Holy Baptism 

The Mystery of Baptism

Baptism is one of the Holy Mysteries of the Church, the gateway into the life in Christ. It is not merely a symbolic act but a true participation in the death and Resurrection of Christ.

In Baptism we are buried with Christ in His death and raised with Him into new life (Romans 6:3–4). Through the grace of the Holy Spirit the waters become for us both a tomb and a womb: the tomb of the old Adam, enslaved to sin and death, and the womb of the new life in Christ, free and incorrupt.

The Fathers call Baptism the healing of human nature. St. Gregory of Nyssa names it “the divine medicine of immortality,” while St. Cyril of Jerusalem teaches: “You die and are born; that saving water becomes both your grave and your mother.” In Baptism we are washed from every sin, both ancestral and personal, but more than that—we are restored, renewed, and made whole, becoming by grace what Christ is by nature.

Immediately following Baptism comes Holy Chrismation, the anointing with the “Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” Thus the whole human person—body, soul, and spirit—is sanctified, healed, and illumined. From that moment the newly-baptised is a citizen of Heaven, a member of the Body of Christ, and a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism, therefore, is not a social custom or cultural tradition, but the very entrance into the Kingdom of God and the beginning of the Christian life.

The Role of the Sponsor (Godparent)

Every baptised child must have one godparent, not several, who must be an Orthodox Christian, faithful and practicing, and not younger than 12 years old. The godparent is not merely a witness to the service, but assumes the sacred responsibility to guide the child in the life of Christ, in prayer, confession, and communion.

It is also the tradition of the Church that the baptised child receive one Christian name, so that he or she may have a Patron Saint, whose memory will be celebrated throughout life as a heavenly companion and intercessor.

Baptism of Non-Orthodox Christians

When a heterodox Christian desires to enter the Orthodox Church, he or she is received either by Holy Chrismation (if baptism was performed in the name of the Holy Trinity), or, if this is lacking, by Holy Baptism. The final decision in each case belongs to the Archbishop.

Required Documents for Baptism Permission

In order for a Baptism to be performed, the following documents must be provided:

1. Application form signed by both parents (provided by the Holy Metropolis).

2. Original Birth Certificate of the child.

3. Original Certificate of the godparent’s Orthodox Baptism and valid ID.

4. Original IDs of both parents.

5. Consent of both parents.

Metropolis Baptism Fee

• NZD $300

• Account number: 06 0501 0278019 00 (ANZ Bank)

• Payable to: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of NZ Property Trust

Upon completion, the Metropolis issues the Baptism Certificate, which is the official record of the child’s entrance into the Orthodox Church.