The Orthodox Church baptizes infants because Baptism is understood as entry into the life of Christ and His Church, not as a reward for reaching a particular level of intellectual understanding.
How can an infant have faith?
An infant is received within the faith of the Church, family, and godparents. Christian life then grows through worship, prayer, teaching, and participation in the Church.
What happens after Baptism?
In Orthodox practice, Baptism is normally followed immediately by Chrismation and then participation in Holy Communion.
|
Established with the blessing of V. Rev. Fr. Wiaczeslaw, Rector of Orthodox Christian Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (NY). |
