St. George Co­­­­­­­­ptic Orthodox Church

Sacrament of Baptism

"So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ". Galatians 3:26-27
Baptism is how we are born again and become members of the Church, the family of God. Whether you are bringing a baby or joining the Church as an adult, you are welcome at St. George.

What the Bible teaches about baptism

Baptism is the first sacrament of the Church and the door to all the others. Here is what the Holy Scriptures say about it.
  • Christ commanded it. Before He ascended, the Lord sent His disciples to all nations, "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). He said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 16:16).
  • Christ was baptized. He went down into the Jordan, and the Holy Spirit came upon Him (Matthew 3:16-17). By His own baptism He blessed the water for ours.
  • It is a new birth. "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). St. Paul calls it "the washing of regeneration" (Titus 3:5).
  • It is death and resurrection with Christ. We are buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him to a new life (Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12). This is why we are immersed three times, as Christ was three days in the tomb.
  • It washes away sin. St. Peter preached, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized... for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). St. Paul was told, "Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins" (Acts 22:16).
  • It makes us children of God. All who are baptized into Christ have "put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27) and are baptized into His one Body, the Church (1 Corinthians 12:13).
  • It is given to children too. The apostles baptized whole households (Acts 16:15, 16:33), and the Lord said, "Let the little children come to Me" (Matthew 19:14). The Church has baptized infants since the apostles' time.
  • It is received once. "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5). We confess this in the Creed every Sunday.
Baptism, Chrismation and Holy Communion. In the Book of Acts, the apostles laid hands on the newly baptized so they would receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). Today the priest does this by anointing the newly baptized with the Holy Myron. This is the sacrament of Chrismation. The newly baptized then receives Holy Communion at the Divine Liturgy, just as the first Christians did (Acts 2:41-42).

What happens at a baptism

For a baby, the service begins with prayers for the mother, who brings her child to the Lord with thanksgiving. Then, for a baby or an adult:
  1. Renouncing Satan and confessing Christ, with the Creed. For a baby, this is done on the baby's behalf.
  2. Blessing of the water and the oils, with prayers and readings.
  3. Three immersions, then anointing with the Holy Myron.
Baptisms are usually held on a Sunday just before the Divine Liturgy, so everyone can stay for the Liturgy and the newly baptized can receive Holy Communion.

After the baptism

Receive Holy Communion regularly, starting on the day of the baptism. A baby is brought by the parents. Join us for the Divine Liturgy and for Sunday School.

Request a baptism

Babies: call the church office to set a date with the priest.
Adults and converts: please join our Catechumens class at St. George.
St. George Coptic Orthodox Church
187 Semple Farm Rd., Hampton, VA 23666
Phone: 757-865-2040 · Email: stgeorgeva@hotmail.com
You are also welcome to speak with one of our priests after the Divine Liturgy.
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