On the Mystery of Holy Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism consists of the blessing of the water and chrism, the anointing with the blessed chrism, and the subsequent, most important liturgical action, the triple immersion of the person being baptized into the water with the words: "The servant of God (his name) is baptized in the name of the Father. Amen. And of the Son. Amen. And of the Holy Spirit. Amen". Water has from ancient times been a symbol of purification, and immersion in it - a symbol of repentance. The blessed chrism, with which during the Sacrament the water is first anointed, and then the person being baptized, is a symbol of healing and health, reconciliation and peace. Candles represent the light of the true faith; the censer - the fragrance of the Holy Spirit. The white garments of the newly baptized - a new life freed from the power of sin and Satan, or the soul of the Christian, which he must keep unstained; and, finally, the pectoral cross - the imitation of Christ and a sign of faith in His victory.