How does Eastern Orthodox baptism use three immersions in water?

In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, baptism is performed through a triple immersion in water, which serves as a powerful sign of the death and Resurrection of Christ and symbolizes the gift of new life.1

This ritual is deeply connected to the candidate's spiritual preparation. Prior to the immersions, candidates engage in a symbolic triple renunciation of Satan. During this act, they face west—the symbolic direction of the Antichrist—and spit three times to signify their rejection of evil. They then turn to face east, the symbolic direction of Christ, representing the "sun of righteousness".2

By performing these three immersions, the church maintains the meaning of baptism as the beginning of a new life, which is immediately followed by chrismation and admission to Holy Communion.12