Baptism is usually considered the first of the Armenian Church's sacraments, a "spiritual rebirth" in which the person dies to the old, fallen world and is resurrected into a new life in Christ. 

Through baptism, one is freed from the bondage of mortality and corruption inherited from Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The ceremony represents Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The individual is immersed in sanctified water three times in the name of the Holy Trinity. This symbolizes the three days Christ lay in the tomb following the Crucifixion (Romans 6:4).

The ceremony of immersion is accompanied by the following prayer: “This servant of God, coming from the state of catechumen to baptism, is being baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and, being expiated by the blood of Christ from the captivity of sin, receives the adoption of the Heavenly Father, becoming co-heir with Christ and a temple for the Holy Spirit.”

Also, during baptism, the individual is anointed with holy chrism (myuron). This ceremony links the newly baptized to generations of Armenian faithful, including the Apostles of Christ who first brought the myuron to Armenia. At the conclusion of the service, the newly baptized individual receives Holy Communion. Thus, the newly baptized is fully prepared to take part in the life of the Armenian Church.

GUIDELINES FOR BAPTISM AT ST. SAHAG

∙ A date is set for the baptism in joint consultation with the Pastor one (1) to three (3) months prior to the sacrament being celebrated. Parents should call the church office to make these arrangements. 

∙ In staying within Armenian tradition, an infant should ideally be baptized anywhere between eight (8) and forty (40) days up to six (6) months old.

∙ All baptisms are to follow the Canons of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church. The sacrament will be explained by the Pastor.

∙ A baptism is a sacrament of the Armenian Church and a public service whereby no person can be excluded.  

∙ According to Eastern Diocese directive # 732, one of the Godparents (Godfather or Godmother) of the catechumen to be baptized must be a baptized and chrismated member of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church. Each infant to be baptized will have only one Godmother and one Godfather. An “Honorary Godparent” or godparent in absentia does not exist in the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church. 

∙ Because Holy Muron (Holy Chrism) has been used to anoint the catechumen, when he/she is bathed for the first time, the bath water should be poured into the soil rather than into the wastewater system. In the case of an adult, the godparent removes the muron with a washcloth, which is rinsed, and the water is poured outdoors.

∙ A “Narod” (braid) may be provided by the Church. The meaning of the “narod” is explained by the priest. However, note that the use of “narod” is required.

∙ It is recommended that the Pastor meet with the parents and Godparents (in person or over the phone) at least once prior to the Baptism to explain the sacrament.

Items Required for Baptism Sacrament

Specific items needed for the baptism (traditionally provided by the Godparents) are as follows: Infant Baptism: 

• A chain and cross for the infant. It is recommended that the baptismal cross be Armenian-style. “Crucifix” style crosses are not a part of the tradition of the Armenian Church.

• A white outfit to be worn after the Baptism and Chrismation. 

• One large white towel not to be used for any other purpose in the future.

• The Godparents should arrive twenty (20) minutes prior to the ceremony so that their role may be explained to them before the start of the Baptismal Service for a short orientation with the clergy. The Godfather will be required to wear a choir robe provided by the church. The Godmother may optionally wear a choir robe.

The officiating clergy is fully vested except for the crown.

Adult Baptism and/or Chrismation: 

• To be instructed by the Pastor 

Guest Clergy

Requests for guest clergy participation are made to the pastor, who in turn extends the invitation. The pastor directs the participation of all guest clergy.  Armenian Clergy may be invited to conduct part or all of the service. Clergy of other traditions may read from the scriptures, offer congratulatory remarks and/or prayer/benediction.

Note: The terminology “concelebrant” is not used in the Armenian Church

Photography

Photographers and videographers should check in with the pastor before the service begins. They may take photos and video at any time during the ceremony, and ought to exercise caution and maintain decorum during the service, and use caution so as not to blind the eyes of the celebrants.

They may NOT ascend the steps of the Altar.

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Suggested donations for the sacrament of Baptism:

• Donation to the Church: $

• Honorarium to Deacon*: $

• Gift to the Officiating Priest and Participating Guest Clergy (optional): $

*The pastor extends an invitation to the participating Deacon.