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{{spirituality}}

"'''We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins'''."

These words, found in the [[Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed]], simply and yet boldly declare Orthodox teaching on baptism. The baptismal experience is often considered the fundamental Christian experience.

The word baptize derives from [http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Greek/grk.cgi?number=907 baptizo], the transliterated form of the Greek word βάπτειν or baptivzw. In a historical context, it means "to dip, plunge, or immerse" something entirely, e.g. into water. Although commonly associated with Christian baptism, the word is known to have been used in other contexts. For instance, a 2nd century author named [[Wikipedia:Nicander|Nicander]] wrote down a pickle recipe which illustrates the common use of the word. He first says that the pickle should be dipped (bapto) into boiling water, followed by a complete submersion (baptizo) in a vinegar solution. The word was also used to explain the process of submerging cloth into a colored dye. The Christian ritual of water baptism traces back to Saint [[John the Forerunner]], who the [[Holy Scripture | Bible]] says baptized many, including Jesus. Certain forms of baptism were practiced in the Old Testament. Additionally, baptism was practiced in some pagan religions as a sign of death and rebirth.

*[http://bible.gospelcom.net/quicksearch/?quicksearch=baptize&qs_version=9 Bible search on baptize]

*[http://www.goarch.org/en/chapel/liturgical_texts/baptism.asp The Service of Holy Baptism] ([[Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America]])

===Baptism and Ecumenism===

*[http://www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/faith/faverg.html Becoming a Christian: The Ecumenical Implications of Our Common Baptism]

[[Category:Sacraments]]