THE MYSTERY OF HOLY BAPTISM
RECEPTION OF THE CATECHUMEN
Priest: Blessed is our God, at all times now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
The priest faces the East and breathes on the one to be baptized three times, each time making the sign of the Cross on the person's forehead and chest. Then placing his right hand on the head of the person, the priest says:
Priest: In Your name, O Lord, God of truth, and in the name of Your only begotten Son, and of Your Holy Spirit, I lay my hand upon this your servant (Name) who has been found worthy to take refuge in Your holy name and to be protected under the shelter of Your wings. Remove from him (her) the former delusion and fill him (her) with faith in You, with hope in You, and with love for You, so that he (she) may know that You are the only true God, together with Your only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and Your Holy Spirit. Enable him (her) to carry out all your commandments and to observe all Your precepts, for if a person does these things, he will find life in them. Enroll him (her) in Your book of life and unite him (her) to the flock of Your inheritance so that Your holy name and that of Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ and that of Your life-giving Spirit may be glorified in him (her). May Your eyes always look mercifully upon him (her), and may Your ears always be attentive to the voice of his (her) supplication. Let him (her) rejoice in the works of his (her) hands and in all his (her) generation, so that he (she) may give thanks to you by worshipping and glorifying Your great and exalted name, and may he (she) praise you all the days of his (her) life. For all the powers of heaven praise You, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
FIRST EXORCISM
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: May the Lord rebuke you, Satan, the Lord who came into the world and who dwelt among men in order to over throw Your tyranny and to deliver mankind from it: the Lord who upon the Tree triumphed over the adverse powers when the sun darkened, the earth trembled, the graves were opened and the bodies of the saints arose. The same Lord, who by death destroyed death, and overthrew him who had dominion over death: namely, you, Satan! I now rebuke you by God who manifested the Tree of Life and ordered the Cherubim and the flaming sword which turns about in every direction, to guard it. Acknowledge this command and depart! For I rebuke you by Him who walked upon the surface of the sea as though on dry land, and who rebuked the violent winds; I rebuke you by Him whose look dries up the depth of the sea, and whose rebuke causes the mountains to melt away! For it is He who commands you through us, even now! Be afraid and depart from this creature and do not return again. Do not hide yourself in him (her): lie not in wait for him (her), and do not possess him (her), neither during the night nor during the day, neither in the morning nor at noon, but depart to your own abyss, and remain there until the day prepared for the great judgment. Tremble in fear before God, who is seated upon the cherubim and yet oversees the depths; before whom the angels tremble as well as the archangels, the thrones, the dominations, the principalities, the authorities, the powers, the many-eyed cherubim and the six-winged seraphim; before whom tremble heaven and earth and the sea and all which they contain! Come forth, Satan, and depart from this sealed and newly chosen soldier of Christ, our God, who has been marked with the sign of His Cross. For I rebuke you by Him, who walks upon the wings of the wind, and who makes the blazing fire His messengers: come out from this creature and depart together with all your power and with all your angels. For glorified is the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
SECOND EXORCISM
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: God, the holy, the fearful, the glorious, who is incomprehensible in all His works, and inscrutable in His strength; who foreordained for you, O Satan, the penalty of eternal punishment: this same God commands you and your cohorts, through us His unworthy servants, to depart from him (her), who has been newly sealed in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our true God. Therefore, I command you, O most crafty, impure, abominable, detestable, and alien spirit, by the power of Jesus Christ who has all authority in heaven and on earth, and who said to the deaf and dumb demon: depart from the man and do not enter into him any more. Depart and acknowledge that your vain power has no authority even over swine. Remember Him, who at your request, ordered you to enter the herd of swine. Be afraid of God, by whose command, the earth was established upon the waters; who made the heavens, and made firm the mountains, and set up the valleys; who placed sand as a boundary for the sea and made a safe path through the stormy waters; who touched the mountains and they smoked; who clothed himself with light as with a garment; who stretched out the sky as a tent-cloth; who covered his lofty halls with water; who settled the earth on its firm foundation: it shall stand unmoved from age to age; who collects the water of the sea and pours it out upon the face of the whole earth. Come forth, and depart from him (her) who is now being readied for holy illumination. I command you by the saving Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by His precious Body and Blood, and by His fearful and second coming. For He will come and will not hesitate to judge the whole earth; He will punish you and your cohorts in the fire of Gehenna, and hand you over to the outer darkness where the worm does not die and where the fire does not cease. For the power belongs to Christ, our God, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
THIRD EXORCISM
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: O Lord of Sabaoth, the God of Israel, who heals every sickness and infirmity: look upon your servant ; search for, examine and drive away from him (her) all promptings of the devil. Rebuke the unclean spirits and expel them; cleanse the works of Your hands, and by using all Your might, speedily crush Satan under his (her) feet. Give him (her) victory over him and over his unclean spirits; so that by Your mercy, he (she) may be made worthy of Your immortal and heavenly mysteries and may give glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE CATECHUMEN AT THE TIME OF BAPTISM
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: O perfect Being, O Lord and Master, who made man in Your own image and likeness and who gave him the power of attaining eternal life; who did not abandon him when he had fallen into sin, but rather provided salvation for the world through the incarnation of Your Christ: now, also, deliver this Your creature from the bondage of the enemy and receive him (her) into Your heavenly kingdom. Open the eyes of his (her) understanding so that the light of Your Gospel may shine brightly on him (her). Join to him (her) during his (her) lifetime a radiant angel, who will rescue him (her) from every snare of the enemy, from evil encounters, from the noon-day demon and from all wicked illusions.
The priest breathes three times over the one to be baptized, each time making the sign of the Cross on the forehead, mouth and chest, saying:
Drive out from him (her) every evil and unclean spirits which may be hiding and lurking in his (her) heart.
The spirit of deceit, the spirit of wickedness, the spirit of idolatry, and of all covetousness which is brought about by the promptings of the devil. Make him (her) a reasonable sheep of the holy flock of Your Christ, a worthy member of Your Church, a vessel of holiness, a child of light, and an heir to Your kingdom; so that, as he (she) lives according to Your commandments and preserves the seal intact and his (her) garment undefiled, he (she) may attain the blessedness of the saints in your kingdom. Through the grace and mercies and love for mankind of Your only begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
The person (or the sponsors is the one to be baptized is a child) turns and faces West with hands raised. Then the priest asks the following questions three times:
Priest: Do you renounce Satan, all his works, all his angels, all his services, and all his pride? (Three times)
Person: Yes, I do.
Priest: Have you renounced Satan? (Three times)
Person: Yes, I have.
Priest: Then blow on Satan and spit upon him.
The person (or the sponsors is the one to be baptized is a child) now lowers his hands and turns about to the East, and the priest continues:
Priest: Do you unite yourself to Christ? (Three times)
Person: Yes, I do.
Priest: Have you united yourself to Christ? (Three times)
Person: Yes, I have.
Priest: Do you believe in Christ?
Person: Yes, I believe in Him as King and God.
I believe in one God, Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages: Light of light, true God of true God, begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man; who was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; who rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and is enthroned at the right hand of the Father; who will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; and of whose kingdom there shall be no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I profess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Priest: Have you united yourself to Christ? (Three times)
Person: Yes, I have.
Priest: Then worship Him.
The person (or the sponsors is the one to be baptized is a child) makes a reverence and says"
Person: I worship the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the consubstantial and undivided Trinity.
Priest: Blessed is God who desires that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, at all times, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: O Master, Lord our God, call this Your servant (Name) to Your holy illumination, and make him (her) worthy of the great grace of holy baptism. Strip him (her) of his (her) old self and renew him (her) to eternal life; in the unity of Your Christ, fill him (her) with the power of Your Holy Spirit, so that he (she) may no longer be a child of the flesh, but rather a child of Your kingdom. Through the good will and grace of Your only begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
THE ORDER OF HOLY BAPTISM
Then the priest puts on bright vestments including cuffs (if he is not fully vested for the Divine Liturgy) and proceeds to incense around the baptismal font. The people hold lighted candles.
The deacon says:
Deacon: Give the blessing, Father.
Priest: Blessed is the kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For peace from on high and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For peace in the whole world, the well-being of the holy churches of God and the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy place and for those who enter it with faith, reverence and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our (Arch)Bishop (Name), the reverend priests, the deacons in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That this water may be sanctified by the power, action and descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That the grace of redemption, and the blessing of the Jordan may be sent down into it, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That the purifying action of the supersubstantial Trinity may descend upon this water, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That we may be illumined with the light of understanding and piety through the descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That this water may prove effective to avert every plot of our visible and invisible enemies, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he (she) who is baptized in it may become worthy of the incorruptible kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For him (her) who now approaches holy illumination, and for his (her) salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he (she) may be declared a child of light, and an heir to the eternal blessings, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he (she) may become a member and partaker of the death and resurrection of Christ our God, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That until the awesome day of Christ, our God, he (she) may preserve pure and undefiled his (her) baptismal garment, and the pledge of the Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That this water may be for him (her) a bath of regeneration, a remission of sins, and a garment of incorruption, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That the Lord God may hear the voice of our supplication, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That the Lord may deliver him (her) and us from all affliction, wrath, danger and need, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our all holy, spotless, most highly blessed and glorious Lady the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: (Inaudibly) O compassionate and merciful God, who examine the hearts and the mind of men, and who alone know the secrets of men (for nothing is hidden from You, but all things are naked and exposed before Your eyes). You know what is within me. Do not detest me nor turn Your face away from me, but overlook my transgressions in this hour. You who overlook the sins of the repenting and who wash away the defilement of my body and the stain of my soul: sanctify me entirely by Your perfect, invisible might and by Your spiritual right hand, so that when I proclaim freedom to others, and offer this freedom which comes from faith in Your ineffable love for mankind, I may not become a vile slave of sin.
O Master, who alone are good and the lover of mankind, do no turn away from me, humbled and despised: but send down upon me power from on high, and strengthen me for the service of this Your present, great and heavenly mystery. Form Your Christ in him (her) who is about to be born again through my unworthiness. Build him (her) up on the foundation of Your apostles and prophets, so that he (she) may not be overthrown. Plant him (her) as a plant of truth in Your holy, catholic and apostolic Church, so that as he (she) advances in piety, Your all-holy name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, may be glorified through him (her), now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Priest: Great are You, O Lord, and marvelous are Your works, and no word is sufficient to praise Your wonders. (Three times)
For You have willed to bring all things into being from nothingness, and by Your might You uphold creation, and by Your divine providence You govern the world. After You produced the harmony of creation from the four elements, You crowned the cycle of the year with the four seasons. All the spiritual powers tremble before you; the sun praises You; the moon glorifies You; the stars meet together before Your presence; the light obeys You; the abyss trembles before You; the springs of water serve You. You stretched the heavens out like a tent. You established the earth upon the waters. You have surrounded the sea with sand, You have poured out air for breathing. The angelic powers serve You; the choirs of archangels worship You; the many-eyed cherubim and the six-winged seraphim encircle and hover around You, veiling themselves in fear before Your unapproachable glory.
For You, O God, are eternal, beyond description, and beyond understanding. You have come down to earth and have taken the form of a servant, and You were made in the likeness of man. Because of Your compassionate mercy, O Master, You were unable to endure and to behold the race of mankind under the tyranny of the devil. Consequently, You have come to save us. We acknowledge Your grace. We proclaim Your mercy, and we do not conceal Your gracious acts. You have set mankind free; by Your birth You have sanctified the Virgin's womb; and since Your manifestation, all creation praises You. For You, O our God, have appeared on earth and have dwelt among men. You sanctified the waters of the Jordan by sending down Your Holy Spirit from heaven, and You have crushed the heads of the dragons who lurk there.
Therefore, O King and Lover of Mankind, also be present now through the descent of Your Holy Spirit and sanctify this water. (Three times)
And give to it the grace of redemption and the blessing of the Jordan. Make it a source of incorruptibility, a gift of sanctification, a remission of sins, a remedy for sickness, a destruction of demons, that it be filled with the might of Your holy angels. Let flee from it those who plot against this Your creature. For we have called upon Your name, O Lord, which is wonderful and glorious, yet fearful to Your adversaries.
The priest makes the sign of the Cross in the water with his fingers three times breathing upon it and saying each time:
Let all adverse powers be crushed beneath the sign of Your cross. (Three times)
We beseech You, O Lord, that every invisible phantom of the air depart from us, that no demon of darkness be hidden in this water, and that no evil spirit which brings about a darkened reasoning and confusion of thought descend into it with him (her) who is about to be baptized. But rather, O Master of all, declare this water to be a water of redemption, a water of peace, a water of sanctification, a purification of the defiled flesh and spirit, a loosening of bonds, a remission of sins, an illumination of souls. May it be a bath of regeneration, a renewal of spirit, a gift of filial adoption, a garment of incorruption, and a fountain of life. For You have said, O Lord: "Wash yourselves, and make yourselves clean; remove the evil from your souls." You have bestowed upon us from above a rebirth through the water and the Spirit.
O Lord, manifest Yourself in this water, and grant that he (she) who is baptized in it may be transformed, so as to put off the old man who is corrupt through the lusts of the flesh, and to put on the new man, who is made in the likeness of Yourself, his Creator: that being planted in the likeness of the death of Your only begotten Son through baptism, he (she) may also become a partaker of His resurrection, and that having preserved the gift of the Holy Spirit and having increased his (her) portion of grace, he (she) may receive the prize of his (her) high calling, and be numbered among the first-born whose names are written in heaven by You, our Lord and God Jesus Christ. For glory, power, honor and worship are Your due, together with Your eternal Father and Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
All: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
All: To You, O Lord.
The deacon brings the vessel of oil and the priest breathes upon it three times, each time making the sign of the Cross on it:
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: O Lord and Master, God of our Fathers, who sent a dove to those who were in Noah's ark bearing in its mouth a twig of an olive tree as the sign of reconciliation and deliverance from the flood, and thereby prefigured the mystery of grace, and provided the fruit of the olive tree for the fulfillment of Your holy mysteries; who by means of olive oil filled those who were under the Law with the Holy Spirit, and who made perfect those who were under Your grace: bless also this oil through the power, action and descent of Your Holy Spirit so that it may become an unction of incorruptibility, a weapon of justice, a renewal of soul and body, a defense against all actions of the devil, and a deliverance from all evil for those who with faith are anointed or partake of it to Your glory, and to the glory of Your only begotten Son, and of Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
The priest pours oil into the water in the form of a cross three times while he and the people chant:
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. (Tone 2)
Priest: Blessed is God who enlightens and sanctifies every man who comes into the world, at all times, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
THE ANOINTING
The priest then proceeds to anoint the one to be baptized, making the sign of the Cross and saying:
Priest: (Forehead) The servant of God (Name) is anointed with the oil of gladness in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Priest: (Chest and Back) For the healing of soul and body.
All: Amen.
Priest: (Ears) For the hearing of faith.
All: Amen.
Priest: (Feet) That he (she) may walk in the way of Your commandments, O Lord.
All: Amen.
Priest: (Hands) Your hands have made me and fashioned me. [Explain Your commandments for me to learn.]
All: Amen.
The priest faces the East, immerses the person three times in the water saying:
The servant of God (Name) is baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
PSALM 31
CANTOR: Happy is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered.
Happy the man to whom the Lord imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile.
As long as I would not speak, my bones wasted away with my groaning all the day.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sins to you, my guilt I covered not.
I said, "I confess my faults to the Lord," and you took away the guilt of my sin.
For this shall every faithful man pray to you in time of stress.
Though deep waters overflow, they shall not reach him.
You are my shelter; from distress you will preserve me; with glad cries of freedom you will ring me round.
I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk; I will counsel you, keeping my eyes on you.
Be not senseless like horses or mules: with bit and bridle their temper must be curbed, else they will not come near you.
Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but kindness surrounds him who trusts in the Lord.
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you just; exult, all you upright of heart.
The Priest confers the baptismal garment, saying:
Priest: The servant of God (Name) is clothed with the garment of righteousness, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Then the priest and the people chant in the seventh tone:
THE ORDER OF HOLY CHRISMATION
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: Blessed are You, O Lord, God almighty, source of all good things and Sun of Justice, who, through the manifestation of Your only begotten Son, our God, made the light of salvation shine upon those who were in the darkness; and who granted to us, unworthy as we are, a blessed cleansing in holy water, and also divine sanctification through life-giving unction. Blessed are You, who now again have been pleased to cause the rebirth of Your servant newly enlightened through water and the Spirit, and have granted to him (her) the remission of sins both voluntary and involuntary. Therefore, O Master and most merciful King of all, grant to him (her) the seal of the gift of Your holy, almighty and adorable Spirit, and the communion of the holy Body and the precious Blood of Your Christ. Keep him (her) in Your holiness; strengthen him (her) in the Orthodox faith.
Deliver him (her) from the evil one and from all his cunning, and through a salutary fear of You, preserve his (her) soul in purity and in righteousness, so that he (she) may please You in every word and deed, and thus may become a child and heir to Your heavenly kingdom. For You are our God, the God of mercy and salvation, and we give glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
The priest then anoints the candidate with Holy Chrism making with it the sign of the Cross on the forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, chest, hands and feet, saying each time:
Priest: The seal + of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The priest, the newly baptized with the sponsors and the people present, who are carrying lighted candles, process around the font and then proceed into the church singing:
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Cantor: The Lord is my light and my Savior; whom shall I fear?
Cantor: The Lord is the fortress of my life; of whom should I be afraid?
Deacon: Wisdom.
Cantor: A reading from the Epistle of Paul to the Romans.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: text of (ROMANS 6:3-12). Brethren:.....
Priest: Peace to you, reader.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Cantor: My heart is stirred by a noble theme; I address my poem to the king.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Cantor: Of all men you are the most handsome, your lips are moist with grace, for God has blessed you forever.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Deacon: Wisdom! Stand. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace to all.
All: And to your spirit.
Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Priest: text of (Matthew 28:16-2O): At that time.....
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear and have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy. (Three times)
Deacon: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection for the servant of God (Name) who has just been baptized, and for his (her) sponsors.
All: Lord, have mercy. (Three times)
Priest: For You are merciful, O our God, and You love mankind, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
AT THE REMOVAL OF
THE BAPTISMAL GARMENT ON
THE EIGHTH DAY
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: Lord, Master, who though holy baptism have given to Your servant remission of sins, and have bestowed upon him (her) a life of regeneration; ever graciously illumine his (her) heart with the light of Your countenance. Maintain the shield of his (her) faith unassailed by the enemy. Preserve pure and undefiled the garment of incorruption with which You have clothed him (her), keeping intact in him (her) the seal of the Spirit by Your grace, and showing mercy to him (her) and to us, through the multitude of Your mercies. For blessed and glorified is Your most noble and magnificent name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: Master, Lord our God, who through the font bestows heavenly illumination upon those who are baptized, who have regenerated Your newly baptized servant by water and the Spirit, and have granted to him (her) remission of his (her) sins, both voluntary and involuntary: lay Your almighty hand upon him (her) and preserve him (her) by the power of Your goodness. Maintain unassailed the pledge of the Spirit and make him (her) worthy of eternal life and of Your favor. For You are our sanctification and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
All: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: He (she) who has clothed himself (herself) with You, O Christ, our God, also bows his (her) head with us to You. Always keep him (her) an invincible fighter in every attack of those who assail him (her) and us; and make us all victors even to the end, through Your incorruptible crown. For it belongs to You to have mercy on us, and to save us, and we give glory to You, together with Your eternal Father and Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
The priest now washes the face of the recipient with a towel and clean water, saying:
Priest: (Name), you have been baptized, enlightened, chrismated, sanctified and cleansed in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
THE TONSURE
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: O Master, Lord, our God, who have honored man with Your own image, You have fashioned him with a rational soul and a body fit to serve it; You crowned him with a head to serve as a center for the senses and gave that head a protective covering of hair. You fitly joined together all his members, that with them all he may give thanks to You, the great Artificer: You, the same Master, through Your chosen vessel, the apostle Paul, have given us a commandment that we should do all things to Your glory. Bless now Your servant (Name), who has come to make a first offering shorn from the hair of his (her) head, and likewise his (her) sponsor, and grant that they may all exercise themselves in Your law, and do those things which are well pleasing in Your sight. For You are a merciful God and You love mankind, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
All: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: O Lord, our God, who in Your goodness sanctify those who believe in You, through the completion of this mystery: bless this child, and let Your blessing descend on his (her) head. As You blessed David the King through the prophet Samuel, also bless the head of Your servant (Name) by the hand of me, a sinner, inspiring him (her) with thy Holy Spirit; that as he (she) increases in stature even unto a ripe old age, he (she) may ascribe glory to You and behold the good things of Jerusalem all the days of his (her) life. For to You are due all glory, honor and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Priest: The servant of God (Name) is tonsured in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
THE DISMISSAL
Priest: Glory to You, O Christ God, our hope, glory to You.
Reader: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen. Lord have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Give the blessing, Father, in the name of the Lord.
Priest: May Christ our true God who accepted to be baptized by John in the Jordan for our salvation, have mercy on us and save us through the prayers of his all-pure Mother, of His holy and glorious apostles worthy of all praise, of Saint (Name), patron of the newly baptized, and of all the saints, for He is good and loves mankind.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, O Lord, Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
All: Amen.
AT THE REMOVAL OF
THE BAPTISMAL GARMENT ON
THE EIGHTH DAY
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Lord, Master, who through holy baptism have given to Your servant remission of sins, and have bestowed upon him (her) a life of regeneration; ever graciously illumine his (her) heart with the light of Your countenance. Maintain the shield of his (her) faith unassailed by the enemy. Preserve pure and undefiled the garment of incorruption with which You have clothed him (her), keeping intact in him (her) the seal of the Spirit by Your grace, and showing mercy to him (her) and to us, through the multitude of Your mercies. For blessed and glorified is Your most noble and magnificent name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Master, Lord our God, who through the font bestows heavenly illumination upon those who are baptized, who have regenerated Your newly baptized servant by water and the Spirit, and have granted to him (her) remission of his (her) sins, both voluntary and involuntary: lay Your almighty hand upon him (her) and preserve him (her) by the power of Your goodness. Maintain unassailed the pledge of the Spirit and make him (her) worthy of eternal life and of Your favor. For You are our sanctification and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
All: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: He (she) who has clothed himself (herself) with You, O Christ, our God, also bows his (her) head with us to You. Always keep him (her) an invincible fighter in every attack of those who assail him (her) and us; and make us all victors even to the end, through Your incorruptible crown. For it belongs to You to have mercy on us, and to save us, and we render glory to You, together with Your eternal Father and Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
The priest now washes the face of the recipient with a towel and clean water, saying:
Priest: (Name), you have been baptized, enlightened, chrismated, sanctified and cleansed in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.