For the Mystery of Holy Baptism, the newly enlisted warrior of Christ is immersed three times in cold water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, following the command of our Savior Jesus Christ;


Adults, teens, children and even infants are baptized (for infants, after they 40 days old, unless there is an emergency). Individuals, whole households, and even large groups of believers are baptized one at a time.

This triple immersion is the traditional Christian method of baptism for over 2,000 years, and is attested to as early as the Apostolic era. The Didache (pronounced did AH kay), or The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, written between 60-100 a.d., says


As in all things, we continue the Mysteries of Christ as they have been handed on to us. Thus has the Orthodox Church always baptised her new members.

The Mystery of Holy Chrismation forms the second part of the initiation into the Christian life, as the newly Baptized is anointed with Holy Chrism, sealing them in the Holy Spirit.

The newly illumined Christian is sealed by the gift of the Holy Spirit as they are anointed with the holy Chrism on their forehead, eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, chest, hands and feet. This signifies that everything they think, see, ear, smell, taste, touch, and wherever they go, and whatever they do, must be guided under the protection of the Holy Spirit.

This Chrismation with Holy Myrrh is the root of what, in western Christianity, ultimately became 'Confirmation.' In the Orthodox Church, there is no delay in applying this Holy Mystery to the new Christian, and it is necessary before first receiving Holy Communion.

Immediately following Chrismation, the newly illumined warrior of Christ is given Holy Communion.