1 Corinthians 12:13 New 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. |
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There are a number of differences between Catholic and Orthodox Baptism, however, this passage will focus on three major differences. Deep water baptism, the sacrament of Chrismation and tonsure. Firstly deep water baptism, deep water baptism occurs after the anointing of the oil. The priest immerses and raises the infant 3 times, this takes place in a baptismal font which is full of blessed water. The priest calls upon the holy trinity in order to bless the water, as In Baptism the water expresses the fact that through this sacrament Christ cleanses us of all sins. In the catholic form of baptism, the parish priest or deacon administers the sacrament by also anointing the infant with oils, however, water is poured only over the baby's head rather than the dunking underwater.
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A second major difference is that the sacrament of Chrismation, also known as confirmation is carried out during an orthodox baptism. The priest blesses the infant with the holy chrism, “the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit, Amen”. the reason the confirmation is carried out during the baptism is because Orthodox belief states that "The whole man is now made the temple of God and the whole body is consecrated to the service of God". Also according to orthodox faith "Chrismation is considered the fulfilment of Baptism". Whereas catholic confirmation partakes later in life.
The third major difference is the act of tonsure. Nearing the end of the baptism, the priest will cut four locks of the baby's hair. This is perceived as an expression of gratitude from the child, as they have been welcomed into the house of God.Today in Eastern Orthodoxy, there are three types of tonsure: baptismal, monastic and clerical. However, the act of tonsure doesn't occur in the catholic faith, as it is perceived as meaningless since the infant doesn't need a gift to please God Apart from these major differences there are also a number of smaller differences, primarily involving the god family. In the Orthodox faith the godparents are required to pass on a cross to the infant, are invited to "spit" or curse on devil and are also considered as the infants second family. These minor differences do not occur in the catholic tradition. Bibliography:
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