What does baptism actually do, and why has the Orthodox Church continued to baptize Christians according to an ancient pattern? In this sermon, Fr. Michael Matsko turns to Acts 8 and the experience of the early Church to explain Orthodox Christian baptism, chrismation, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The story of the Samaritans and the Ethiopian eunuch shows that baptism was never separated from faith, repentance, Scripture, and the apostolic Church. Baptism was not simply a public declaration but the beginning of a new life in Christ.

The Book of Acts shows Philip preaching the Gospel and baptizing new believers, followed by the apostles Peter and John laying hands upon them so they might receive the Holy Spirit. The Orthodox Church continues this ancient pattern through baptism and chrismation. Baptism joins us to the death and resurrect ...