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Baptism ​Preparation

Lesson #1

Why do we baptize ​infants, especially when ​they have no sin or guilt?

 

Let’s turn to the Gospel of Matthew 3:13-17, ​where we see Jesus Himself being baptized ​by John in the Jordan River. Now, Christ ​had no sin — He is the Son of God, perfect ​and holy. So why did He accept baptism?

 

The answer lies in understanding what this ​event truly represents. Christ’s baptism ​wasn’t for His own cleansing or repentance, ​but rather a moment that revealed ​something extraordinary. After Jesus ​emerged from the water, the heavens ​opened, and a voice was heard saying, “This ​is my beloved Son, in whom I am well ​pleased.”

 

This divine affirmation shows us that ​through Christ, humanity is adopted into ​God’s family. Just as Christ, the Son of God, ​was proclaimed the beloved, through our ​baptism, we too are welcomed as children ​of God.

 

Infants indeed have no personal guilt or sin. But they, like all of us, live in a world marked by the first fall of ​Adam and Eve. After that first disobedience, humans were inclined to put their interests before God’s will. ​This tendency, known as original sin, is what baptism washes away. It doesn’t mean the child is born sinful, ​but rather that they, like all of us, inherit this world’s brokenness and need the grace of God.

 

In baptism, even infants receive the grace that unites them to Christ. Just as Christ was sinless but still ​chose to be baptized, the innocent infant enters into God’s covenant. Through baptism, the child receives ​adoption from God and becomes part of His family.

 

Baptism as Adoption

Imagine a child who is alone, with no family. Then one day, a loving parent steps in and adopts ​this child. Suddenly, this child, who once had no family, is part of something greater—a new ​home, a new family, a new future.

 

This is what happens in baptism. Whether an infant or an adult, the baptized person is adopted ​by God, becoming part of the divine family. The Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—​embraces them. They are no longer alone, but surrounded by the love of God, Christ as their ​brother, and the Church as their new family of brothers and sisters.

 

Baptism and the Struggle ​with Sin

 

It’s important to note that baptism doesn’t automatically free us from temptation or sin. Even ​after baptism, we continue to face struggles and desires that can pull us away from God. But ​the difference is that, through baptism, we are no longer alone in that struggle.

 

Our Father will help us. Even when we fall into sin, we have the sacrament of Repentance—a way ​to return to God, much like the story of the prodigal son returning to his father’s house. Baptism ​marks the beginning of this lifelong journey with God, where His grace and love guide us.

 

 

The Holy Trinity and Our ​New Family

 

In baptism, something very special happens—something that reflects the Holy Trinity. The ​Father adopts us, Christ becomes our brother, and the Holy Spirit lives within us. Together, we ​enter into the divine family, surrounded by the love and protection of God.

 

So, why do we baptize infants? We baptize them so they, too, can be adopted by God, just as we ​were. They receive this gift of grace, not through any merit of their own, but because God freely ​offers it to them, welcoming them into His family.

Lesson #2

 

The Role of Parents and Godparents in Baptism

 

The role of parents and godparents in the sacrament of baptism is sacred and enduring. It is not only a commitment to the child being baptized but also a promise to live out the Christian faith as an example for them. By providing spiritual guidance, parents and godparents help ensure that the child grows in faith, love, and commitment to Christ throughout their life. Through their vows, they pledge to walk alongside the child, nurturing their relationship with God and helping them navigate the challenges and joys of living a Christian life.

 

 Responsibilities of Parents

When parents present their child for baptism, they take on a significant responsibility. They aren’t simply participating in a ritual, but committing themselves to raising the child within the Christian faith. This commitment involves teaching the child how to pray, instructing them in the teachings of Christ, and guiding them to participate in the sacraments of the Church.

Parents must model the faith they wish their child to grow into. This includes attending Liturgy, engaging in family prayers, and living a life that reflects Christian values. It is through their example that the child will come to understand what it means to be a follower of Christ.

 

 Role of Godparents

The role of the godparent is not merely symbolic. Godparents are selected to act as spiritual guides for the child, providing additional support to the parents in nurturing the child’s faith. They stand as witnesses to the baptism, but their role extends beyond the ceremony.

Godparents serve as role models of the faith, stepping in to offer guidance when needed, and ensuring that the child continues to grow in their Christian life. In many ways, they act as a second set of parents in spiritual matters. This role is especially important if the parents themselves encounter difficulties in raising their child in the faith.

 

Commitment to Faith

During the baptism ceremony, both parents and godparents are asked to make a series of vows. They renounce sin, profess their faith in Christ, and promise to guide the child in that same faith. These vows reflect a lifelong promise, not just a one-time act.

The commitment made during baptism is profound. Parents and godparents are promising to be active participants in the child’s spiritual life, ensuring they are brought up in the faith. This includes teaching Christian values, encouraging participation in the sacraments, and helping the child navigate moral decisions throughout their life.

 

The Vows at Baptism

At the baptismal font, parents and godparents are asked to make several important promises. They vow to renounce sin and profess their belief in God, the Holy Trinity. These vows are not made lightly; they represent the formal commitment to raise the child as a Christian and to live out the faith themselves.

By renouncing sin and professing their faith, parents and godparents are affirming their role as the primary guides in the child’s spiritual journey. They acknowledge that the child, while unable to make these decisions for themselves, will be led in the right direction by their example and teaching.

 

The Importance of Being a Role Model

One of the most important aspects of raising a child in the faith is modeling Christian behavior. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This verse reminds us that children learn through the example of those around them.

For parents and godparents, this means living out the faith in their own lives. Attending Liturgy, participating in sacraments, engaging in family prayer, and demonstrating love and forgiveness in daily interactions are all ways to model the Christian life. By doing so, they create a living example for the child to follow, ensuring that the faith is not just taught, but lived.

Lesson #3

Familiarizing with the Structure and Elements of the Baptismal Ceremony

 

 

The Rite of Baptism: Overview of the Ceremony

The baptismal ceremony follows a specific sequence, reflecting the spiritual journey of purification, initiation, and new life in Christ. The main components of the baptism are as follows:

  1. The Prayers of Exorcism: Before the baptism itself, the priest prays the prayers of exorcism, asking God to free the individual from the influence of evil. The godparents (or the individual, if an adult) renounce Satan by turning to the west (the direction of darkness), and then they profess their faith in Christ by turning to the east (the direction of light). This is a symbolic rejection of evil and acceptance of God’s grace.

  2. The Profession of Faith: The godparents, on behalf of the child, or the adult catechumen, then recite the Nicene Creed, which is a declaration of Orthodox Christian faith. This profession of faith affirms the individual’s belief in the Holy Trinity, the Church, and the resurrection of the dead.

  3. The Blessing of the Water: The priest blesses the baptismal water, invoking the Holy Spirit to descend upon it and make it holy. The water symbolizes both cleansing from sin and new life in Christ. The blessing of the water is accompanied by prayers asking God to make the water a source of spiritual rebirth.

  4. Anointing with Oil: Before the immersion, the priest anoints the individual with holy oil (also called the Oil of Gladness), marking the person as a servant of Christ. This anointing is a sign of strength and protection against evil, symbolizing the grace and presence of the Holy Spirit.

  5. Triple Immersion in Water: Baptism is carried out by full immersion in water, which takes place three times in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The triple immersion signifies the person’s participation in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Through baptism, the individual dies to sin and is raised to new life in Christ.

  6. Chrismation (Confirmation): Immediately following baptism, the priest anoints the newly baptized with Holy Chrism (special oil blessed by the bishop). Chrismation is the Orthodox equivalent of Confirmation, sealing the person with the gift of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament marks the person as fully initiated into the Church and empowered to live a Christian life.

 

Symbols of Baptism

Baptism is rich with symbolism, each element pointing to deeper theological truths about the Christian faith and life in Christ:

  1. Water: In baptism, water represents both cleansing from sin and the gift of new life. Just as water is essential for physical life, in baptism it becomes the means by which spiritual life is given. The immersion in water symbolizes the person’s participation in Christ’s death and resurrection, dying to sin and rising to eternal life.

  2. Oil (Chrism): The oil used in baptism symbolizes the strength and protection given by the Holy Spirit. Anointing with oil goes back to biblical times when it was used to consecrate kings, priests, and prophets. In baptism, the oil signifies that the individual is consecrated to God and set apart to live a holy life.

  3. The Candle: After the baptism, the priest gives a lit candle to the newly baptized, symbolizing the light of Christ that has entered into their life. The candle reminds the individual that they are called to be a light to the world, reflecting Christ’s love and truth in their daily actions.

  4. The White Garment: The newly baptized person is clothed in a white garment, symbolizing the purity of the soul that has been washed clean of sin. The white garment also signifies the new identity of the person as a child of God, now called to live a life of holiness and righteousness in Christ.

 

 

Distinction Between Anointing with Holy Oil and Myro (Chrismation)

In the baptismal ceremony, there are two distinct types of anointing that occur: the anointing with holy oil (also called the Oil of Gladness) and the sacrament of Myro (Chrismation). Both involve anointing with oil, but they serve different purposes and carry different theological meanings. Let’s explore the distinction between the two.

 

1. Anointing with Holy Oil (Oil of Gladness)

When It Occurs:

The anointing with holy oil takes place before the actual baptism, immediately following the prayers of exorcism and the renunciation of Satan.

Symbolism and Meaning:

  • The holy oil is referred to as the Oil of Gladness and is not a sacrament in itself but a preparatory act.

  • It symbolizes the strengthening and protection given by God to the one about to be baptized. In ancient times, athletes would anoint themselves with oil to gain strength and protection in preparation for a contest, and similarly, the person about to be baptized is spiritually strengthened for the new life in Christ.

  • The anointing with holy oil also represents healing and purification, preparing the person for the sacrament of baptism. It is a sign of being cleansed from the effects of sin and evil, which the exorcism prayers address.

 

Where It Is Applied:

The priest anoints the individual on various parts of the body (forehead, chest, hands, feet), symbolizing that the entire person is being prepared and sanctified for their new life in Christ.

 

2. Myro (Chrismation) – The Holy Sacrament

When It Occurs:

The sacrament of Chrismation (called Myro in the Orthodox tradition) takes place immediately after the baptism by immersion. Chrismation is always administered directly following baptism in the Eastern Catholic Churches, even for infants.

Symbolism and Meaning:

  • Chrismation is one of the seven sacraments of the Church and is considered a sacrament in its own right, distinct from the anointing with holy oil.

  • It involves the use of Holy Myro (Chrism), a special oil that has been blessed by the bishop during Holy Week. This oil is a mixture of olive oil and fragrant spices and is consecrated to serve as a seal of the Holy Spirit.

  • Chrismation is the Orthodox equivalent of Confirmation in other Christian traditions. It completes the initiation of the baptized into the Church by imparting the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through Chrismation, the individual receives the strength and grace to live a Christian life, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

  • The sacrament of Chrismation reflects the event of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, filling them with divine power. Similarly, the newly baptized are filled with the Holy Spirit, marking them as members of the Body of Christ and giving them the spiritual strength to follow Christ.

 

Where It Is Applied:

The priest anoints the newly baptized with the Holy Myro on several parts of the body (forehead, eyes, ears, mouth, chest, hands, and feet), saying the words, "The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit." This sealing signifies the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit within the person.

 Lesson #4

The Spiritual Significance of Baptism

Baptism is not just a ceremony; it is a profound spiritual transformation that marks the beginning of a new life in Christ. It's often described as a second birth, a spiritual rebirth that opens the door to a lifelong journey of faith. This lesson will delve into the deep spiritual significance of baptism, its role in the forgiveness of sins, and the commitment it calls for in living a Christian life.

 

1. New Birth in Christ

  • When we are baptized, we are spiritually reborn. Just as a newborn enters a family, a baptized person enters the family of the Church. Jesus explained this concept to Nicodemus in the Gospel of John: “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Through baptism, we receive a new identity as children of God and members of the Body of Christ, the Church.

  • This rebirth is not a one-time event but the beginning of a journey. It’s like planting a seed that must be nurtured and cared for so that it can grow and bear fruit. In the same way, our faith and commitment must be nurtured throughout our lives.

 

 

2. Forgiveness of Sins

 

  • According to Christian teaching, every human is born with original sin, a state of separation from God inherited from the first humans, Adam and Eve. This sin is not a personal fault but a condition into which all are born.

  • In baptism, this original sin is washed away. The person being baptized is made pure, just like a newborn baby. But baptism does more than just cleanse us; it opens the way to all other sacraments, beginning a life of grace.

  • This cleansing also symbolizes the forgiveness of personal sins committed before baptism. However, because we live in a fallen world, we still face temptations and challenges. That’s why the Church provides the Sacrament of Confession, so we can always return to God’s mercy.

 

3. Commitment to Christian Life

  • At baptism, we (or our parents and godparents, if we are baptized as infants) make promises to reject sin, believe in Christ, and live according to His teachings. This is a profound commitment, much like a marriage vow, that requires us to remain faithful to Christ throughout our lives.

  • This commitment involves participating in the life of the Church through regular prayer, receiving the sacraments, and striving to live a life of love and service. It also means continually growing in our relationship with God and becoming more Christ-like.

  • Living out our baptismal promises is an ongoing process of conversion. We are called to examine our lives regularly, ask for God’s help in areas where we struggle, and seek to grow in virtue and holiness.

 

Suggested Scripture Reading:

  • Romans 6:3-4: "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

  • Titus 3:5: "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

Lesson #5

Post-Baptismal Responsibilities

 

Baptism is the beginning of a lifelong journey in faith, not just for the baptized child, but also for their parents and godparents. The responsibilities taken on during the baptismal ceremony don’t end once the water is poured and prayers are said. Instead, they mark the beginning of an ongoing commitment to nurture the child’s faith as they grow, providing spiritual guidance and a strong Christian foundation.

 

1. Ongoing Faith Formation

  • After baptism, the child begins their journey of faith. It is the parents’ and godparents’ role to teach the child how to pray, starting with simple prayers like the Sign of the Cross and the Lord’s Prayer. As the child grows, more complex prayers and an understanding of the sacraments should be introduced.

  • Participation in Mass and regular reception of the sacraments, especially Confession and the Eucharist, are vital for the child's spiritual development. It’s essential that parents and godparents model these practices by regularly attending Mass themselves and involving the child in these activities.

 

Practical Ways to Teach Faith:

  • Establish a daily prayer routine at home, such as morning prayers, prayers before meals, and night prayers.

  • Create opportunities to discuss faith, including Bible stories or religious traditions, during family time.

  • Celebrate the child’s baptism anniversary every year as a reminder of their entry into the Church, and discuss its significance.

 

 

2. Role of the Family in Creating a Christian Environment

  • Children learn primarily by example, so it’s essential for parents and godparents to be living witnesses of Christian values. This means creating a home where kindness, forgiveness, and love are practiced, and where faith is visibly part of daily life.

  • Setting up religious symbols, such as crucifixes or icons, can visually remind the child of their faith. Celebrating holy days and Church feasts together as a family also helps to embed faith in the child’s experience.

  • Discussing moral decisions through the lens of faith, and helping the child understand Christian values like charity, humility, and honesty, ensures that these lessons are carried into adulthood.

 

 

3. Involvement in the Church Community

  • The Church is a family, and growing in faith involves more than just individual or household practices. Attending Mass together regularly, involving the child in Church events, and encouraging participation in sacraments such as First Communion and Confirmation are ways to stay connected to the larger faith community.

  • Church programs for children and families, such as religious education, Bible studies, and youth groups, can provide important faith formation opportunities outside of the home.

  • Parents and godparents should also take advantage of resources and support from the Church, such as catechesis programs, spiritual counseling, and family events, which can strengthen their own understanding of the faith and their ability to pass it on to the child.

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