In contrast to a common Protestant viewpoint, baptism is more than just a symbolic act of burial and resurrection, but an actual supernatural transformation. Baptism is believed to impart cleansing (remission) of sins and union with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection (see [http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=Romans%206:3-5;&version=9; Romans 6:3-5]; [http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=Colossians%202:12,%203:1-4;&version=9; Colossians 2:12, 3:1-4]).

Baptism is performed by the three-fold immersion of a person in the name of the [[Holy Trinity]]. That is, a person is immersed "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," once for each person of the Holy Trinity. The practice of baptism by the pouring or sprinkling of water, instead of full immersion, is not taught or practiced in the Orthodox Church as in some [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] and Protestant churches. Baptism is immediately followed by [[Chrismation]] and [[Eucharist|Holy Communion]] at the next [[Divine Liturgy]], regardless of age.

===Catechumen===

Adults are baptized after they have completed their time as a [[catechumen]].