Preparing for a child's baptism for parents and godparents

At what age is it better to baptize a child?

Stages of the ritual in the church

Before being washed with holy water, the baby is given an Orthodox name, according to the Saints. If the list does not contain the desired nickname, they select a name that sounds similar or baptize it in honor of the saint revered on that day.

Public conversation

The ceremony begins with the rite of announcement. The priest removes the child’s clothes, leaving only the diaper, so that there is free access to the baby’s chest, arms and legs. The priest places his hand on the child’s head, and then reads a prayer, asking the Lord for permission to join the child in God’s Name, and also to gain His protection.

Renunciation of the devil and union with Christ

Since the newborn cannot speak yet, this procedure is carried out for him by his godparents. Taking the baby in their arms, they turn to face the west and loudly renounce Satan. Then the recipients spit in the direction of the devil’s abode, showing their contempt to the evil spirits. Next, the priest asks to turn to the east in order to voluntarily agree to unite with the Savior. At the end of this part of the ritual, the prayer “Creed” is said, which is recited by heart.

The baptism itself

The third stage of the ceremony begins with the consecration of the font and oil, which is used to coat the child’s chest, arms, legs and ears before dipping. This ritual protects the baby from Satan, strengthening his soul for further struggle against devilish forces. Then the clergyman lowers the baby head-first into the water three times, while invoking the Holy Trinity. So he cleanses the baby from original sin, reviving him to a new life according to God's Laws.

Cleansing a baby from original sin

The godparent must first accept the convert into the Kryzhma, and only then put a new white shirt on him.

Author's advice

The sacrament of baptism ends with the placement of a pectoral cross on the child’s chest.

Confirmation

The essence of this sacred rite is to endow the baby with God's grace. After washing, the clergyman draws small crosses on the body with oil, symbolizing the seals of the Holy Spirit. Next, the godparents and the new convert walk around the vat of holy water three times. Having completed the last circle, the priest wipes off the unctuous oil, cuts off several curls from the baby’s head, combines them with wax and places them in the font. Then a prayer is said, an enhanced ekteniya, and at the end of the sacrament - a blessing for leaving the temple.

After washing, the clergyman draws crosses on the baby’s body with oil.

Churching

After the child is baptized, the clergyman lifts him up and, holding him in his arms, makes the sign of the cross:

• at the entrance to the church;
• inside the temple;
• in front of the main gate of the iconostasis.

If the rite is performed for boys, then the new convert is brought to the altar on the north side. Next, a circle is made around the throne, and then the child is placed next to the icon of Jesus Christ. The girls are brought to the iconostasis, where they are placed next to the image of the Most Holy Mother of God.

After baptism, the child becomes churched

Participle

The time of the Eucharist for a baptized baby is set by the priest. Often the sacrament takes place on the day of conversion to the Lord, but the clergyman can set another date. A parent with a baby comes at the end of the morning service, when communion is celebrated. Then the baby is given communion from the Chalice of the Sacred Gifts, giving him a little wine.

What day should I schedule my child's Baptism?

Baptism is possible on any day of the year, periods of fasting and Orthodox holidays, but in some cases the priest may recommend postponing the date of baptism:

• if it coincides with great or twelve holidays, when the church is crowded and services are longer;
• During the periods of strict Great Lent and Dormition Lent, the sacrament is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Epiphany during Lent presupposes a Lenten menu, which must be taken into account when preparing for the celebration.

Images of saints

Icons are what godparents give at christenings. But they are certainly different. Which one is better to choose? Parents and relatives, undoubtedly, wish the baby health, happiness and prosperity; they are worried about the child’s life. Giving an icon as a gift is not just about decorating the interior with a new element. The one who makes such a gift becomes a direct participant in the sacred rite. It is best to hang the icon in the nursery at eye level so that the image is visible to the child. It is designed to protect the baby from bad influences and the evil eye. Contemplation of the image of a saint from an early age should instill in the child a spiritual perception of the world.

What do they give for christenings? We found out that they are icons, but which one is better to choose? You can take an image of the Virgin Mary. Her image will inspire the baby with good, pure thoughts. Another option is an icon depicting a guardian angel, that is, a saint whose name was given to the baby at baptism. The icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker may also be suitable for this occasion.

Choosing godparents

A tradition has developed that a pair of godparents is chosen for a child, although, according to church canons, the godfather can be one person of the same sex as the person being baptized.

For children from birth to 12 years of age, the presence of a recipient at baptism is mandatory, since a child at this age is not able to understand the essence of the sacrament. Godparents make vows for him before the Almighty and thereby take on the responsibility of introducing him to the Orthodox faith.

Who shouldn't be a godfather?

The rules for baptizing a child in the Orthodox Church provide that adult Orthodox believers become recipients. The following cannot be godparents:

• parents of their own child;
• unbaptized people until they accept faith and undergo the rite of baptism;
• minor children who do not fully understand the significance of worship;
• husband and wife, as well as a couple planning to get married, since a spiritual relationship arises between the recipients, which is higher than other ties, even marriage ones;

Is it possible to baptize a child on critical days?

It is important to choose the date of christening so that the child’s mother and godmother are in physiological purity, because on the days of monthly cleansing it is forbidden to touch shrines and participate in church sacraments. If the critical days come unexpectedly and the date of baptism cannot be shifted, then the godmother must tell the priest about this. Most likely, she will be allowed to attend the sacrament, but without the opportunity to hold the child in her arms and venerate the icons.

About godparents: who, how many, why

Now let's talk about questions that often trouble the minds of parents.
Godmothers and fathers: what is their role, why are they needed and in what quantity? In associations from childhood, a godmother is that kind mother’s friend who brought cool gifts for her birthday. And, unfortunately, people make a lot of mistakes by choosing the WRONG people based on the WRONG criteria. So what kind of godparents are they? It is noteworthy that being spiritual parents is something of a great honor. From time immemorial, it has been customary to believe that they will be the ones who will take custody of the child if trouble happens to his real mom and dad. As the child grows up, they must educate him spiritually, talk about the love of God and take care of his religiosity. That is why people who are very close to the family and the child often become godparents: relatives, good friends. It is very unwise to choose a godfather or two spiritual parents for selfish reasons, based on status in society, financial situation, etc.

It’s good if the godmother or father is a deeply religious person and often goes to church. Such a Servant of God can cultivate the love of faith in a small heart. You can often come across the opinion that there must be two godparents. For this reason, difficulties often arise, especially with men. But, as it turned out, you can get by with one thing: for the baptism of a baby, a spiritual mother is sufficient, and for a boy, a father is sufficient.

Now it’s worth talking about what godparents need to know. They cannot be:

• the child's parents themselves;
• spouses and people in intimate relationships;
• monastics;
• children under 14-15 years of age (the age of godparents is a controversial issue, so it is better to check with the priest on site).

Of course, spiritual parents must be Orthodox believers, close to the child’s family, in order to be support and support for him in difficult moments.

Where to perform the sacrament of Baptism?

Frequently asked questions about baptism

In order to summarize all of the above and answer as many of your questions as possible, we decided to collect all the most frequently asked questions about Baptism in one column and briefly answer them.

• When is the best time to baptize?

This is determined by the parents themselves. Often in warmer times there are more parishioners for the Sacrament; it may turn out that several children will be baptized at the same time. Well, the ceremony itself is usually scheduled for the morning hours.

• Do I need to wear a cross all the time?

It is advisable not to remove the cross. There are special crosses for babies, they are small in size, inexpensive (if they suddenly get lost), they can be hung on a special soft rope that will not get tangled.

• Can mom be present?

As a rule, both parents are allowed to be present at baptism, but some abbots do not allow the presence of the baby’s mother, especially if 40 days have not passed since his birth. It is better to clarify this point and what is needed for the christening itself from the clergy of the chosen temple.

• How long does the ritual last?

From 30 minutes to an hour. It all depends on how the baby behaves at the ceremony and how many children are baptized at the same time.

• Is it possible to celebrate this event?

The Church does not prohibit celebrating such an important day in the life of a child by gathering with relatives and close people, as long as no one forgets the purpose of the celebration and does not go beyond what is permitted.

What will be needed for the baptism ceremony?

According to church rules, to baptize a child you need:

• Baptismal clothing - a shirt, kryzhma (diaper or towel), which the godmother purchases in advance. The girl will also need a headdress: a cap, a headscarf, a scarf, a stole.
• Pectoral cross on a string or chain. The godfather must buy it. It is necessary to choose an Orthodox consecrated cross. The unconsecrated cross is consecrated by the priest immediately before the start of the sacrament.

Additionally, for the ceremony you will need candles and an icon of the heavenly patron as a gift to the godson, and you will also need to make a donation for the sacrament.

Other accessories, such as socks, booties, a warm knitted blanket, and children's Orthodox literature, can be purchased as needed and at your own discretion.

The day before the christening, future godparents must confess and receive communion in order to spiritually cleanse themselves before the upcoming event.

Preparation for the sacrament

Baptism is an important ritual in the life of a child and his parents, so they approach it very responsibly. Before the ceremony, the godparents need to go through the announcement, confession, and then communion. Also, three days before the service, it is customary to observe strict fasting, not to swear, and not to indulge in carnal pleasures.

Preparing for a girl's baptism

The main spiritual parent for the baby is the godmother. It is she who holds the baby in her arms after ablution and until the end of the ritual. The recipient must bring a new kryzhma, in which the wet child is wrapped. It is better to take a ready-made “corner” with a hood to cover a damp child’s head. The parent also needs to buy a simple white dress-shirt with a cap, which is put on her goddaughter as soon as she is taken out of the font. In this case, the cut is chosen so that it does not interfere with anointing. The snow-white canvas symbolizes a pure soul freed from sins.

The cross is usually bought by the godfather. The material does not matter, but it is better to use a rope or fabric cord as a chain, as it will not irritate the delicate baby body.

Preparing for a boy's baptism

The preparatory procedures before the sacrament for a boy are no different from those for a girl. The godmother buys the kryzhma and white shirt, and the godfather brings the pectoral cross. He receives the child after the font, holding him in his arms until the end of the ritual. The receiver is also obliged to pay the demand.

Interview before baptism

Public conversations help godparents understand the deep meaning of the sacrament. In some churches, interviews take place on certain days, but there are churches where meetings are scheduled individually. Sometimes, after completing the course, students are given certificates, which are preceded by an exam. The duration of lectures ranges from a couple of days to a week.

The announcement can take place in any church, regardless of the location of future baptisms.

Catechetical conversations help godparents understand the deep meaning of the sacrament

Communion and fasting before the sacrament

On the eve of the ceremony, the baby's parents and godparents must undergo a rite of confession followed by communion. Three days before this, it is necessary to keep a strict fast: refuse food of animal origin, entertainment, intimacy, and also do not use foul language. On the morning of baptism, it is forbidden to eat so that at the end of the ritual, the recipients can receive the Eucharist with the new convert.

Recommendations for choosing a church name: traditions and rules

How to choose an Orthodox name for a child

Most often, we find out with what name we will baptize a child only before the Sacrament of Baptism. But you can make such a choice in advance and coordinate it with the priest.

According to ancient church regulations, the child was given a name in honor of the saint, whose memory falls on the eighth day from birth. This is what is called naming a name according to the calendar. But now parents look at the euphony of the name, and at the fame and degree of veneration of the saint, whose memory is celebrated on the day or shortly after the birth of the baby. This is a modern practice, as many Orthodox parents do. No one can also forbid you to name your child in honor of some saint, especially revered in your family, even if his memory does not coincide with the date of birth.

How should parents and godparents dress properly for a child’s baptism?

In Orthodoxy, there are certain rules regarding clothing for going to church, including for the baptism of a child. Mother and godmother should choose a modest, neat outfit, adhering to the following recommendations:

• A headdress is required. This could be a headscarf, shawl, or stole of subdued colors.
• The dress or skirt should have a loose fit, without deep slits or see-through inserts, and the hem should cover the knees.
• You should choose a top with a closed collar and shoulders.
• Shoes should be closed and low-top. In high heels it is difficult to withstand service with a child in your arms.
• Provocative makeup and lipstick are not allowed. It is prohibited to touch the cross and icons with painted lips.

Men should also appear clean and tidy. Visiting church in a T-shirt, shorts, or sports shoes is not encouraged. All those present in the church building must have crosses.

DIY christening gifts

Handmade gifts are always touching and with a huge soul, and their cost can be from symbolic to quite high. For a boy you can prepare:

• gingerbread
  or
  cookies
  decorated with designs for baptism;
• an embroidered icon
  or
  painting
  ;
• knitted items for a child: shirt
  ,
  hat
  ,
  blanket
  .

Engraving is becoming quite popular these days.

, you can do this yourself and it will turn out to be a very unusual gift for a boy.
For any child, and in particular for his mother, it will be very nice to receive a silver box for his first hair
(when the boy gets his hair cut for the first time, the mother will definitely hide the child’s curl).

A beautiful personalized box will remain for a long memory.

The following things can be created for a girl:

• If you are an expert in making jewelry, then as a christening gift for a girl from her grandmother, you can give a beautiful brooch
  or
  hairpin
  made of silver or gold, decorated with flowers or butterflies. Even if this work is made to order from a master, it will be of great value. Such decorations are popularly believed to protect against the evil eye.
• As a gift, you can make a cake out of diapers
  . This is not only an excellent and interesting gift, but also a good thing for a young family, since nowadays, high-quality diapers cost a lot, so such a gift will be very useful for both a girl and a boy.
• What to give your granddaughter for christening also includes knitted outfits. A beautiful summer dress
  or
  shirt
  , as well as
  socks
  and
  a hat is
  a gentle and beautiful gift that any mother who knows the value of handmade work will appreciate.

This will come in handy too!

Sooner or later, we all turn to doctors, and if along the way we come across a good doctor with a heart and hands of gold, then we will definitely want to thank him, as we can do here.

Features of celebrating children's christenings

It is customary to celebrate the sacrament of a child's baptism with a festive meal. Previously, such a lunch was held directly in the church. Today this rule is rarely observed, since not all churches provide this service. The celebration of christening usually takes place at home or in a cafe or restaurant in a calm atmosphere, without protracted feasts and wild fun. It is allowed to celebrate a joyful event with one sweet table, because, first of all, this is a children's holiday.

On the day of baptism, it is customary to wish the child health, happiness, prosperity and present gifts, preferably with spiritual content. For example, you can give a children's Bible, a prayer book, an icon, a sippy cup, a silver spoon, a toy in the shape of an angel, etc.

Parents and godparents should remember the date of the baby’s baptism and celebrate it annually, because this day is considered the Child’s Angel Day. A good hint would be personalized embroidery with a date on the baptismal shirt, diaper or bag for storing baptismal clothes.

Short congratulations for godparents in prose

Congratulations on christenings should not be written exclusively in poetic form.

*

Often shorter forms of wishes are used, which can be made through the use of technological advances.

*

Such wishes will be not only simple in their composition, but also original in meaning.

*

Short SMS messages are suitable for congratulating parents and other close relatives of the baby, since christening is a common holiday for the whole family.

Photo and video recording of the sacrament as a keepsake

Photos courtesy of Olesya Panteleeva.

What is kryzhma?

This is a piece of white cloth that is needed to wrap the baby in it after the bath. In the future, the kryzhma will become a talisman for this person. It must be kept for life. Can't be washed or used in everyday life. It is believed that after the ritual, kryzhma acquires healing properties. For example, people believe that if you cover a sick child with this white cloth, he will soon recover.

Orthodox people believe that the one who preserved the Kryzhma saved his happiness.

Previously, only white fabric was used. Now the range of this category of goods has become larger, factories have begun to produce very beautiful colored kryzhmas.

Sometimes, instead of this attribute, high-quality towels that are decorated with embroidery are used. Some have images of angels. You can also embroider the date of baptism on such products. This kind of kryzhma can never be confused with a sheet, and storing it is much more pleasant. The terry product will keep your baby dry and warm. And if the future godmother is a needlewoman, you can decorate the kryzhma with braid, lace, and satin bows.

For convenience, church kryzhmas are sold in cute bags. In such a product you can store packaged children's hair from tonsure (if they give it to you), as well as baptismal candles.