Note: The United Roman-Ruthenian Church accepts immersion and pouring as entirely valid, scriptural, and consistent with Early Church practices. Ezekiel 36:25 – “I will pour clean water upon you, and you shall be clean…” Joel 2:28 – “I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh.” St. Paul’s Baptism (Acts 9:18) Didache 7: “Baptize…in living (flowing) water. But if you have not living water, baptize in other water; and if you cannot in cold, then in warm. But if thou hast neither, pour water three times on the head in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” St. Cyprian of Carthage (A.D. 250): “The sprinkling of water has like force to the saving washing.” CONDITIONAL BAPTISM  If there be any doubt as to whether the person has been baptized before, then the following form should be used. IF thou art not baptized, I baptize thee in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. PRIVATE BAPTISM  This form of baptism may be used when there is great need and the Solemn form cannot be used. All that is required is for the priest to pour clean water over the head of the person while saying: I BAPTIZE thee in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.  The water must touch and flow over the skin of the head. SOLEMN BAPTISM (Orthodox/Principle Rite) This form may be used by a priest and does not include Christmation. Therefore, those who receive baptism in this form do not receive Confirmation/Christmation separately. (See also the Hierarchical form below.) THE ORTHODOX BAPTISM & CHRISMATION (PRIESTLY RITE) UNITED ROMAN-RUTHENIAN CHURCH English & Synodal Church Slavonic   I. OUTSIDE THE CHURCH (or Narthex) THE OPENING BLESSING ENGLISH: Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. People: Amen. SLAVONIC: Священник: Благословен Бог наш всегда, ныне и присно и во веки веков. Люди: Аминь. THE EXORCISMS FIRST EXORCISM ENGLISH: Priest (breathing gently in the form of a Cross upon the catechumen): O Lord and Master, Thou who in the beginning didst create man in Thine image and likeness, and didst give him power over all of Thy creation: do Thou Thyself, O Lord, rebuke the unclean spirit and drive him far from Thy creature N.   SLAVONIC: Священник (дунет крестообразно): Господи Владыко, сотворивый человека изначала по образу и подобию Твоему, и давый ему власть над всеми тварьми Твоими: Сам, Господи, запрети духу нечистому и отжени его от создания Твоего, раба Твоего (рабы Твоей) N.   SECOND EXORCISM ENGLISH: Priest: The Lord rebukes thee, O devil — He who came into the world and dwelt among men, that He might cast down thy tyranny and deliver mankind. SLAVONIC:  Священник: Запрещает тебе Господь, диаволе, пришедый в мир и вселившийся в человецы, да низложит тиранию твою и избавит род человеческий.   THIRD EXORCISM ENGLISH: Priest: I adjure thee, O unclean, impure, vile and alien spirit: depart from the servant of God N. Flee from this creature, for the Lord has made His dwelling herein. THE IMPOSITION OF SALT The priest then may optionally place a little bit of blessed salt in the candidate's mouth, symbolizing the wisdom that gives us a relish for the sweetness of divine nourishment. ENGLISH: Priest: N., Receive the salt of wisdom; let it be to thee a token of mercy unto everlasting life. May it make thy way easy to eternal life. Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen. Priest: Peace be with you. Sponsor/Catechumen: And with thy spirit. SLAVONIC: Священник: Заклинаю тебя, дух нечистый, скверный и чуждый: изыди от раба Божия N. Беги от создания сего, ибо Господь вселил Себя здесь. Иерей: Н., прiими соль премудрости; да будетъ ти знаменiе милости во животъ вѣчный. Да сотворитъ ти путь удобенъ ко животу вѣчному. Кумъ/Оглашенный: Аминь. Иерей: Миръ ти. Кумъ/Оглашенный: И духови твоему.   THE RENUNCIATION OF SATAN (Done facing the liturgical West, as in Russian tradition.) ENGLISH: Priest: Dost thou renounce Satan? Catechumen/Sponsors: I do renounce him. Priest: And all his works? Response: I do renounce them. Priest: And all his angels? Response: I do renounce them. Priest: And all his pomps? Response: I do renounce them. SLAVONIC: Священник: Отрицаеши ли ся сатаны? Ответ: Отрицаюся. Священник: И всех дел его? Ответ: Отрицаюся. Священник: И всех ангел его? Ответ: Отрицаюся. Священник: И всей гордыни его? Ответ: Отрицаюся.       THE BLOWING AND SPITTING ENGLISH: Priest: Blow and spit upon him. The catechumen (or sponsor) blows and lightly spits. SLAVONIC: Священник: Дуни и плюни на него. Катехумен (или восприемник) дует и слегка плюёт.   THE TURNING TO THE EAST & THE PROFESSION OF FAITH (The Profession of Faith before Baptism.) ENGLISH: Priest: Dost thou unite thyself unto Christ? Response: I do unite myself unto Christ. (Three times) Priest: Dost thou believe in Him? Response: I believe in Him as King and God. SLAVONIC: Священник: Сочетаеши лися Христу? Ответ: Сочетаюся Христу. (трижды) Священник: Веруюши ли Ему? Ответ: Верую Ему, яко Царю и Богу.       THE BOWING BEFORE CHRIST ENGLISH: Priest: Bow down before Him. Catechumen: I bow down before the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: the Trinity one in essence and undivided. SLAVONIC: Священник: Поклонися Ему. Катехумен: Поклоняюся Отцу, и Сыну, и Святому Духу, Троице единосущней и нераздельней.   THE PROFESSION OF FAITH (The Creed) ENGLISH: Priest: Recite the Symbol of Faith. Catechumen (or sponsors) recites the Nicene Creed.   I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible: And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, Begotten of the Father before all ages, Light of Light, True God of True God, Begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made: Who for us men and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; And rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead, Whose kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets; In One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I Confess one Baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the Resurrection of the dead, And the life of the age to come, Amen. SLAVONIC: Священник: Изложи Символ веры. Катехумен или восприемники читают Символ веры. Верую во единаго Бога Отца, Вседержителя, Творца небу и земли, видимым же всем и невидимым. И во единаго Господа Iисуса Христа, Сына Божия, Единороднаго, Иже от Отца рожденнаго прежде всех век. Света от Света, Бога истинна от Бога истинна, рожденна, несотворенна, едино-сущна Отцу, Им же вся быша. Нас ради человек и нашего ради спасения сшед-шаго с небес и воплотившагося от Духа Свята и Марии Девы, и вочело-веч-шася. Распятаго же за ны при Понтийстем Пилате, и страдавша, и погребенна. И воскресшаго в третий день, по Писаниям. И возшедшаго на небеса, и седяща одесную Отца. И паки грядущаго со славою судити живым и мертвым, Его же Царствию не будет конца. И в Духа Святаго, Господа, животворящаго, Иже от Отца исходящаго, Иже со Отцем и Сыном спокланяема и сславима, глаголавшаго пророки. Во едину святую, соборную и Апостольскую Церковь. Исповедую едино крещение во оставление грехов. Чаю воскресения мертвых и жизни будущаго века. Аминь. ✥✥✥ II. THE BAPTISMAL FONT THE GREAT BLESSING OF WATER ENGLISH: Priest prays the blessing of the font, invoking the Jordan, the descent of the Spirit, and the sanctification of the water. Priest: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. People: Amen. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord, have mercy.      O Master, Lord our God, Who art great in counsel and wondrous in deeds, the Creator of all things, both visible and invisible, Who keepest Thy covenant and Thy mercy unto those that love Thee and keep Thy commandments, Who receivest the tears of those that are in affliction: Look down upon us, Thine unworthy servants, and wash away from us every defilement of flesh and spirit.      Thou, O Lord, in the days of Noah, with water didst drown sin, and through the waters of the flood didst manifest the truth of Thine eternal justice.     Thou didst divide the sea with Thy rod and cause Thy people to pass over, drowning Pharaoh with his chariots.      Thou didst bring forth water from the rock for Thy people in the wilderness, and didst cause the waters of Marah to become sweet by means of wood.      For Thou Thyself, O Master, didst hallow the streams of Jordan by Thy saving manifestation, making them a fountain of incorruption.      Do Thou now also, O Lover of mankind, look down from Heaven upon these waters and fill them with the Holy Spirit, that they may become water of redemption, water of sanctification, washing away all defilement of flesh and spirit, granting release from sins, illumination of the soul, regeneration, renewal of the Spirit, the gift of adoption, the garment of incorruption, the fountain of life.      For Thou hast said, O Lord: “Wash, and be clean; put away evils from your souls.” Thou hast bestowed upon us from on high a new birth through water and the Spirit. Do Thou Thyself, O Master, now sanctify this water by Thy Holy Spirit. First Invocation Priest: May the grace of the Holy Spirit come upon these waters. People: Amen. Second Invocation Priest: May the grace of the Holy Spirit come upon these waters. People: Amen. Third Invocation Priest: May the grace of the Holy Spirit come upon these waters. People: Amen. Priest: Let all adverse powers be crushed beneath the sign of the image of Thy Cross. We pray Thee, O Lord: let every phantasmal delusion of the demons be driven away from us.      Grant this water to be a healing of soul and body, to be to all who drink it or are anointed with it, or take it into their homes, a sanctification, purification, blessing. That through it every plot of enemies, visible and invisible, may be brought to naught. For we have called upon Thy holy and glorious Name — and let not Thy servants be put to shame.      For all glory, honor, and worship are Thine: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. People: Amen. The priest then makes the sign of the Cross thrice in the water with his hand, saying at each instance:     Great art Thou, O Lord, and wondrous are Thy works, and no word sufficeth to hymn Thy wonders. And then he continues:      For Thou, O Lord, didst by Thine inexpressible condescension clothe Thyself in the form of a servant and, being God, didst appear on earth and dwell among men.      Thou didst sanctify the waters of Jordan, sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and didst crush the heads of the dragons lurking there.      Do Thou Thyself, O Sovereign Master, now also be present through the descent of Thy Holy Spirit, and sanctify this water.      And give it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan; make it a fountain of incorruption, a gift of sanctification, a remission of sins, a protection against infirmities, a destruction of demons; unapproachable by adverse powers; filled with angelic might.      Let those who draw from it and partake of it have it for the cleansing of souls and bodies, for the healing of passions, for the sanctification of homes, and for every fitting benefit.      For Thou art our God, Who through water drowned sin in the days of Noah. Thou art our God, Who through the sea delivered the Hebrew nation from the bondage of Pharaoh. Thou art our God, Who didst cleave the rock in the wilderness and the waters gushed forth, and the torrents overflowed, and Thou satisfied Thy thirsty people.      Thou art our God, Who by water and the Spirit hast bestowed upon us a new birth. The priest takes the Holy Chrism Oil and pours it crosswise into the water, saying:      Blessed is God, Who enlighteneth and sanctifieth every man that cometh into the world, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. People: Amen. SLAVONIC: Священник творит полное освящение воды, призывая Иордан, схождение Духа, и освящение вод. Священник: Благословенно Царство Отца, и Сына, и Святаго Духа, ныне и присно и во веки веков. Люди: Аминь. Священник: Господу помолимся. Люди: Господи, помилуй.      Владыко Господи Боже наш, великий советом и чуден делы, Творче всех видимых и невидимых тварей, соблюдаяй завет и милость любящим Тя и хранящим заповеди Твоя, приемляй слезы сущих в скорбех: Призри на нас, недостойных раб Твоих, и отыми от нас скверну плоти и духа.     Ты бо, Господи, во дни Ноева водою потопил еси грех и водами потопа явил еси истину правды Твоея. Ты еси, Господи, морская глубина жезлом Моисеовым разделивый, и людем Твоим путь сотворивый, фараона же с колесницами потопивый. Ты еси, Господи, из камене водную струю извел в пустыни, и воды Мара горькия древом усладил.      Ты бо Сам водам Иорданским освящение даровал еси Богоявлением Твоим, и сотворил еси их источником нетления. Сам убо, Человеколюбче Владыко, призри и ныне с небесе на воды сия, и низпосли в них Духа Твоего Святаго, да будут вода сия водою избавления, водою освящения, омовением грехов, просвещением душ, возрождением, обновлением, дарованием сыноположения, ризою нетления, источником жизни.      Ты бо рекл еси, Господи: «Умывайтеся, и чисти будете; отымите лукавствия от душ ваших». Даровал еси нам возрождение водою и Духом. Сам убо, Владыко, освяти воду сию Духом Твоим Святым. Первое Воззвание Священник: Да приидет благодать Святаго Духа на воды сия. Люди: Аминь. Второе Воззвание Священник: Да приидет благодать Святаго Духа на воды сия. Люди: Аминь. Третье Воззвание Священник: Да приидет благодать Святаго Духа на воды сия. Люди: Аминь.      Да сокрушатся под знамением образа Креста Твоего вся сопротивныя силы. Молим Тя, Господи: да отженется от нас всякое мечтание демонское. Даруй воде сей быти исцелением душ и телес, всем пиющим и мажущимся ею, и приемлющим в домы своя — освящением, очищением, благословением. Да исчезнет ею всякий навет врагов видимых и невидимых. Тебе бо призвахом, Господи Боже наш, и да не постыдимся. Яко подобает Тебе всякая слава, честь и поклонение, Отцу и Сыну и Святому Духу, ныне и присно и во веки веков. Люди: Аминь.   Священник крестообразно знаменует воды, глаголя (Трижды):      Велик еси, Господи, и чудна дела Твоя, и ничесоже слово довлеет к пению чудес Твоих. _____      Ты бо, Господи, неизреченным Твоим снисхождением облеклся еси в образ раба, и быв Бог, явился еси на земли, и с человеки пожил еси. Ты еси Иорданские струи освятил, Духа Святаго на них низпослав, и главы тамо скрывающихся змиев сокрушил. Сам убо, Владыко, ныне буди присно с нами, и ниспосли Духа Твоего Святаго, и освяти воду сию. И даруй ей благодать избавления, благословение Иорданово; сотвори ю источником нетления, даром освящения, оставлением грехов, исцелением недугов, погибелiю демоном, неприкосновенною силам супостатным, исполненную ангельской крепости.      Да будет всем, почерпающим и вкусующим от нея, в очищение душ и телес, во исцеление страстей, во освящение домов, и ко всякому благопотребному. Ты бо еси Бог наш, водою потопивый грех во дни Ноева. Ты еси Бог наш, морем образ рабства фараонова разрешивый. Ты еси Бог наш, камень в пустыни рассекший, и воды изливший. Ты еси Бог наш, Иже водою и Духом пакибытие нам даровавый. Священник вливает елей в воду крестообразно:      Благословен Бог, просвещаяй и освящаяй всякаго человека грядущаго в мир, ныне и присно и во веки веков. Люди: Аминь.     ANOINTING WITH THE OIL OF THE CATECHUMENS ENGLISH: The priest anoints breast, ears, and feet while saying the traditional formula: The servant of God N is anointed with the oil of gladness… SLAVONIC: Священник помазывает плечи, уши и ноги, говоря:             Помазуется раб Божий N елеем радования…   THE BAPTISM (Triple Immersion or Triple Pouring) ENGLISH: Priest: The servant of God N is baptized in the Name of the Father (first immersion), and of the Son (second immersion), and of the Holy Spirit (third immersion). People: Amen. SLAVONIC: Священник: Крещается раб Божий N во имя Отца (первое погружение), и Сына (второе), и Святаго Духа (третье). Люди: Аминь. ✥✥✥ III. THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY CHRISMATION THE ANOINTING WITH HOLY CHRISM ENGLISH: Priest (anointing forehead, eyes, nostrils, lips, ears, breast, hands, and feet, saying at each instance): The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. People: Amen. SLAVONIC: Священник (помазывая чело, очи, ноздри, уста, уши, перси, руки и ноги): Печать дара Духа Святаго. Люди: Аминь.   THE WASHING / ABLUTION ENGLISH: The priest gently wipes off chrism from the newly baptized. SLAVONIC: Священник отирает миро.   THE BAPTISMAL TONSURE A small piece of hair is cut. ENGLISH: Priest: The servant of God N is tonsured in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. SLAVONIC: Священник: Стрижетсѧ раб Божий N во имя Отца, и Сына, и Святаго Духа.   THE VESTING IN WHITE A white robe or garment is placed on the newly-baptized. Priest:  The servant of God N. is clothed in the robe of righteousness, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.   THE GIVING OF THE LIGHTED CANDLE A lighted candle is given to the newly-baptized (or to the sponsor, if an infant) Priest: Receive this lighted candle, and strive ever to walk as a child of the light, that when the Lord cometh in glory thou mayest go forth to meet Him with all the Saints. Amen.   THE PROCESSION / LITTLE ENTRANCE AROUND THE FONT ENGLISH: Priest leads the newly baptized in procession around the font, chanting: As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia. SLAVONIC: Елицы во Христа крестистеся, во Христа облекостеся. Аллилуиа.   THE FINAL PRAYER AND DISMISSAL ENGLISH: Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, now preserve Thy servant N in Thy holy fear and righteousness… SLAVONIC: Господу помолимся. Господи, сохрани раба Твоего N в страхе Твоем и правде…   ✥✥✥ Note: Those who are baptised and chrismated according to this rite therefore do not receive the separate sacrament of Confirmation/Chrismation, for it is already contained within this rite and cannot be repeated. THE ORTHODOX BAPTISM & CHRISMATION (HIERARCHICAL RITE – FOR USE BY BISHOPS) UNITED ROMAN-RUTHENIAN CHURCH English & Synodal Church Slavonic   PREPARATORY RITES The Bishop is vested fully in liturgical vestments, i.e., alb, stole, pianeta, omophore, engolpion, and mitre; as well as pallium for archbishops. He is escorted by the clergy and servers as usual in procession to the place of the water blessing. Clergy and servers are likewise vested as at the Divine Liturgy.   I. OUTSIDE THE CHURCH (or Narthex) THE OPENING BLESSING ENGLISH: Bishop: Blessed is our God always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. People: Amen. SLAVONIC: Архиерей: Благословен Бог наш всегда, ныне и присно и во веки веков. Люди: Аминь. THE EXORCISMS FIRST EXORCISM ENGLISH: Bishop (breathing gently in the form of a Cross upon the catechumen): O Lord and Master, Thou who in the beginning didst create man in Thine image and likeness, and didst give him power over all of Thy creation: do Thou Thyself, O Lord, rebuke the unclean spirit and drive him far from Thy creature N.   SLAVONIC: Архиерей (дунет крестообразно): Господи Владыко, сотворивый человека изначала по образу и подобию Твоему, и давый ему власть над всеми тварьми Твоими: Сам, Господи, запрети духу нечистому и отжени его от создания Твоего, раба Твоего (рабы Твоей) N.   SECOND EXORCISM ENGLISH: Bishop: The Lord rebukes thee, O devil — He who came into the world and dwelt among men, that He might cast down thy tyranny and deliver mankind. SLAVONIC:  Архиерей: Запрещает тебе Господь, диаволе, пришедый в мир и вселившийся в человецы, да низложит тиранию твою и избавит род человеческий.   THIRD EXORCISM ENGLISH: Bishop: I adjure thee, O unclean, impure, vile and alien spirit: depart from the servant of God N. Flee from this creature, for the Lord has made His dwelling herein. SLAVONIC: Архиерей: Заклинаю тебя, дух нечистый, скверный и чуждый: изыди от раба Божия N. Беги от создания сего, ибо Господь вселил Себя здесь.     THE RENUNCIATION OF SATAN (Done facing the liturgical West, as in Russian tradition.) ENGLISH: Bishop: Dost thou renounce Satan? Catechumen/Sponsors: I do renounce him. Bishop: And all his works? Response: I do renounce them. Bishop: And all his angels? Response: I do renounce them. Bishop: And all his pomps? Response: I do renounce them. SLAVONIC: Архиерей: Отрицаеши ли ся сатаны? Ответ: Отрицаюся. Архиерей: И всех дел его? Ответ: Отрицаюся. Архиерей: И всех ангел его? Ответ: Отрицаюся. Архиерей: И всей гордыни его? Ответ: Отрицаюся.       THE BLOWING AND SPITTING ENGLISH: Bishop: Blow and spit upon him. The catechumen (or sponsor) blows and lightly spits. SLAVONIC: Архиерей: Дуни и плюни на него. Катехумен (или восприемник) дует и слегка плюёт.   THE TURNING TO THE EAST & THE PROFESSION OF FAITH (The Profession of Faith before Baptism.) ENGLISH: Bishop: Dost thou unite thyself unto Christ? Response: I do unite myself unto Christ. (Three times) Bishop: Dost thou believe in Him? Response: I believe in Him as King and God. SLAVONIC: Архиерей: Сочетаеши лися Христу? Ответ: Сочетаюся Христу. (трижды) Архиерей: Веруюши ли Ему? Ответ: Верую Ему, яко Царю и Богу.       THE BOWING BEFORE CHRIST ENGLISH: Bishop: Bow down before Him. Catechumen: I bow down before the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: the Trinity one in essence and undivided. SLAVONIC: Архиерей: Поклонися Ему. Катехумен: Поклоняюся Отцу, и Сыну, и Святому Духу, Троице единосущней и нераздельней.   THE PROFESSION OF FAITH (The Creed) ENGLISH: Bishop: Recite the Symbol of Faith. Catechumen (or sponsors) recites the Nicene Creed.   I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible: And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, Begotten of the Father before all ages, Light of Light, True God of True God, Begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made: Who for us men and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; And rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead, Whose kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets; In One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I Confess one Baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the Resurrection of the dead, And the life of the age to come, Amen. SLAVONIC: Архиерей: Изложи Символ веры. Катехумен или восприемники читают Символ веры. Верую во единаго Бога Отца, Вседержителя, Творца небу и земли, видимым же всем и невидимым. И во единаго Господа Iисуса Христа, Сына Божия, Единороднаго, Иже от Отца рожденнаго прежде всех век. Света от Света, Бога истинна от Бога истинна, рожденна, несотворенна, едино-сущна Отцу, Им же вся быша. Нас ради человек и нашего ради спасения сшед-шаго с небес и воплотившагося от Духа Свята и Марии Девы, и вочело-веч-шася. Распятаго же за ны при Понтийстем Пилате, и страдавша, и погребенна. И воскресшаго в третий день, по Писаниям. И возшедшаго на небеса, и седяща одесную Отца. И паки грядущаго со славою судити живым и мертвым, Его же Царствию не будет конца. И в Духа Святаго, Господа, животворящаго, Иже от Отца исходящаго, Иже со Отцем и Сыном спокланяема и сславима, глаголавшаго пророки. Во едину святую, соборную и Апостольскую Церковь. Исповедую едино крещение во оставление грехов. Чаю воскресения мертвых и жизни будущаго века. Аминь. ✥✥✥ II. THE BAPTISMAL FONT THE GREAT BLESSING OF WATER The deacon carries the Gospel Book (if there is no deacon, this is omitted, and the Book is placed on a table near the font). The Bishop stands upon the orlets throughout the blessing of the water, except during the procession to the font or basin. A subdeacon (or server) carries the holy water vessel and krupila. Another subdeacon (or server) carries the bishop’s trikirion and blessing cross. The choir sings at the entrance: When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest; for the voice of the Father didst bear witness unto Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, didst confirm the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God Who hast revealed Thyself and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee! The bishop stands before the vessel of water. The deacon (or else a priest, but if there is none, then the bishop himself) intones: Deacon: Wisdom! Let us stand aright! The bishop blesses with the trikirion (without the blessing cross): Bishop: Blessed is our God always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Choir and People: Amen. SLAVONIC: Диакон: Премудрость! Прямо! Архиерей благословляет трикирием: Архиерей: Благословен Бог наш всегда, ныне и присно и во веки веков. Хор: Аминь.   OPENING GREAT LITANY Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord.  (Миром Господу помолимся.) Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) 1. For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the       Lord.     О мире свыше и о спасении душ наших Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) 2. For the peace of the whole world; for the good estate of the holy churches of God; and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.     О мире всего мира, благостоянии святых Божиих церквей и соединении всех, Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) 3. For this holy house, and for those who with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter therein, let us pray to the Lord.     О святем храме сем и с верою, благоговением и страхом Божиим входящих вонь, Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.)   4. For our great lord and father, His Holiness (or His Beatitude / His Eminence / His Excellency) the Bishop/Archbishop/Metropolitan/Pope N., let us pray to the Lord.      О великом господине и отце нашем, Святейшем (Блаженнейшем / Высокопреосвященнейшем / Преосвященнейшем) Владыке/ Патриархе/Папе нашем Н., Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) 5. For the venerable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.      О святем священстве, во Христе диаконстве, о всем причте и людях, Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) 6. For this city, for every city and land, and for the faithful who dwell therein, let us pray to the Lord.     О граде сем, всяком граде и стране, и верою живущих в них, Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) 7. For seasonable weather, abundance of the fruits of the earth, and peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.      О благорствовании воздуха, о изобилии плодов земных и временех мирных, Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) 8. For travelers by land, sea, and air; for the sick and the suffering; for captives and their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.      О плавающих, путешествующих, недугующих, страждущих, плененных и о спасении их, Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) 9. That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.      О избавитися нам от всякия скорби, гнева и нужды, Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) 10. That this water may be sanctified by the power and descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.      О еже освятитися воде сей силою и действом и наитием Святаго Духа, Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) 11. That there may descend upon these waters the cleansing operation of the supersubstantial Trinity, let us pray to the Lord.      О ниспослании на воды сия очистительной силы Пресвятыя, Единосущныя, Животворящия Троицы, Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) 12. That these waters may be given the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan, let us pray to the Lord.      О подании водам сим благодати избавления, благословения Иорданова, Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) 13. That Satan may soon be crushed beneath our feet, and every evil counsel directed against us be brought to nothing, let us pray to the Lord.      О сокрушении под ногами нашими вскоре сатаны и разрешении всякого злого совета, на ны воздымаема, Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) 14. That He will bless this water with the blessing of Jordan, let us pray to the Lord.      О еже благословити воду сию благословением Иордановым, Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) 15. That we may be illumined with the light of knowledge and godliness through the visitation of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.      О еже просветитися нам светом разума и благочестия, посещением Святаго Духа, Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) 16. That this water may become to all who drink of it and partake of it unto sanctification, healing of soul and body, and every profitable purpose, let us pray to the Lord.      О еже быти воде сей пьющим и приемлющим ю во освящение, исцеление души и тела и в пользу всяку, Господу помолимся. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) Final Petition of the Great Litany Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.     Заступи, спаси, помилуй и сохрани нас, Боже, Твоею благодатию. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Хор: Господи, помилуй.) Priest/Bishop’s Exclamation Calling to remembrance our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and all our life unto Christ our God.      Пресвятую, пречистую, преблагословенную, славную Владычицу нашу Богородицу и Приснодеву Марию со всеми святыми помянувше, сами себе и друг друга, и весь живот наш Христу Богу предадим. Choir: To Thee, O Lord. (Хор: Тебе, Господи.) Bishop (Exclamation): For unto Thee are due all glory, honor, and worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.      Яко подобает Тебе всякая слава, честь и поклонение, Отцу и Сыну и Святому Духу, ныне и присно и во веки веков. Choir: Amen. (Хор: Аминь.)   READINGS Prophecy (Isaiah 35) Epistle (1 Corinthians 10:1-4) Gospel (Mark 1:9–11 or John 1:29–34) The Deacon censes and announces as usual:             Deacon: Wisdom. Stand aright. Let us hear the holy Gospel.             Bishop: Peace be unto all.             Choir: And with thy spirit. After the reading: Bishop: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee. ЧТЕНИЯ (Slavonic) Пророчество (Исайи 35) Апостол (1 Кор. 10:1–4) Евангелие (Марка 1:9–11 или Иоанна 1:29–34) Диакон кадит, возглашает: Диакон: Премудрость, прости! Услышим святого Евангелия. Архиерей: Мир всем. Хор: И духови твоему. По окончании чтения: Архиерей: Слава Тебе, Господи, слава Тебе.   THE GREAT PRAYER OF SANCTIFICATION Bishop: Let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord, have mercy.      O Master, Lord our God, Who art great in counsel and wondrous in deeds, the Creator of all things, both visible and invisible, Who keepest Thy covenant and Thy mercy unto those that love Thee and keep Thy commandments, Who receivest the tears of those that are in affliction: Look down upon us, Thine unworthy servants, and wash away from us every defilement of flesh and spirit.      Thou, O Lord, in the days of Noah, with water didst drown sin, and through the waters of the flood didst manifest the truth of Thine eternal justice.     Thou didst divide the sea with Thy rod and cause Thy people to pass over, drowning Pharaoh with his chariots.      Thou didst bring forth water from the rock for Thy people in the wilderness, and didst cause the waters of Marah to become sweet by means of wood.      For Thou Thyself, O Master, didst hallow the streams of Jordan by Thy saving manifestation, making them a fountain of incorruption.      Do Thou now also, O Lover of mankind, look down from Heaven upon these waters and fill them with the Holy Spirit, that they may become water of redemption, water of sanctification, washing away all defilement of flesh and spirit, granting release from sins, illumination of the soul, regeneration, renewal of the Spirit, the gift of adoption, the garment of incorruption, the fountain of life.      For Thou hast said, O Lord: “Wash, and be clean; put away evils from your souls.” Thou hast bestowed upon us from on high a new birth through water and the Spirit. Do Thou Thyself, O Master, now sanctify this water by Thy Holy Spirit. First Invocation Bishop: May the grace of the Holy Spirit come upon these waters. People: Amen. Second Invocation Bishop: May the grace of the Holy Spirit come upon these waters. People: Amen. Third Invocation Bishop: May the grace of the Holy Spirit come upon these waters. People: Amen. Bishop: Let all adverse powers be crushed beneath the sign of the image of Thy Cross. We pray Thee, O Lord: let every phantasmal delusion of the demons be driven away from us.      Grant this water to be a healing of soul and body, to be to all who drink it or are anointed with it, or take it into their homes, a sanctification, purification, blessing. That through it every plot of enemies, visible and invisible, may be brought to naught. For we have called upon Thy holy and glorious Name — and let not Thy servants be put to shame.      For all glory, honor, and worship are Thine: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. People: Amen. The Bishop then makes the sign of the Cross thrice in the water with his hand, saying at each instance:     Great art Thou, O Lord, and wondrous are Thy works, and no word sufficeth to hymn Thy wonders. And then he continues:      For Thou, O Lord, didst by Thine inexpressible condescension clothe Thyself in the form of a servant and, being God, didst appear on earth and dwell among men.      Thou didst sanctify the waters of Jordan, sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and didst crush the heads of the dragons lurking there.      Do Thou Thyself, O Sovereign Master, now also be present through the descent of Thy Holy Spirit, and sanctify this water.      And give it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan; make it a fountain of incorruption, a gift of sanctification, a remission of sins, a protection against infirmities, a destruction of demons; unapproachable by adverse powers; filled with angelic might.      Let those who draw from it and partake of it have it for the cleansing of souls and bodies, for the healing of passions, for the sanctification of homes, and for every fitting benefit.      For Thou art our God, Who through water drowned sin in the days of Noah. Thou art our God, Who through the sea delivered the Hebrew nation from the bondage of Pharaoh. Thou art our God, Who didst cleave the rock in the wilderness and the waters gushed forth, and the torrents overflowed, and Thou satisfied Thy thirsty people.      Thou art our God, Who by water and the Spirit hast bestowed upon us a new birth. The Bishop takes the Holy Chrism Oil and pours it crosswise into the water, saying:      Blessed is God, Who enlighteneth and sanctifieth every man that cometh into the world, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. People: Amen. SLAVONIC: Архиерей творит полное освящение воды, призывая Иордан, схождение Духа, и освящение вод. Архиерей: Благословенно Царство Отца, и Сына, и Святаго Духа, ныне и присно и во веки веков. Люди: Аминь. Архиерей: Господу помолимся. Люди: Господи, помилуй.      Владыко Господи Боже наш, великий советом и чуден делы, Творче всех видимых и невидимых тварей, соблюдаяй завет и милость любящим Тя и хранящим заповеди Твоя, приемляй слезы сущих в скорбех: Призри на нас, недостойных раб Твоих, и отыми от нас скверну плоти и духа.     Ты бо, Господи, во дни Ноева водою потопил еси грех и водами потопа явил еси истину правды Твоея. Ты еси, Господи, морская глубина жезлом Моисеовым разделивый, и людем Твоим путь сотворивый, фараона же с колесницами потопивый. Ты еси, Господи, из камене водную струю извел в пустыни, и воды Мара горькия древом усладил.      Ты бо Сам водам Иорданским освящение даровал еси Богоявлением Твоим, и сотворил еси их источником нетления. Сам убо, Человеколюбче Владыко, призри и ныне с небесе на воды сия, и низпосли в них Духа Твоего Святаго, да будут вода сия водою избавления, водою освящения, омовением грехов, просвещением душ, возрождением, обновлением, дарованием сыноположения, ризою нетления, источником жизни.      Ты бо рекл еси, Господи: «Умывайтеся, и чисти будете; отымите лукавствия от душ ваших». Даровал еси нам возрождение водою и Духом. Сам убо, Владыко, освяти воду сию Духом Твоим Святым. Первое Воззвание Архиерей: Да приидет благодать Святаго Духа на воды сия. Люди: Аминь. Второе Воззвание Архиерей: Да приидет благодать Святаго Духа на воды сия. Люди: Аминь. Третье Воззвание Архиерей: Да приидет благодать Святаго Духа на воды сия. Люди: Аминь.      Да сокрушатся под знамением образа Креста Твоего вся сопротивныя силы. Молим Тя, Господи: да отженется от нас всякое мечтание демонское. Даруй воде сей быти исцелением душ и телес, всем пиющим и мажущимся ею, и приемлющим в домы своя — освящением, очищением, благословением. Да исчезнет ею всякий навет врагов видимых и невидимых. Тебе бо призвахом, Господи Боже наш, и да не постыдимся. Яко подобает Тебе всякая слава, честь и поклонение, Отцу и Сыну и Святому Духу, ныне и присно и во веки веков. Люди: Аминь.   Архиерей крестообразно знаменует воды, глаголя (Трижды):      Велик еси, Господи, и чудна дела Твоя, и ничесоже слово довлеет к пению чудес Твоих. _____      Ты бо, Господи, неизреченным Твоим снисхождением облеклся еси в образ раба, и быв Бог, явился еси на земли, и с человеки пожил еси. Ты еси Иорданские струи освятил, Духа Святаго на них низпослав, и главы тамо скрывающихся змиев сокрушил. Сам убо, Владыко, ныне буди присно с нами, и ниспосли Духа Твоего Святаго, и освяти воду сию. И даруй ей благодать избавления, благословение Иорданово; сотвори ю источником нетления, даром освящения, оставлением грехов, исцелением недугов, погибелiю демоном, неприкосновенною силам супостатным, исполненную ангельской крепости.      Да будет всем, почерпающим и вкусующим от нея, в очищение душ и телес, во исцеление страстей, во освящение домов, и ко всякому благопотребному. Ты бо еси Бог наш, водою потопивый грех во дни Ноева. Ты еси Бог наш, морем образ рабства фараонова разрешивый. Ты еси Бог наш, камень в пустыни рассекший, и воды изливший. Ты еси Бог наш, Иже водою и Духом пакибытие нам даровавый. Архиерей вливает елей в воду крестообразно:      Благословен Бог, просвещаяй и освящаяй всякаго человека грядущаго в мир, ныне и присно и во веки веков. Люди: Аминь.     TRIPLE IMMERSION OF THE CROSS ENGLISH A subdeacon or server presents the bishop a hand cross a small tray or cloth. It is kissed by the bishop before immersion. The bishop immerses it three times, saying: Let all adverse powers be crushed beneath the sign of the image of Thy Cross.             Choir: Save us, O Son of God…             Let all machinations of the enemy be broken by the might of Thy Cross.                         Choir: Save us, O Son of God…             Let every evil spirit flee away from us at the sign of Thy Cross.                         Choir: Save us, O Son of God… The bishop then blesses the water with the trikirion (without the hand cross), making the sign of the Cross over the water three times. ТРОЕКРАТНОЕ ПОГРУЖЕНИЕ КРЕСТА (SLAVONIC): Поддиакон подаёт архиерею крест. Архиерей погружает крест трижды, говоря: Да сокрушатся под крестным знамением вся противныя силы. Хор: Спаси ны, Сыне Божий… Да разорятся вся козни вражия силою Креста Твоего. Хор: Спаси ны, Сыне Божий… Да отступит от нас всяк дух лукавый пред знаменем Креста Твоего. Хор: Спаси ны, Сыне Божий… Архиерей благословляет воду трикирием, трижды знаменуя.   SPRINKLING & DISMISSAL – КРОПЛЕНИЕ И ОТПУСТ ENGLISH: The bishop sprinkles the clergy and faithful, saying: This water is blessed to the sanctification of souls and bodies… The choir sings the Troparion of Theophany: When Thou wast baptized in the Jordan, O Lord/ the worship of the Trinity made its appearance./ For the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee/ when He called Thee His Beloved Son./ And the Spirit in the form of a Dove/ confirmed the truth of the word./ O Christ our God, Who hast appeared and hast enlightened the world./ Glory to Thee! Bishop (final blessing): With the trikirion and hand cross: May the blessing of the Lord and His mercy come upon you through His divine grace and love for mankind… Choir: Amen. SLAVONIC: Архиерей кропит клир и народ, говоря: Освящается вода сия к освящению душ и тел… Хор поёт тропарь Богоявления: Егда крести́с­я во Иорда́ни, Господи, Трои́цы яви́ся поклоне́ние: бо́жествен­ный бо Оте́ц свиде́тел­ству­ет Тебе́, воз­лю́б­лен­на­го Тя Сы́на на­зва́в: и Духъ вообра­же́ни­и голуби́не­мъ засвидете́ль­ствова­ше и́стин­у словесе́. Христе́ Бо́же нашъ, явлейся и прос­вети́вый ми́ръ, сла́ва Тебѣ́.   Архиерей (отпуст):      Благословение Господне на вас, Того благодатию и человеколюбием… Хор: Аминь.   ANOINTING WITH THE OIL OF THE CATECHUMENS ENGLISH: The Bishop anoints breast, shoulders, ears, and feet while saying the traditional formula: The servant of God N is anointed with the oil of gladness in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. SLAVONIC: Архиерей помазывает перси, плечи, уши и ноги, говоря:             Помазуется раб Божий N елеем радования во имя Отца, и Сына, и Святаго Духа. Аминь.   THE BAPTISM (Triple Immersion or Triple Pouring) ENGLISH: Bishop: The servant of God N is baptized in the Name of the Father (first immersion), and of the Son (second immersion), and of the Holy Spirit (third immersion). People: Amen. SLAVONIC: Архиерей: Крещается раб Божий N во имя Отца (первое погружение), и Сына (второе), и Святаго Духа (третье). Люди: Аминь. ✥✥✥ III. THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY CHRISMATION THE ANOINTING WITH HOLY CHRISM ENGLISH: Bishop (anointing forehead, eyes, nostrils, lips, ears, breast, hands, and feet, saying at each instance): The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. People: Amen. SLAVONIC: Архиерей (помазывая чело, очи, ноздри, уста, уши, перси, руки и ноги): Печать дара Духа Святаго. Люди: Аминь.   THE WASHING / ABLUTION ENGLISH: The Bishop gently wipes off chrism from the newly baptized. Then the Bishop strikes the confirmed lightly on the cheek with the first and second fingers of the right hand, saying: PEACE be with thee. After which the episcopal ring is presented to be kissed. SLAVONIC: Архиерей отирает миро. Тогда архiерей легце ударяетъ утверждаемаго по ланите первыми двема персты десныя руки, глаголя: Миръ ти. Посемъ предлагается архиерейскiй пръстень ко целованiю.   THE BAPTISMAL TONSURE A small piece of hair is cut. ENGLISH: Bishop: The servant of God N is tonsured in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. SLAVONIC: Архиерей: Стрижетсѧ раб Божий N во имя Отца, и Сына, и Святаго Духа.   THE VESTING IN WHITE A white robe or garment is placed on the newly-baptized. Bishop:  The servant of God N. is clothed in the robe of righteousness, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.   THE GIVING OF THE LIGHTED CANDLE A lighted candle is given to the newly-baptized (or to the sponsor, if an infant) Bishop: Receive this lighted candle, and strive ever to walk as a child of the light, that when the Lord cometh in glory thou mayest go forth to meet Him with all the Saints. Amen.   THE PROCESSION / LITTLE ENTRANCE AROUND THE FONT ENGLISH: Bishop leads the newly baptized in procession around the font, chanting: As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia. SLAVONIC: Елицы во Христа крестистеся, во Христа облекостеся. Аллилуиа.   THE FINAL PRAYER AND DISMISSAL The blessing is done without the trikirion, but only with the hands or with the hand blessing cross. ENGLISH: Bishop: Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, now preserve this Thy servant N. in Thy holy fear, and in righteousness, and make him (her) worthy of a pure life. Keep him (her) in piety and in all virtue. Strengthen him (her) in the true Faith. Deliver him (her) from the evil one and from all his works. And plant in his (her) heart the fear of Thee, that he (she) may walk blamelessly in Thy commandments. And being well-pleasing unto Thee, may he (she) inherit Thy heavenly Kingdom.      AND the Blessing of God Almighty, the Father , the Son , and the Holy  Ghost, be upon you, and remain with you for ever. Choir: Amen. SLAVONIC: Господу помолимся. Господи, сохрани раба Твоего (рабу Твою) N. в страхе Твоем и в правде, и сподоби его (её) житья чиста. Утверди его (её) в благочестии и во всякой добродетели. Укрепи его (её) в истинной вере. Избави его (её) от лукаваго и от всех дел его. Насади в сердце его (её) страх Твой, да пребудет он (она) непорочен(на), ходя по заповедем Твоим. И благоприятен(на) Тебе быв(ши), да наследует Царство Твое Небесное.      И благословение Бога Всемогущего, Отца , и Сына , и Святаго  Духа, да будет на вас и пребывает с вами во веки веков. Лик: Аминь. ✥✥✥ Note: Those who are baptised and chrismated according to this rite therefore do not receive the separate sacrament of Confirmation/Chrismation, for it is already contained within this rite and cannot be repeated. SOLEMN BAPTISM (Latin Rite) This form may be used by a priest and does not include Christmation. BEGINNING OUTSIDE THE CHURCH The rite begins outside the church. This may instead be outside the baptistery, or outside the church within the narthex, or outside the area where is located the bap-tismal font. It need not be physically outdoors. However, this is preferred. For infant baptism (Christening), all is as below, but the godparents/sponsors an-swer the questions. THE QUESTIONING Priest: N., what dost thou ask of the Church of God? Sponsor/Catechumen: Faith. Priest: What does faith offer thee? Sponsor/Catechumen: Life everlasting. Priest: If then thou desirest to enter into life, keep the commandments. 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.' THE EXSUFFLATION The priest then breathes on the candidate in the form of a cross, saying: Priest: Go forth from him (her), unclean spirit, and give place to the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. THE SIGN OF THE CROSS  The priest then makes the sign of the cross with his thumb on the forehead and breast of the candidate: Priest: Receive the Sign of the Cross both upon thy forehead and also upon thy heart ; take to thou the faith of the heavenly precepts; and so order thy life as to be, from henceforth, the temple of God. Priest: Let us pray: Mercifully hear our prayers, we beseech Thee, O Lord; and by Thy perpetual assistance keep this Thine elect, N, signed with the sign of the Lord's cross, so that, preserving this first experience of the greatness of Thy glory, he (she) may deserve, by keeping Thy commandments, to attain to the glory of regeneration. Through Christ our Lord. Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen. THE IMPOSITION OF HANDS  Then priest then places his hands on the candidate's head. Priest: Let us pray: Almighty, everlasting God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, look graciously down upon this Thy servant, N., whom Thou hast graciously called unto the beginnings of the faith; drive out from him (her) all blindness of heart; break all the toils of Satan wherewith he (she) was held: open unto him (her), O Lord, the gate of Thy loving kindness, that, being impressed with the sign of Thy wisdom, he (she) may be free from the foulness of all wicked desires, and in the sweet odor of Thy precepts may joyfully serve Thee in Thy Church, and grow in grace from day to day. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen THE IMPOSITION OF SALT  The priest then may optionally place a little bit of blessed salt in the candidate's mouth, symbolizing the wisdom that gives us a relish for the sweetness of divine nourishment. Priest: N., Receive the salt of wisdom; let it be to thee a token of mercy unto everlasting life. May it make thy way easy to eternal life. Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen. Priest: Peace be with you. Sponsor/Catechumen: And with thy spirit. Priest: Let us pray: O GOD of our fathers, O God the Author of all truth, vouchsafe, we humbly beseech Thee, to look graciously down upon this Thy servant, N., and as he (she) tastes this first nutriment of salt, suffer him (her) no longer to hunger for want of heavenly food, to the end that he (she) may be always fervent in spirit, rejoicing in hope, always serving Thy name. Lead him (her), O Lord, we beseech Thee, to the laver of the new regeneration, that, together with Thy faithful, he may deserve to attain the everlasting rewards of Thy promises. Through Christ our Lord. Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen ADMISSION INTO THE CHURCH THE EXORCISM   The priest makes the Sign of the Cross over the candidate three times, saying: Priest: I exorcise thee, unclean spirit, in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, that thou goest out and depart from this servant of God, N. For He commandeth Thee, accursed one, Who did walk upon the sea, and stretch out His right hand to Peter about to sink. Therefore, accursed devil, acknowledge thy sentence, and give honor to the living and true God: give honor to Jesus Christ His Son, and to the Holy Spirit; and depart from this servant of God, N. because God and our Lord Jesus Christ hath vouchsafed to call him (her) to His holy grace and benediction and to the font of Baptism. THE SIGN OF THE CROSS  The priest again makes the sign of the cross on the candidate's forehead. Priest: And this sign of the holy Cross, which we make upon his (her) forehead, do thou, accursed devil, never dare to violate. Priest: Through the same Christ our Lord. Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen. THE IMPOSITION OF HANDS  The priest again lays his hands on the candidate's head. Priest: Let us pray: O Holy Lord, Father Almighty, Eternal God, Author of light and truth, I implore thine everlasting and most just goodness upon this thy servant N., that thou wouldst vouchsafe to enlighten him (her) with the light of thy wisdom: cleanse him (her) and sanctify him (her), give unto him (her) true knowledge; that, being made worthy of the grace of thy Baptism, he (she) may hold firm hope, right counsel and holy doctrine. Priest:Through Christ our Lord. Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen. ADMISSION INTO THE CHURCH  The priest lays the end of his stole on the candidate as a symbol of his priestly authority, and admits him into the church building, which is the symbol of the Church of Christ. If the ritual did not begin outside, then the candidate moves from their location to the Nave of the Church or into the Baptistery or area with the font. Priest: N., enter thou into the temple of God, that thou mayest have part with Christ unto life everlasting. Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen. THE PATER NOSTER  Having entered into the Nave or Baptistery, the candidate recites the Creed and Our Father. Sponsor/Catechumen: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation: but deliver us from evil. Amen. IN THE NAVE OR BAPTISTRY THE SOLEMN EXORCISM Priest: I exorcise thee, every unclean spirit, in the name of God the Father Almighty, in the name of Jesus Christ, His Son, our Lord and Judge, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, that thou be depart from this creature of God N, which our Lord hath deigned to call unto His holy temple, that it may be made the temple of the living God, and that the Holy Spirit may dwell therein. Through the same Christ our Lord, who shall come to judge the living and the dead, and the world by fire THE RENUNCIATION OF SATAN Priest: N., dost thou renounce Satan? Sponsor/Catechumen: I do renounce him. Priest: And all of his works? Sponsor/Catechumen: I do renounce him. Priest: And all his pomps? Sponsor/Catechumen: I do renounce him. THE ANOINTING  The priest anoints the candidate with the oil of catechumens on the heart and between the shoulders in the form of a Cross, saying: Priest: I anoint thee with the oil of salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord, that thou mayest have everlasting life. Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen. AT THE FONT  The priest removes his violet stole and puts on a white one. THE PROFESSION OF FAITH Priest: N., dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth? Sponsor/Catechumen: I do believe. Priest: Dost thou believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord, Who was born and Who suffered? Sponsor/Catechumen: I do believe. Priest: Dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting? Sponsor/Catechumen: I do believe. BAPTISM  If the one to be baptized is a baby, the godparents take him to the font (the god-mother holds him in her arms, the godfather touches the baby's shoulder with his right hand); if he is an adult, the sponsor puts his right hand on the shoulder of the one to be baptized. Priest: N., wilt thou be baptized? Sponsor/Catechumen: I will.  The priest pours water over the head of the candidate three times, once after each mention of the Divine Persons. The water he uses will have been blessed previously. If it is not, then he blesses it before changing to the white stole. As he pours the water, the priest says these words (or the words of a conditional Baptism): Priest: I baptize thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. THE ANOINTING WITH CHRISM Priest: May the Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath regenerated thee by water and the Holy Spirit, and who hath given thee the remission of all thy sins, may He Himself anoint thee with the Chrism of Salvation, in the same Christ Jesus our Lord, unto life eternal. Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen. Priest: Peace be with you. Sponsor/Catechumen: And with thy spirit. THE WHITE LINEN CLOTH  The priest may optionally take a white linen cloth -- symbolizing the purity of a soul cleansed from all sin, and a relic of the days when the newly baptized wore white albs for 8 days -- and places it on the head of the candidate. Priest: Receive this white garment, which mayest thou carry without stain before the judgment seat of our Lord Jesus Christ, that thou mayest have life everlasting. THE LIGHTED CANDLE  The priest gives the candidate or the sponsor a lighted candle. Priest: Receive this burning light, and keep thy Baptism so as to be with-out blame: keep the commandments of God, that when the Lord shall come to the nuptials, thou mayest meet Him together with all the Saints in the heavenly court, and mayest have eternal life and live for ever and ever. BLESSING Priest: N., go in peace and the Lord be with you. Amen. Sponsor/Catechumen: Amen.   [Common Prayer] [Main Page]     DISCLAIMER, LEGAL, AND COPYRIGHT NOTICES