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What is Chrismation in the Orthodox Church?

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Chrismation is the Sacrament of the Holy Spirit, which immediately follows Baptism in the Orthodox Church. Through Chrismation, the newly baptized receives the gift of the Holy Spirit, just as the Apostles received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. This sacrament is essential for completing one’s entrance into the Body of Christ and is often referred to as the Orthodox equivalent of Confirmation in other Christian traditions.

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The Meaning of Chrismation

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Chrismation is the personal Pentecost of the newly baptized, as it imparts the grace of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to live a life of faith. It is based on the apostolic tradition that after Baptism, Christians receive the Holy Spirit through anointing with Holy Chrism (special consecrated oil).

 

As St. Paul writes:

“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

 

The Chrismation Service

 

Immediately after Baptism, the priest anoints the newly baptized with Holy Chrism, a special oil blessed by the Ecumenical Patriarch. The priest anoints specific parts of the body—forehead, eyes, nose, lips, ears, chest, hands, and feet—saying, “The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The congregation responds, “Amen.”

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Each anointed area symbolizes different aspects of the person’s spiritual life:

• Forehead – The sanctification of thoughts

• Eyes – To see God’s truth

• Ears – To hear the Word of God

• Nose – To discern between good and evil

• Lips – To speak God’s truth

• Hands – To do the work of the Lord

• Feet – To walk in the ways of Christ

 

After Chrismation, the newly illumined Christian is now fully initiated into the Orthodox Church and is ready to receive Holy Communion for the first time.

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Chrismation for Converts to Orthodoxy

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For those converting to the Orthodox Christian faith who have been baptized in another Christian tradition with a valid Trinitarian Baptism, Chrismation serves as their official entrance into the Church. Through Chrismation, they receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit and become full members of the Orthodox faith.

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The Connection Between Baptism and Chrismation

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In the early Church, Baptism, Chrismation, and the Eucharist were always celebrated together, and this tradition remains in Orthodoxy today. These three sacraments form the foundation of Christian life:

• Baptism – Cleansing from sin and rebirth in Christ

• Chrismation – The gift of the Holy Spirit and spiritual empowerment

• Holy Communion – Union with Christ and full participation in the life of the Church

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Living a Life in the Holy Spirit

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Chrismation is not just a one-time event; it is the beginning of a lifelong journey in the Holy Spirit. The newly Chrismated Christian is called to grow in faith through prayer, worship, and participation in the sacraments, especially Holy Communion and Confession.

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Chrismation at St. George Greek Orthodox Church – Media, PA

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At St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Chrismation is administered immediately after Baptism for infants and children. Adults converting to Orthodoxy receive Chrismation as part of their journey into the Church.