon Thy servant, (name), and grant unto her, through the prayers of Thine honorable priest, entrance into the temple of Thy glory. Wash away her bodily uncleanness, and the stains of her soul, in the fulfilling of the forty days. Make her worthy of the communion of Thy holy Body and Thy Blood. For sanctified and glorified is Thine all-honorable and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Prayers for the Child
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord our God, who wast, brought on the fortieth day as an infant into the. Temple according to the Law, by Mary the Bride unwedded, who also was Thy holy Mother; and wast borne in the arms of Simeon the Just. Do Thou, O Master all-powerful, bless also unto every good deed this infant which has been brought here, that he (she) may present himself (herself) unto Thee, the Creator of all men, and rear him (her) well-pleasing unto Thee in all things; and drive far from him (her) every adverse power, through sealing with the sign of Thy cross; for Thou dost preserve infants, O Lord. And grant that having been made worthy of holy Baptism, he (she) may receive the portion of the elect ones of Thy kingdom, and be preserved, together with us, through the grace of the holy, and consubstantial, and undivided Trinity.
For unto Thee are due all glory, thanksgiving and worship, together with Thy Father who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, and good, and life-creating Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Bow your heads unto the Lord.
People: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: O God the Father Almighty, who by Thy mighty-voiced Prophet Isaiah didst foretell unto us the incarnation through a Virgin of Thine Only-begotten Son and our God; who in these latter days, by Thy good pleasure and the. cooperation of the Holy Spirit, for the salvation of us men, and because of Thy boundless compassion, didst graciously will to become a babe by her; and according to the custom of Thy holy Law didst suffer thyself to be brought into Thy holy Sanctuary, after the days of purification were fulfilled, being thyself the true lawgiver; and didst condescend to be borne in the arms of the righteous Simeon, of which mystery we have recognized the prototype, revealed by the coal in the tongs, foretold by the prophet; which thing, also, we faithful, by grace do imitate: Do Thou now also, O Lord, who dost preserve children, bless this Infant, together with his (Her) parents and his (Her) sponsors; and grant that, in due season, he (she) may be united, through water and the Spirit of the new birth, unto Thy holy flock of reason-endowed sheep, which is called by the name of Thy Christ. For Thou art he who dwelleth on high, and looketh down upon the humble of heart, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Reception into the Catechumenate
The priest, vested in stole land phelonion and cuffs if it be the custom) comes out of the Sanctuary and goes to the vestibule of the Church where the sponsors with the child await him.
The priest breathes gently in the face of the child. He makes the Sign of the Cross over the child and lays his right hand upon the child’s head, saying:
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: In Thy Name, O Lord of truth, and in the Name of Thine Only-begotten Son, and of Thy Holy Spirit, I lay my hand upon Thy servant, (name), who has been found worthy to flee unto Thy holy Name, and to take refuge under the shelter of Thy wings. Remove far from him (her) his (her) former delusion, and fill him (her) with the faith, hope and love which are in Thee; that he (she) may know that Thou art the only true God, with Thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and Thy Holy Spirit. Enable him (her) to walk in all Thy commandments, and to fulfill those things which are well-pleasing unto Thee; for if a man do those things, he shall find life in them. Inscribe him (her) in Thy Book of Life, and unite him (her) to the flock of Thine inheritance. And may Thy holy Name be glorified in him (her), together with that of Thy beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and of Thy life-creating Spirit. Let Thine eyes ever regard him (her) with mercy, and let Thine ears attend unto the voice of his (her) supplication. Make him (her) to rejoice in the works of his (her) hands, and in all his (her) generation; that he (she) may render praises unto Thee, may sing, worship and glorify Thy great and exalted Name always, all the days of his (her) life. For all the Powers of Heaven sing praises unto Thee, and Thine is the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
First Exorcism
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: The Lord puts you under ban, O Devil: He who came into the world, and made his abode among men, that he might overthrow your tyranny and deliver men; who also upon the Tree did triumph over the adverse powers, when the sun was darkened, and the earth did quake, and the graves were opened, and the bodies of the Saints arose; who also by death annihilated Death, and overthrew him who exercised the dominion of Death, that is you, the Devil. I charge you by God, who revealed the Tree of Life, and arrayed in ranks the Cherubim and the flaming sword which turns all ways to guard it: Be under ban. For I charge you by him who walked upon the surface of the sea as it were dry land, and laid under his ban the tempests of the winds; whose glance dries up the deep, and whose interdict makes the mountains melt away. The same now, through us, puts you under ban. Fear, begone and depart from this creature, and return not again, neither hide yourself in him (her) neither seek to meet him (her), nor to influence him (her), either by night or by day; either in the morning or at noonday; but depart hence to your own infernal abyss until the great Day of Judgment which is ordained. Fear God who sits upon the Cherubim and looks upon the deeps; before whom tremble Angels and Archangels, Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Authorities, Powers, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim; before whom, likewise, heaven and earth do quake, the seas and all that they contain. Begone, and depart from this sealed, newly-enlisted warrior of Christ our God. For I charge you by him who rides upon the wings of the wind, and makes his Angels spirits, and his ministers a flaming fire: Begone, and depart from this creature, with all your powers and your angels. For glorified is the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Second Exorcism
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: God, holy, awesome and glorious, who is unsearchable and inscrutable in all his works and might, has foreordained for you the penalty of eternal punishment, O Devil: the same, through us, his unworthy servant, commands you, with all your hosts, to depart hence, from him (her) who has been newly sealed in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our true God. Wherefore I charge you, most crafty, impure, vile, loathsome and alien spirit, by the might of Jesus Christ, who has all power, both in heaven and on earth, who said unto the deaf and dumb demon, Come out of the man, and in nowise enter a second time into him: Depart! Acknowledge the vainness of your might, which has not power even over swine. Call to mind him who, at your request, commanded you to enter into the herd of swine
Fear God, by whose decree the earth is established upon the waters; who has made the heavens, and has set the mountains with a line, and the valleys with a measure; and has fixed bounds to the sands of the sea, and a firm path upon the stormy waters; who touches the mountains and they smoke; who clothes himself with light as with a garment; who spreads out the heavens like a curtain; who covers his exceeding high places with the waters; who has made the earth so sure upon its foundations, that it shall never be moved; who gathers the water of the sea and pours it out upon the face of the whole earth.
Begone, and depart from him (her) who has made himself (herself) ready for holy Illumination, I charge you by the redeeming Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by his precious Body and Blood, and by his awesome Coming again; for he shall come, and shall not tarry, to judge the whole earth; and he shall chastise you and all your host with burning Gehenna, committing you to outer darkness, where the worm does not cease and the fire is not quenched. For of Christ our God is the dominion, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Third Exorcism
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Lord of Sabaoth, the God of Israel, who healest every malady and every infirmity: Look upon Thy servant; prove him (her) and search him (her) and root out of him (her) every operation of the Devil. Rebuke the unclean spirits and expel them, and purify the works of Thy hands; and exerting Thy trenchant might, speedily crush down Satan under his (her) feet; and give him (her) victory over the same, and over his unclean spirits; that, having obtained mercy from Thee, he (she) may be made worthy to partake of Thy heavenly Mysteries; and may ascribe unto Thee glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
A Fourth Prayer
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Lord and Master; who created man in Thine own likeness, and bestowed upon him the power of life eternal; who also despisest not those who have fallen away through sin, but providest salvation for the world through the incarnation of Thy Christ; Do Thou, the same Lord, delivering also this Thy creature from the bondage of the enemy, receive him (her) into Thy heavenly kingdom. Open the eyes of his (her) understanding, that the illumination of Thy Gospel may shine brightly in him (her). Assign to his (her) life an Angel of light who shall deliver him (her) from every snare of the adversary, from encounter with evil, from the demon of the noonday, and from evil thoughts.
The priest then breathes gently in the form of a cross over the mouth, brow and breast of the child saying:
Expel from him (her) every evil and unclean spirit which hides and makes its lair in his (her) heart. (Three times.)
The spirit of deceit, the spirit of evil, the spirit of idolatry and of every covetousness; the spirit of falsehood and of every uncleanness which operates through the prompting of the Devil. And make him (her) a reason-endowed sheep in the holy flock of Thy Christ, an honorable member of Thy Church, a consecrated vessel, a child of the light and an heir of Thy kingdom, that having lived in accordance with Thy commandments, and preserved inviolate the seal, and kept his (her) garment undefiled, he (she) may receive the blessedness of the Saints in Thy kingdom.
The sponsors with the child (or the one to be baptized if he be an adult) turn about and face the West, with their backs to the priest. The priest then asks the following question three times:
Do you renounce Satan, and all his works, and all his angels, and all his service and all his pride?
And each time, the sponsor, or the one to be baptized if he be an adult, answers:
I do renounce him!
The priest asks the next question, likewise three times:
Have you renounced Satan?
And the sponsor or adult to be baptized responds each time:
I have renounced him!
Then the priest says:
Breathe and spit upon him!
The sponsors with the child (or adult) now turn back to the East, and they stand facing the priest.
The priest asks them three times:
Do you unite yourself to Christ?
And each time the sponsor, or adult, answers:
I do unite myself to Christ.
The priest asks another question:
Have you united yourself to Christ?
And the sponsor (or adult to be baptized) answers:
I have united myself to Christ.
Priest: Do you believe in Him?
The sponsor replies:
I believe in Him as King and God.
The Symbol of Faith
I believe in one God, the Father almighty Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scripture, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins, I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
After the Creed, the priest makes the following inquiry three times:
Have you united yourself to Christ?
The sponsor responds each time:
I have united myself to Christ.
Priest: Bow down before Him.
Sponsor: (bowing)
I bow down before the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, one in essence and undivided.
Priest: Blessed is God, who desires that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Prayer
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Master, Lord our God, call Thy servant, (name), to Thy holy Illumination, and grant unto him (her) that great grace of Thy holy Baptism. Put off from him (her) the old man, and renew him (her) unto life everlasting; and fill him (her) with the power of Thy Holy Spirit, in the unity of Thy Christ: that he (she) may be no more a child of the body, but a child of Thy kingdom. Through the good will and grace of Thine Only-begotten Son, with whom Thou are blessed, together with Thy most holy, and good, and life-creating Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The priest leads the sponsors with the child into the Baptistery, or to the place where Baptism is customarily administered.
Lighted candles are given to the sponsors. A censing is made around the baptismal font. At the conclusion of the censing, the priest begins:
Blessed is the Kingdom, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The Great Litany
Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy house and for those who enter with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: (For the holy Orthodox patriarchs), for our Metropolitan (Name), for our Bishop (Name), for the honorable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the President of our country, for all civil authorities, and for the armed forces let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That this water may be sanctified with the power and effectual operation, and descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That there may be sent down into it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan, let us pray to the Lord.
People Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That there may come upon this water the purifying operation of the super-substantial Trinity, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That we may be illumined by the light of understanding and piety, and by the descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That this water may prove effectual unto the averting of every snare of enemies, both visible and invisible, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he (she) who is baptized therein may be made worthy of the kingdom incorruptible, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For him (her) who is now come unto holy Baptism, and for his (her) salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he (she) may prove himself (herself) a child of the light, and an heir of eternal good things, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he (she) may be a member and partaker of the death and resurrection of Christ our God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he (she) may preserve his baptismal garment and the earnest of the Spirit pure and undefiled unto the dread Day of Christ our God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That this water may be to him (her) a laver of regeneration, unto the remission of sins, and a garment of incorruption, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That the Lord God will hearken unto the voice of our petition, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he will deliver him (her) and us from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Commemorating our most holy, most-pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
People: To Thee, O Lord.
Deacon: O compassionate and merciful God, who triest the heart and the reins, and who alone knowest the secret thoughts of men (for no deeds are hidden before Thee, but all things are naked and manifest before Thine eyes); Thou who knowest all things concerning me, regard me not with loathing, neither turn Thy face from me; but consider not my iniquities at this present hour, O Thou who dost disregard man’s sins unto his repentance. And wash away the vileness of my body, and the pollution of my soul. And sanctify me wholly by Thine all-perfect, invisible might, and by Thy spiritual right hand, lest, while I proclaim liberty unto others, and administer this rite with perfect faith in Thine unutterable love toward mankind, I myself may become the base slave of sin. Yes, O Master, who alone art good and lull of love toward mankind, let not Thy humble servant be led astray, but send down upon me power from on high, and strengthen me in the administration of Thine impending Mystery, which is both great and most heavenly: and create the image of Thy Christ in him (her), who now desires to be born again through my unworthy ministry. And build him (her) up upon the foundation of Thine Apostles and Prophets, that he (she) may not be overthrown; but implant him (her) firmly as a plant of truth, in Thy Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, that he (she) be not plucked out. That, as he (she) increases in godliness, through him (her) may be glorified Thine all-holy Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The Blessing of the Baptismal Water
Priest: Great art Thou, O Lord, and marvelous are Thy works, and there is no word which suffices to hymn Thy wonders. (three times).
For Thou, of Thine own good will, hast brought into being all things which before were not, and by Thy might Thou dost uphold creation, and by Thy providence Thou dost order the world. When Thou hadst joined together the universe out of four elements, Thou didst crown the circle of the year with four seasons. Before Thee tremble all the Powers endowed with intelligence. The sun sings unto Thee. The moon glorifies Thee. The stars meet together before Thy presence. The light obeys Thee. The deeps tremble before Thee. The water-springs are subject unto Thee. Thou host spread out the heavens like a curtain. Thou host established the earth upon the waters. Thou hast set round about the sea barriers of sand. Thou hast shed abroad the air for breathing. The Angelic Powers serve Thee. The Choirs of the Archangels fall down in adoration before Thee. The many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim as they stand round about and fly, veil their faces in awe before Thine ineffable glory. For Thou, who art God inexpressible, existing uncreated before the ages, and ineffable, didst descend upon earth, and didst take on the semblance of a servant, and wast made in the likeness of man: for, because of the tender compassion of Thy mercy, O Master, Thou couldest not endure to behold mankind oppressed by the Devil; but Thou didst come, and didst save us. We confess Thy grace. We proclaim Thy mercy. We conceal not Thy gracious acts. Thou hast delivered the generation of our mortal nature. By Thy birth Thou didst sanctify a Virgin’s womb. All creation magnifies Thee, who hast revealed thyself. For Thou, O our God, hast revealed thyself upon earth, and hast dwelt among men.
Thou didst hallow the streams of Jordan, sending down upon them from heaven Thy Holy Spirit, and didst crush the heads of the dragons who lurked there.
Wherefore, O King who lovest mankind, come Thou now and sanctify this water, by the indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit. (three times).
And grant unto it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan. Make it the fountain of incorruption, the gift of sanctification, the remission of sins, the remedy of infirmities; the final destruction of demons, unassailable by hostile powers, filled with angelic might. Let those who would ensnare Thy creature flee far from it. For we have called upon Thy Name, O Lord, and it is wonderful, and glorious, and awesome unto adversaries.
The priest then blesses the water by dipping the fingers of his right hand into it and tracing the Sign of the Cross three times.
He breathes on the water and says:
Let all adverse powers be crushed beneath the sign of the image of Thy Cross. (three times)
We pray Thee, O God, that every aerial and obscure phantom may withdraw itself from us; and that no demon of darkness may conceal himself in this water; and that no evil spirit which instills darkening of intentions and rebelliousness of thought may descend into it with him (her) who is about to be baptized.
But do Thou, O Master of all, show this water to be the water of redemption, the water of sanctification, the purification of flesh and spirit, the loosing of bonds, the remission of sins, the illumination of the soul, the laver of regeneration, the renewal of the Spirit, the gift of adoption to sonship, the garment of incorruption, the fountain of life. For Thou hast said, O Lord: Wash and be clean; put away evil things from your souls. Thou hast bestowed upon us from on high a new birth through water and the Spirit. Wherefore, O Lord, manifest thyself in this water, and grant that he (she) who is baptized therein may be transformed; that he (she) may put away from him (her) the old man, which is corrupt through the lusts of the flesh, and that he (she) may be clothed upon with the new man, and renewed after the image of him who created him (her): that being buried, after the pattern of Thy death, in baptism, he (she) may, in like manner, be a partaker of Thy Resurrection; and having preserved the gift of Thy Holy Spirit, and increased the treasure of grace committed unto him (her), he (she) may receive the prize of his (her)high calling, and be numbered with the first-born whose names are written in heaven, in Thee, our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
For unto Thee are due glory; dominion, honor and worship, together with Thy Father, who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Bow your heads unto the Lord.
People: To Thee, O Lord.
The Blessing of the Oil of the Catechumens
The priest breathes upon the vessel containing the oil three times and likewise makes the Sign of the Cross over it three times with his right hand.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Lord and Master, the God of our fathers, who didst send unto them that were in the ark of Noah Thy dove, bearing in its beak a twig of olive, the token of reconciliation and of salvation from the flood, the foreshadowing of the mystery of grace, and didst provide the fruit of the olive for the fulfilling of Thy Holy Mysteries, who thereby dost fill them that were under the Law with Thy Holy Spirit, and dost perfect them that are under grace: Bless also this holy oil with the power, and operation and indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit, that it may be an anointing unto incorruption, an armor of righteousness, to the renewing of soul and body, to the averting of every assault of the devil, to deliverance from all evil of those who shall be anointed with it in faith, or who are partakers thereof; unto Thy glory and the glory of Thine Only-begotten Son, and of Thine all-holy, and good, and life-creating Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Let us attend!
The priest makes the Sign of the Cross three times in the water with the oil.
Each times he chants:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
People: (each time) Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Priest: Blessed is God, who illumines and sanctifies every man that comes into the world, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The Anointing
The priest proceeds to anoint the one to be baptized. He dips his two fingers (or the brush) into the blessed oil and traces the sign of the cross on the child as follows:
On the forehead, saying:
The servant of God (name) is anointed with the oil of gladness; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
On the breast and shoulders, saying:
Unto the healing of soul and body.
On the ears, saying:
Unto the hearing of the faith.
On the hands, saying:
Thy hands have made and fashioned me.
On the feet, saying:
That he (she) may walk in the way of Thy commandments.
After the anointing, the priest takes the child for baptism. Holding the child upright and facing toward the East, the priest immerses the child in the baptismal water three times, saying:
The servant of God, (name), is baptized, in the name of the Father, Amen. (Immerse) And of the Son, Amen. (Immerse). And of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Immerse).
Priest and People:
Psalm 32
1Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2Blessed is the man to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3When I declared not my sin, my body wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
5I acknowledged my sin to Thee,
and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”;
then Thou didst forgive the guilt of my sin.
6Therefore let every one who is godly
offer prayer to Thee;
at a time of distress, in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
7Thou art a hiding place for me,
Thou preservest me from trouble;
Thou dost encompass me with deliverance.
8I will instruct you and teach you
the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
else it will not keep with you.
10Many are the pangs of the wicked;
but steadfast love surrounds him who trusts in the LORD.
11Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
The priest then takes the white baptismal garment, and placing it upon the child, says:
The servant of God (name), is clothed in the robe of righteousness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
As the child is being clothed in the baptismal garment, the following Troparion is sung in Tone 8:
Grant unto me the robe of light, O Most Merciful Christ our God, who dost clothe thyself with light as with a garment.
After the child has been vested in the garment, the priest begins:
Priest: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God Almighty, Source of all good things, Sun of Righteousness, who dost shed forth upon them that were in darkness the light of salvation, through the revelation of Thine Only-begotten Son and our God; and who hast given unto us, unworthy though we be, blessed purification through hallowed water, and divine sanctification through life-creating Chrismation; who now, also, hast been graciously pleased to regenerate Thy servant that has newly received Illumination, by water and the Spirit, and dost grant unto him (her) remission of sins, whether voluntary or involuntary. Do Thou, the same Master, compassionate King of kings, grant also unto him (her) the seal of the gift of Thy holy, and almighty, and adorable Spirit, and participation in the holy Body and precious Blood of Thy Christ. Keep him (her) in Thy sanctification; confirm him (her), in the Orthodox faith; deliver him (her) from the Evil One, and from all his workings. And preserve his (her) soul in purity and righteousness, through the saving fear of Thee; that he (she) may please Thee in every deed and word, and may be a child and heir of Thy heavenly kingdom. For Thou art our God, the God who dost show mercy and save; and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The priest dips his fingers (or the brush) into the Holy Chrism and anoints the newly-baptized person, tracing the Sign of the Cross on the forehead, the eyes, the nostrils, the lips, on both ears, the breast, the hands and the feet, and saying each time:
The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
The priest then leads the Sponsors and child in a circular procession around the Baptismal Font.
Everyone sings:
As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia. (three times).
Deacon: Let us attend.
Priest: Peace be with you all.
Reader: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Wisdom!
Reader: The Prokeimenon in the 3rd Tone: The Lord is my light and my salvation: Whom then shall I fear?
Verse: The Lord is the strength of my life: of whom then shall I be afraid?
Deacon: Wisdom!
Reader: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans.
Deacon: Let us attend.
Reader: (Romans 6:3-11) Brethren: Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For he who has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. For we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the fife he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Priest: Peace be to you, Reader.
Reader: And with your spirit. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
People: Alleluia (three times).
Priest: Wisdom! Attend! Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.
Peace be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew. (Matthew 28:16-20)
People: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
Deacon: Let us attend.
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”
People: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Thou who, through holy Baptism, hast given unto Thy servant remission of sins, and hast bestowed upon him (her) a life of regeneration: Do Thou, the same Lord and Master, ever graciously illumine his (her) heart with the light of Thy countenance. Maintain the shield of his (her) faith unassailed by the enemy. Preserve pure and unpolluted the garment of incorruption with which Thou hast clothed him (her), upholding inviolate in him (her), by Thy grace, the seal of the Spirit, and showing mercy unto him (her) and unto us, through the multitude of Thy mercies.
For blessed and glorified is Thine all-honorable and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
A Second Prayer
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Master, Lord our God, who through the Font dost bestow heavenly illumination upon them that are baptized; who hast regenerated Thy newly-baptized servant by water and the Spirit, and hast granted unto him (her) remission of his (her) sins, whether voluntary or involuntary: Lay Thine almighty hand upon him (her) and preserve him (her) by the power of Thy goodness. Maintain unassailed the earnest of the Spirit, and make him (her) worthy of life everlasting, and of Thy favor.
For Thou art our sanctification, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Bow your heads unto the Lord.
People: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: He (she) who has clothed himself (herself) in Thee, O Christ our God, bows also his (her) head with us, unto Thee. Keep him (her) ever a warrior invincible in every attack of those who assail him (her) and us; and make us all victors, even unto the end, through Thy crown incorruptible.
For Thine it is to show mercy and to save us, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The priest then dips the sponge in water and sprinkles the child, saying:
You are justified. You are illumined. You are sanctified. You are washed: in the Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and by the Spirit of our God.
With (he sponge the priest washes the oil and Chrism from the face, the head, the breast and all the other places on the child, saying:
You are baptized. You are illumined. You have been chrismated. You are sanctified. You are washed: in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
The Tonsure
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Master, Lord our God, who hast honored man with Thine own image, Thou hast fashioned him from a reason-endowed soul and a comely body (for the body serves the reason-endowed soul): for Thou didst set the head on high, and didst endow it with the chiefest portion of the senses, which, nevertheless, impede not one another; and Thou hast covered the head with hair, that it be not injured with the changes of the weather, and hast fitly joined together all his members, that with them all he may give thanks unto Thee, the Great Artificer. Thou, the same Master, through Thy chosen vessel, the Apostle Paul, hast given us a commandment that we should do all things to Thy glory: Bless, now, Thy servant, (name), who is come to make a first offering shorn from the hair of his head, and likewise his Sponsor; and grant that they may all exercise themselves in Thy law, and do those things which are well pleasing in Thy sight.
For Thou art a merciful God, who lovest mankind, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Bow your heads unto the Lord.
People: To Thee, O Lord
Priest: O Lord our God, who, through the fulfilling of the baptismal font, by Thy goodness dost sanctify them that believe on Thee: Bless this child here present, and let Thy blessing descend upon his (her) head. And as Thou didst bless David the King by the hand of Thy Prophet Samuel, bless also the head of Thy servant, (name), by the hand of me, a sinner, inspiring him (her) with Thy Holy Spirit; that as he (she) increases in stature, and even unto a ripe old age, he (she) may ascribe glory unto Thee, and behold the good things of Jerusalem all the days of his (her) life.
For unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and to the Son, and to Thy Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Taking the scissors, the priest cuts the hair of the child in the form of a cross, saying:
The servant of God, (name), is tonsured: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
The Litany
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Thy great goodness, we pray Thee, hearken, and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (3 times).
Deacon: Again we pray (for the Holy Orthodox Patriarchs), for our Metropolitan (name), for our Bishop (name), for priests, deacons, and all other clergy; and for all our brethren in Christ.
People: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: Again we pray for the President of our country, for all civil authorities and for the armed forces.
People: Lord, have mercy. (three times).
Deacon: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation and remission of sins of the servant of God, (name), the Sponsor, and for the newly-illumined servant of God, (name).
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he (she) may be kept in the faith of a pure confession, in all godliness, and the fulfilling of the commandments of Christ, all the days of his (her) life.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For Thou art a merciful God, who lovest mankind, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The Dismissal
Priest: Glory to Thee, O Christ, our God and our hope, glory to Thee!
People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy (three times) Father, Bless.
Priest: May Christ, our true God, through the prayers of his all-pure Mother; of the holy, glorious and all-laudable Apostles; of Saint N, (the patron Saint of the Temple); of Saint N. (the Saint of the day); of the holy and righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; and of all the Saints, have mercy upon us and save us, forasmuch as he is good and loveth mankind.
People: Amen.
After the Baptism has been performed, the Mother and child again retire to the Vestibule. The priest comes to them, and, while taking the child in his arms and making the sign of the cross with him, says:
The servant of God (name) is churched: In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As he walks into the Church with the child, the priest says:
He (she) enters into Thy house, to worship towards Thy Holy Temple.
In the middle of the church, the priest again pronounces the formula of churching:
The servant of God (name) is churched: In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Then he says:
In the midst of the church shall he (she) sing praises to Thee.
Then the priest carries the child to the door of the Sanctuary and says:
The servant of God (name) is churched: In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
If the child is a male, the priest now carries him through the Sanctuary, entering through the South Deacon’s Door, and exiting through the North Deacon’s Door.
If the child is a female, she is brought only to the Royal Doors.
Then the priest says the prayer of St. Simeon:
Lord now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of Thy people Israel.
After reciting the prayer of St. Simeon, the priest returns the child to the mother, who has waited at the foot of the ambo. Then he pronounces the dismissal:
The Dismissal
Priest: Glory to Thee, O Christ, our God and our hope, glory to Thee.
People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy, (three times) Father, bless.
Priest: May Christ, our true God, through the prayers of his all-pure Mother; of the holy, glorious and all-laudable Apostles; of Saint N. (the patron Saint of the Temple); of Saint N. (the Saint of the day); of the holy and righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; and of all the Saints, have mercy upon us and save us, forasmuch as he is good and loveth mankind.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Grant, O Lord, a prosperous and peaceful life, health, safety and furtherance in all things, unto the newly baptized servant (handmaid) of God (name), and to his (her) Sponsors and Parents, and all those here gathered, and preserve them for many years.
People: God grant you many years!