An Orthodox Christian Understanding
Baptism is our death, burial, and resurrection in union with Jesus Christ. The results of baptism are: a first and second the resurrection of righteousness; and an intimate and continual communion with God. [Orthodox Study Bible, p. 352] It is essential to the life of the Church. Being essential to the life of the Church, it is by definition an ecclesial event.
By Reader Mark Douglas Saunders, Juris Doctor
St. Mark’s Orthodox Church, Denver, Colorado