THE MYSTERY OF BAPTISM AND ITS SYMBOLS

The sacrament of baptism is one of the seven sacraments of Christianity that symbolizes the believer’s entry into the Church and his cleansing from original sin. Etymological analysis of the word “baptism” shows that it comes from the Greek verb ‘bapto’ which means “I often or intensely immerse, dive, dive”.

The etymological origin of the word inextricably links the sacrament with the use of water which performs a purifying ritual symbolizing the blood of Christ, the purification of the baptized and his deliverance from sin through the crucifixion of Jesus. After all, the first traces of life are found in the water and from the water begins the new life of the believer, his rebirth through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In the early Christian years, as mentioned in the New Testament, the sacrament of baptism was performed in rivers and springs. The baptized person has previously been catechized in the principles of Christianity and his baptism and inclusion in the body of the church is a conscious decision.

However, since the 6th century, high child mortality rates have resulted in the prevalence of infant baptism, which was generalized during the 13th century. From then until today, the sacrament of baptism takes place during the first year of the infant’s life, which is part of the church by decision of his parents and is taught the Orthodox faith by the sponsor. With the recitation of the symbol of the Faith, the contractor and the neo-enlightened are united with Christ, while in the ceremony the exorcisms and the overthrow of Satan dominate.

Let us see in detail what exactly all the elements of baptism symbolize?

Water:

The basic element of baptism, water, symbolizes the source of life that sanctifies the child and integrates him into life as a Christian. In the name of the Holy Trinity, the neo-enlightened person is immersed three times in the water of the baptismal font, thus declaring his participation in the Resurrection of Christ.

Oil:

The godfather anoints the baby’s body with oil before diving into the baptismal font. The oil emphasizes the constant struggle of the newcomer during his life and symbolizes the mercy, the power he receives, the grace of God, his rebirth and re-creation through the sacrament of baptism.

Candle:

In the sacrament of baptism, the neo-enlightened receive the anointing of Christianity which symbolizes the true light, the light of Christ. The symbolism of the true light is made with the candle held by the godfather or the priest. The candle, that is, symbolizes faith and guidance in the Christian truth that will give light to the life of its newly enlightened member.

Baptism clothes:

The role of the baptismal clothes is important in the ceremony that perform not only functional, but also symbolic character. As they are usually white in tradition, they are also called “lights”. Baptismal garments symbolize the purity, splendor of the soul and the apparition of the Holy Spirit. The robes of the saints of the church were white, as well as the clothes of Christ at his crucifixion and ascension. With the white clothes of the baptism the neo-enlightened one wears the clothes of the apostles and Jesus Christ and joins the communion of the saints.

Baptism cross:

The symbol and seal of the Christian faith, the baptismal cross, is an integral part of the sacrament of baptism.

Chrism and first haircut:

The Chrism and the haircut of the neo-enlightened are two more symbols of the baby’s inclusion in the church of Christ. Just as Christ was anointed with the Holy Spirit in the Jordan River with myrrh, so the new member of the church is anointed to be anointed with the purity and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Cutting hair in three places is a kind of offering of the newcomer to God as a new member of his church.

According to tradition, the baby is not allowed to bathe or bathe until three days after baptism. Once this time has elapsed, the mother washes the infant and collects the water in a basin to channel it into the sea or on loamy soil or to water the flowers and plants.

In many parts of Greece, such as Asia Minor and Rhodes, three days after the baptism, the “xeladomata” take place, a celebration in which only women take part. The protagonist is the role of the godmother who rinses the baby from the oil, while the women who participate give him money and treats along with their wishes for good luck.