The Sacrament of Baptism was instituted by Christ Himself who, after His Resurrection, as a farewell commandment and admonition, just before his Ascension to Heaven, directed these words to His Apostles: “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 keep all things I have commanded you..” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Baptism is the gateway into the Christian Church. It is the saving action of God who, through water and the Spirit, recreates His creation.

It is the initial Sacrament through which he who is immersed in water three times, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, is cleansed from all sin and is regenerated spiritually. As our Lord Himself stated: “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5).

Please note that there can only be ONE Sponsor/Godparent who must be a canonically baptised Orthodox Christian and is required to provide their Baptismal Certificate. Please read our article Baptism Questions Answered to find out more.