The Orthodox Church views Baptism and Chrismation (also known as Confirmation in some Western traditions) not as two separate sacraments, but as two inseparable parts of a single Mystery of Initiation. While distinct in their actions, they are administered consecutively and complete each other, marking a person's full entry into the life of the Church. This understanding is crucial to appreciating the profound significance of both sacraments.
What is Baptism in the Orthodox Church?
Orthodox Baptism is a complete immersion in water, signifying the death and resurrection of Christ and the believer's own death to sin and rebirth into new life in Christ. It's not merely a symbolic act but a mystical participation in the very life of God. The priest pronounces the invocation of the Holy Trinity over the candidate, and the act of immersion represents cleansing from original sin and all personal sins confessed and repented of. The newly baptized are born again spiritually, cleansed and made pure.
What is Chrismation in the Orthodox Church?
Immediately following Baptism, the newly baptized person receives Chrismation. This involves the anointing with Holy Myron (Chrism), a sacred oil blessed by a bishop, containing various fragrant spices and infused with the grace of the Holy Spirit. The priest anoints the candidate on various parts of their body, invoking the Holy Spirit upon each part, invoking the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit – Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2). Chrismation seals the individual with the grace of the Holy Spirit, imparting spiritual gifts and strengthening their union with Christ and the Church.
How are Baptism and Chrismation Different?
While inseparable, Baptism and Chrismation have distinct roles:
- Baptism: Focuses on cleansing and rebirth, removing the stain of sin and initiating into the Christian life.
- Chrismation: Focuses on the impartation of the Holy Spirit, sealing the new Christian with divine grace and empowering them for Christian living.
Think of it as being born (Baptism) and then receiving your identity and gifts (Chrismation).
Are Baptism and Chrismation Two Separate Sacraments?
No. In the Orthodox Church, they are two inseparable parts of one single sacrament of initiation. They are administered consecutively and are considered incomplete without each other. One cannot be truly baptized without receiving Chrismation, and vice versa. The two sacraments together fully initiate the individual into the life of the Church and the fullness of the Christian faith.
What Happens After Baptism and Chrismation?
After receiving both Baptism and Chrismation, the newly initiated person is considered a full member of the Orthodox Church. They are now eligible to receive Holy Communion and participate fully in the liturgical life of the Church. This signifies their complete integration into the Body of Christ.
Can a Person Be Baptized and Not Chrismated?
No. In the Orthodox tradition, this is not possible. Baptism and Chrismation are always administered together as a single initiatory sacrament. The Church considers them inseparable components of one event.
Why are Baptism and Chrismation Performed Together?
The unified administration underscores the inseparable connection between the grace of Baptism and the empowering gift of the Holy Spirit through Chrismation. It highlights the holistic nature of Christian initiation—being cleansed and reborn, then empowered and strengthened to live a holy life.
This understanding of the inseparable nature of Baptism and Chrismation highlights the Orthodox Church’s emphasis on the transformative power of the sacraments and the profound grace received through full participation in the Church's mystical life. It's a powerful reminder of the life-changing work of God in the lives of believers.
