Editing Infant baptism (section)

=== Eastern Churches ===
[[File:Russian-baptism.JPG|thumb|Baptism by immersion in the Eastern Orthodox Church ([[Ascension Cathedral (Sophia, Pushkin)|Sophia Cathedral]], 2005)]]
The Eastern Orthodox Church practices infant baptism as a fundamental part of its [[Sacrament|sacramental theology]], viewing it as the child's initiation into the Church and participation in the life of Jesus.<ref name=":62">Heller, D. (2023). ''Baptism''. In B. N. Wolfe et al. (Eds.), ''St Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology''. Retrieved March 5, 2025, from https://www.saet.ac.uk/Christianity/Baptism. pp.13-14.</ref> The baptism is performed through triple immersion in water, symbolizing the believer’s sharing in Christ’s death and resurrection.<ref name=":62" /> In [[Eastern Orthodox theology|Orthodox theology]], sacraments are considered effective by the very act of their completion ([[ex opere operato]]), meaning they impart divine grace regardless of the recipient’s personal understanding.<ref name=":7">House, H. W. (2000). ''Baptism for the forgiveness of sins: Sign, seal, or means of grace? (Part 1)''. Christian Research Journal, 22(2), 1–33.</ref>

The Orthodox Church, like the Roman Catholic Church, believes that baptism results in the forgiveness of sins, both original and [[Actual sin|actual]]. Through baptism, the newly baptized is "[[Galatians 3|clothed with Christ"]] and becomes a full member of the Church.<ref name=":7" /> The sacrament is viewed as a mystical communion with God, through which grace is given for salvation and spiritual transformation. This understanding reflects the Orthodox belief that sacraments are "[[Sacred mysteries#Eastern|Mysteries]]", divine means by which humanity experiences salvation and anticipates eternal life in [[Kingship and kingdom of God#Christianity|God’s kingdom]].<ref name=":7" />

Baptism in the Orthodox Church is immediately followed by [[Chrismation]] (Confirmation) and [[Eucharist|Holy Communion]], emphasizing the unity of these three sacraments.<ref name=":62" /> Chrismation, administered by the priest, involves anointing the baptized with [[Chrism|Holy Myron (Chrism]]), sealing them with the gift of the [[Holy Spirit]]. The newly baptized, including infants, then receive the [[Eucharist]], partaking in consecrated wine and bread as their first communion.<ref name=":62" /> This integrated approach contrasts with many [[Western Christianity|Western Christian]] traditions, where these sacraments are administered separately at different stages of life.

The baptism of infants is performed on the basis of the faith of the Church, rather than the personal profession of the child.<ref name=":62" /> The commitment of parents and godparents plays a crucial role, as they pledge to raise the child in the Orthodox faith. While infants are traditionally baptized on the eighth day, mirroring the [[Religion and circumcision#Judaism|Old Testament practice of circumcision]], this timing is not strictly required, and baptisms may occur at any time.<ref>{{cite web |author=John Henry Parker |display-authors=etal |date=1844 |title=The Epistles of S. Cyprian, with the Council of Carthage, on the Baptism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=srdWAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA197 |access-date=12 December 2014 |publisher=Oxford, London}}</ref> [[Eastern Orthodox theology|Orthodox theology]] holds that baptism is essential for salvation and the remission of original sin, making it a vital sacrament in the life of every Orthodox Christian.<ref>Ware, K. (1993). The Orthodox Church: An introduction to Eastern Christianity (p. 284). Penguin UK.</ref>