Baptized into Christ

Teagan Marie Bassett

received the Sacred Mysteries of

Baptism & Chrismation

on August 30th, 2009

Of all the Orthodox services, the baptismal liturgy is the easiest one on the parents. Mom has a very short role near the end of the liturgy and Dad is free to take lots of pictures (although Phyl generously took many pictures for him). The Priest, Fr. Jonathan, and the Godparents, Scott and Barb, do the hard work. Teagan couldn't have been in better hands.

The baptismal liturgy begins at the doors of the church, where the ancient rite of exorcism takes place. For many this practice may seem unusual, but this is where the Orthodox Christian journey begins. Here the obstacles of faith are renounced and cast aside. Then, as Teagan begins her journey following Christ, the group steps forward to the baptismal font in the center of the church.

Next, Teagan is anointed with oil, a symbol of life and healing, in the sign of the cross on her forehead, on her chest and shoulders (unto the healing of soul and body), on her ears (unto the hearing of faith), on her hands (Thy hands have made and fashioned me), and on her feet (that she may walk in the way of Thy commandments).

In the likeness of Christ's death and resurrection, Teagan is immersed in the baptismal waters three times: "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit". She rises a new creation in Christ.

While the church sings, "Vouchsafe unto me a robe of light, Thou who clothest Thyself with light as with a garment...", Teagan is dressed in a white baptismal gown - a garment made with love by Teagan's Grandma Nyman (Dan's Mom) from Andrea's wedding dress. She also wears a baptismal cross given to her by her Godparents, Scott and Barb.

Returning to the baptismal font, Teagan receives Holy Chrism (holy oil) - the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit - on her forehead, eyes, nostrils, lips, ears, chest, hands, and feet. This sacrament, called Chrismation, evolved in western Christendom as Confirmation.

Then, following the cross and supported by the prayers of her Godparents, Teagan begins her Christian journey. Several children follow the procession as they circle the baptismal font three times and the church sings, "As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia."

Teagan receives a much-deserved break and rests on her Mom's shoulder.

Having been united to Christ's life, death, and resurrection through baptism, Teagan returns to the doors where her journey began. Here she is 'churched', or united to the body of Christ – the Church. The priest, holding her up, carries her through the sanctuary where she will worship in the midst of the Church. He continues with her to the altar area, symbolizing the heavenly realm, offering her as a gift when her earthly journey is complete.

Teagan is then returned to the steps in front of the altar where her Mom receives her. The Church returns Teagan to her parents, that they may help her on her journey until she is able to journey on her own – not that we are ever alone.

With her journey underway, Teagan receives her first Communion. The Holy Eucharist will be her sustenance along the way.

The Christian journey is one of sacrifice; we receive and we give. In the final rite of Tonsuring, Teagan gives of herself. Her hair is cut in the sign of the cross, a snippet from front, back, and both sides.

After the baptismal liturgy, we took a quick picture with Teagan’s godparents. Teagan, however, was too busy looking up to be concerned about the picture. Perhaps she was pondering all the things in her heart, or maybe she was just admiring the large icon of Jesus on the ceiling. “How did they do that?”