How is the Laqqan different from a second baptism when some of its prayers seem to suggest a second baptism?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

This question touches on a core dogma of the Coptic Orthodox Church: "I confess one baptism for the remission of sins" (as we say in the Creed/).

The Laqqan is not a second baptism, and it cannot give the biological or spiritual effects of Baptism (regeneration). If it were a second baptism, it would be a heresy, because Baptism can only happen once in a person’s lifetime (Ephesians 4:5).

1. "A Blessing, Not a Re-Birth"

• Holy Baptism: This is a Sacrament that completely wipes away Original Sin. It makes you a "New Creation." It is the "Gate" to the Church.
• The Laqqan: This is a Sacramental Rite of blessing. It provides sanctification, healing, and the driving away of demons. It is a "renewal" of the grace you already received at Baptism, but it doesn't "re-do" the work.

2. Why the Prayers Sound Similar

The prayers in the Laqqan use the language of Baptism because the source of all holy water is the same: the Jordan River and the side of Christ.

• The Invitation of the Spirit: Just as the priest asks the Holy Spirit to descend upon the baptismal font, he asks the Spirit to descend upon the Laqqan water. We use similar language because we are asking for the same Holy Spirit to work, but for a different purpose.
• Remission of Sins: Some prayers in the Laqqan mention "remission of sins." In the Coptic tradition, this refers to the cleansing of daily trespasses and the healing of the soul, similar to how we receive "remission of sins" in the Eucharist or through the Absolution of the priest. It is not the "Sacramental Remission" of Original Sin that happens only at Baptism.

3. The Physical Differences

• No Myron: In Holy Baptism, the water is consecrated with Holy Myron. The Laqqan water is never mixed with Myron. It is only blessed with the Cross and the prayers.
• Washing vs. Immersion: In Baptism, you are buried (immersed) three times. In the Laqqan, the priest only washes your feet (on Maundy Thursday and the Apostles’ Feast) or sprinkles you. This symbolizes "washing the dust of the world" off your feet, not a total re-creation of your being.

4. The Biblical "Foot Washing" Connection

On the Feast of the Apostles, the Laqqan centers on Christ washing the feet of the disciples. Peter said, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!" Jesus replied, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean" (John 13:9-10).

• The Baptism "Bath": Jesus was saying that they were already "bathed" (Baptized/Clean).
• The Laqqan "Washing": They only needed their feet washed because they were walking in a dusty world. The Laqqan is for us who are already baptized but have gotten "spiritually dusty" from our daily life and sins.

Summary

The Laqqan sounds like Baptism because it pulls from the same "well" of God’s power, but it is ordered for a different use. It is a healing medicine for the baptized, not a second birth.

If you ever hear someone say it is a "second baptism," you can gently correct them by saying: "We confess one baptism, but many washings for our daily renewal."