In addition, we say in reply to this question that the water

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III







In addition, we say in reply to this question that the water of baptism is not just ordinary water and the baptised is not only born of water but of water and the Spirit,

. The Holy Spirit sanctifies the water of baptism, giving it a special nature so that whoever is submerged in it is born of water and the Spirit. Thus the baptised receives the merit of the redeeming Blood of Christ. When he is submerged into this water, he is buried with Christ and shares in the fellowship of His death in order to merit the fellowship of sharing in His resurrection. That is why, in sanctifying the water of baptism, we pour into it the Holy Chrism, the ointment of the Holy Spirit. Thus the water is sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Whoever is born of this water is born of water and the Spirit.
In sanctifying the water of baptism, the clergyman prays the litanies of sanctifying the water and of invocations the Holy Spirit. He also reads certain passages from the Holy Bible. Thus the water of baptism which cleanses us is sanctified by the word.