Quote from The Way, Serbian Orthodox Missionary Magazine
What is Holy Baptism?
It is a Holy Mystery by which the baptized person is cleansed from all sins, both the original and the personal, and a s a newborn child of God is incorporated into the Church of Christ.
What is most important in the performance of this Holy Mystery?
Thrice repeated immersion in water in the name of the Holy Trinity: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, with appropriate prayers and supplications of the priest.
On whose authority do we hold baptism as indispensable for every member of the Church?
On Christ's authority. First, by following His own example; second, by following His clear commandment to His disciples: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," (Matt. 28: 19); third, by following His stem warning: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God." (John 3:5).
What is the meaning of thrice repeated immersion and rising up of the person baptized?
Three immersions mean death to the sins against the Holy Trinity, and three risings up mean the life in and to the Holy Trinity. What three things does the priest demand from the person baptized? Renunciation of Satan, repentance, and profession of the right faith (the Creed).
In the case of children, who is to speak in their behalf,
that is to renounce, to repent,
and to profess?
The godfather, who is the sponsor in this case.
What is the duty of the godfather?
To instruct, or to help instruct, the baptized child in all Christian truths and Christian conduct.
How is the Godfather respected?
The godfather is highly respected as a spiritual father among the Orthodox people.
Why should children be baptized?
First, for fear that an unbaptized child, if it died, might be excluded from the Christian family and appear at the Last Judgement among the pagans. Second, because to baptize children was an Apostolic practice (Acts 10:44-48, 16:15; I Cor. 1:16). Third, the Lord Jesus loved children so much that He gave the command: "Let the children come to me!" (Mk 10: 14)