The Baptismal Exorcism

 A photo a week from our life in Christ in the Orthodox Church

At the beginning of the baptismal service the candidates and their sponsors begin their walk with Christ in the Narthex.  It is here that the candidate (or the sponsor, on behalf of the candidate if an infant) renounces the devil and all his works.  The priest asks, “Do you reject Satan and all his angels, his works, his services, and his pride?”  “I do,” say the candidates.  “Then, breathe and spit on him,” the priest responds.  The candidates hold their hands physically out to push Satan away before turning east to accept Christ and enter into the church and into the body of Christ.