Lesson
The Byzantine Rite

Baptism, Chrismation and Communion Together

Why a Byzantine Catholic baby is baptized, chrismated and given Holy Communion in one celebration, and how the Latin Church does it differently.

— 4 min read

Why do Byzantine Catholic babies receive communion, and what are the mysteries of Christian initiation? Let’s find out more with this lesson. I’m your host, Shalone Cason, and let’s begin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Three mysteries, one celebration

in the tradition of the Eastern Church, these three Holy Mysteries are celebrated together.

— Christ – Our Pascha 408

The three Mysteries are Baptism, Chrismation and the Eucharist. The catechism compares them to life itself. A baby is born, begins to breathe, and then is fed. In the same way, the newly baptized is born in the font, breathes by the Holy Spirit, and receives the nourishment of Holy Communion in order to grow in Christ. They are not three separate events. They are one action of God’s grace.

Baptism, the new birth

Baptism immerses a person into the mystery of Christ’s Death and Resurrection.

— Christ – Our Pascha 65

In the Byzantine tradition the person is traditionally immersed in the water, going down into the font as Christ went into death and rising as he rose. This is the birth to new life in Christ. It is received only once, because, having been born in Christ through the Holy Spirit, we remain children of the Father forever. The newly baptized are then clothed in bright garments, a sign of joy in Christ.

Chrismation, the seal of the Spirit

Chrismation is the seal of the gift that we received in Baptism.

— Christ – Our Pascha 424

The Rite of Chrismation follows Baptism immediately, “because where there is life, there is breath.” The priest anoints the newly baptized with Holy Chrism, a fragrant mixture of oils, on the forehead, eyes, nostrils, lips, ears, breast, hands and feet. He says, “The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Each person receives the Spirit as the apostles did at Pentecost.

Holy Communion for the newly baptized

the Eastern Churches maintain a lively awareness of the unity of Christian initiation by giving Holy Communion to all the newly baptized and confirmed, even little children

— Catechism 1244

The third Mystery completes the other two. The newly baptized, born in Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit, receives the Body and Blood of Christ. Unlike Baptism and Chrismation, which we receive only once, we receive the Eucharist throughout our lives. It is how we grow in the grace of being sons and daughters of God. That is why the Church offers Communion even to the youngest.

How the Latin Church does it

In the Eastern rites the Christian initiation of infants also begins with Baptism followed immediately by Confirmation and the Eucharist, while in the Roman rite it is followed by years of catechesis before being completed later by Confirmation and the Eucharist

— Catechism 1233

Both traditions are fully Catholic, and both lead to the same three sacraments. In the Roman rite, a baby is baptized, then grows up with years of catechesis, and later receives Confirmation and First Communion. In the Eastern rites, all three come at once. Neither is a mistake. They are two ways of expressing one initiation into Christ.

So why do Byzantine Catholic babies receive communion? It’s because the Byzantine traditions believes all the mysteries arrive together, just like life, breath, and food arrives to babies when they are born. This process is quite different from Roman Catholics who wait years for First Communion and Confirmation, but they are equally valid traditions. Thanks for learning with us. I’ve been your host Shalone, and until next time, stay holy, my friends.

Check your understanding

Your answers stay on your device.

  1. In the Eastern Church, how are Baptism, Chrismation and the Eucharist celebrated?
  2. Baptism immerses a person into the mystery of Christ's Death and ____.
  3. What does the priest say as he anoints the newly baptized?
  4. In the Eastern Churches, even little children receive Holy Communion after Baptism and Chrismation.
  5. In the Roman rite, what follows Baptism for an infant?

Image credits

Sources

Written and narrated by Shalone Cason, who chose the topic, selected the points, and reviewed every line. Researched and drafted with AI assistance (Claude) from the sources above. Every quotation is checked word for word against its source.

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