St. Mina and St. Abanoub Coptic Orthodox Church

"Purify our bodies; wash us from our iniquities; make us worthy of the dwelling of Your Holy Spirit in our souls. Enlighten our minds that we may behold Your praiseworthiness. Purify our thoughts and mingle us with Your Glory..." (Fraction to the Son)

Introduction

On the tenth of Tobe, two weeks following the Nativity Feast, the Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates the glorious Feast of Epiphany; the occasion of the baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan River.

What is Baptism?

Baptism is a one-time performance in a Christians life that leads to a life-time dedication to a single purpose which is devotion to God the Father, Christ, the Savior, and the Holy Spirit the Comforter. It is a holy Mystery that no mind can fully fathom.

When we get immersed in the baptismal fountain, we get immersed into the power and promise of Christ. Our sins become forgiven by the goodness of God, the Father, and the grace of the Holy Spirit. As we come out of the fountain of baptism we get united with the Lord Jesus Christ; and through this Holy Sacrament; we become worthy of the Holy Spirit. At this point, the Holy Spirit confirms us restoring us into the image and likeness of God; and returning us to our original state, unblemished and without sin. Thus, we are crowned back into mans original glory.

The Ante-Nicene father Tertullian (c.198) wrote that baptism is a precursor to internal peace,

"The dove of the Holy Spirit flies to earth, that is, to our flesh as it emerges from the fontbringing us the peace of God, sent out from the Heavens."

Father Tadros Malaty writes, "When we come out of the fountain, we put on 'Christ our Savior' as an incorruptible garment, thus we become worthy of the gift of the Holy Spirit who renews us and seals us. The Holy Scripture in the Holy Book of Galatians 3:28 documented that many put on the Lord Jesus Christ as they were baptized."