The protection of the Lord and His saints is especially important for children. Orthodox Christians try to baptize children as soon as possible, after about forty days from birth. On this day, the mother must visit the temple so that the priest will read a prayer of permission over her after childbirth. You can baptize a child on any day, even a holiday or fast. It is better to arrange Baptism in the church in advance or find out the usual schedule of Baptisms - then several children will be baptized.
One of the prayers that must be read by heart to the godparents or parents of the child during the Sacrament is the Creed. We will tell you how to read it correctly and provide the text in Russian.
Child Baptism
The Sacrament of Baptism is one of the main moments in the life of the person being baptized. However, it often makes no less impression on both parents and godparents. How to follow all the rules of preparation for Baptism and whether there are any prohibitions on becoming a godfather and godmother, what to give for Baptism - you will learn from our article.
Baptism is a person’s entry into the Church. It is accomplished by immersion or dousing with holy water - after all, the Lord Himself received Baptism from John the Baptist in the Jordan River.
An adult who has decided to be baptized consciously must: • Talk to a priest; • Learn “Our Father” and “Creed” - confession of your faith; • Know and sincerely believe in the teachings of Christ - Orthodoxy, the Gospel; • If desired, attend catechesis courses to learn more about the Orthodox faith.
Parents and godparents need to do the same if they are baptizing a baby.
Baptism is performed in church, and if a person is sick, the priest can perform the Sacrament at home or in a hospital room. Before Baptism, a person is put on a baptismal shirt. A person stands up (lies when sick) facing east and listens to prayers, and at a certain moment, at the direction of the priest, turning to the west, he spits in that direction as a sign of renunciation of sins and the power of Satan.
Then the priest immerses the child in the font three times with prayer. For adults, the Sacrament is carried out, if possible, in the temple by immersion in a small pool (it is called a baptistery in Greek, from the word baptistis - I dip) or by pouring from above. The water will be heated, so don't be afraid of catching a cold.
After pouring water or dipping, a person is baptized with water and invisibly with the Holy Spirit; a pre-prepared cross is put on him (for a child - on a short string, this is safer). It is customary to keep the baptismal shirt - it is worn during serious illnesses as a shrine. Dear Friends, remember that from us you can buy a cross for baptism, as well as buy an icon of the Guardian Angel, these are the most common gifts for christenings and baptisms!
Disagreement with Catholics
There is a heretical statement (filioque) that the Holy Spirit also comes from the Son of God Jesus Christ. In the Symbol approved at the Ecumenical Councils there is a line: “And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-Giving One, who proceeds from the Father .”
As it was said: dogmas are unchangeable sayings. This is the truth on which the Orthodox Apostolic Church is founded. At the Third Ecumenical Council, which took place in Ephesus (431), it was decided that the Creed should remain unchanged forever: without any additions. The introduction of the filioque by Catholics is considered a distortion of the Truth, that is, a lie.
Note: Under pressure from Emperor Charles in 1014, Catholics introduced the unauthorized “Creed” into the liturgical circle of prayers.
Nowadays it is read only at Saturday and Sunday masses.
Symbol of Faith text for godmother
The godparent should become almost a Guardian Angel of the baptized. He can pray for him in his daily prayers, and also remind the godson’s parents and himself over time about God, set an example of participation in the Sacraments of the Church and in his own righteous life.
Becoming a godfather in order to maintain a good relationship, “buying off” gifts to the child is wrong.
At Baptism, it is not necessary to have both godparents; you can only have one - of the same gender as the child. This person must be a church member and a believer, and during the Sacrament of Baptism wear an Orthodox cross on his chest. • During Baptism, the godmother should not wear a short skirt or trousers or wear heavy makeup. • Godparents can be relatives, such as a grandmother or sister. • People who profess another faith or belong to another Christian denomination (Catholics, Protestants, sectarians) cannot be godparents. • A husband and wife cannot be godparents of the same child. And people who become godparents of one child cannot get married. This is the tradition and canon of the Church.
In all other cases, people can become godparents. Even during menstruation, a woman can participate in Baptism and be baptized herself. According to one of the strict traditions, it is forbidden to venerate icons at this time. But the modern Church softens its demands on people.
During menstruation, they light candles, venerate icons, and even begin all the Sacraments: Baptism, Wedding, Confirmation, Confession, except Communion. But even in this case, the priest can give Communion to a seriously ill woman who is in danger.
We also note that different priests have different attitudes towards the Sacraments that women receive during women's days. Therefore, before participating in Baptism during menstruation, it is worth warning the priest. In any case, you can ask a priest for a blessing in any condition.
Choosing godparents
The sacrament of baptism is an important moment for the spiritual life of every layman. With its help, a person approaches God, acquires spiritual grace and is cleansed of all sins. The soul of a baptized person is immortal and after completing earthly life it will go to heaven. Baptized people are under the protection of higher powers that protect them from everyday troubles and misfortunes.
Parents baptize their child in infancy immediately after the birth of the newborn. According to Orthodox traditions, the best time for this is 8 or 40 days after birth. Nowadays, parents try to baptize their baby within 1-2 years of life. It is important that this decision be balanced and thoughtful and come from the depths of the parent’s heart, and not be a tribute to fashion when none of the adults understand the seriousness and depth of what is happening.
The most important role in this ritual is given to people who have the honor of becoming godparents; they must instill in the child love for the Lord God and the Son of God - Jesus Christ, teach prayer, and raise them to be highly spiritual personalities. Parents should be very careful when choosing their candidates.
Since godparents will be responsible for the spiritual upbringing of the child, they must be of the Orthodox faith. You cannot offer to baptize a baby to people who adhere to other worldviews; during the sacrament, the prayer of the godparents should be heard. They will serve as role models for your child, so you should not offer to become godparents to unfamiliar individuals. These should be people close to your family, the connection with whom will not be interrupted even after years.
Godparents cannot be spouses, people who have not yet turned 18 years old, leading an immoral lifestyle, or who have taken monastic orders. There should be no intimate relationship between the godfather and mother; they cannot enter into a marriage union. These don't have to be your family members. It is important that they be with the child as he grows up and learns about life. Godparents read prayers for the well-being and health of their godson.
Text of the prayer - how to read
Before any prayer, you need to follow a few simple rules: • It is better to read the prayer, resorting to the mercy of the Lord, in silence, at least, nothing should distract you. • It is important to focus on the words of the prayer so that your thoughts do not wander. • You can pray at work and during some activity, but not from the very beginning, but when you feel that it is possible, that prayer brightens your heart, illuminating your feelings with faith and a sense of the omnipresence of God. • Avoid rote learning and repetition, trying to be aware of the meaning of spoken words and their deep meaning. • Prepare your thoughts for prayer, meditate on the omnipotence of God, bow with love before the Lord.
The purpose of the Ecumenical Councils
While the tradition of the apostles was fresh, their teaching was interpreted accurately and without distortion, there was no need to collect and discuss any dogmatic issues.
But three centuries A.D., new teachings and reasoning began to appear that did not correspond to the truth, that is, they were heretical in nature. Against the errors that some ministers preached, bringing their own thoughts - personal perception (understanding) of the teaching, it was necessary to gather representatives of all churches. The purpose of the Ecumenical Councils is to fight and expose false teachings, to cleanse true statements from heretical admixture.
Note: The criterion of truth in Orthodoxy is the teaching given by the apostles and confirmed by our recognized saints. And not just one, but several Church Fathers. This indicates that the statement comes from the Holy Spirit, like all Scripture and the Creed.
Prayers for children before baptism
In addition to knowledge of the texts of prayers, preparation for baptism and knowledge of the rite of this sacrament are required. It is necessary to listen carefully to the priest and participate in the process with concentration.
In order not to be distracted, the prayer of the godmother at baptism will help to gather internally and adequately baptize the baby. It is advisable for godparents to get to know each other in advance and discuss organizational issues with the parents.
A prayer for the baptism of a child for godparents is a guideline for the spiritual development of the godson. It doesn’t matter how many gifts and sweets the godparents bring. It is important how much time they devote to the spiritual education of the child.
Prayers of godparents for their godchildren
Prayers of godparents for their godchildren
Lord Jesus Christ, awaken Your mercy on my goddaughter (name), keep her under Your roof, cover her from all evil lust, drive away from her every enemy and adversary, open her ears and the eyes of her heart, grant tenderness and humility to her heart.
Save, Lord, and have mercy on my goddaughter (name), and enlighten her with the light of reason of Your Holy Gospel and guide her on the path of Your commandments and teach her, O Savior, to do Your will, for You are our God, and we send glory to You, to the Father and To the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE CHILDREN AND FOR THE GODSONS OF FATHER JOHN (PEASANT)
Sweetest Jesus! God of my heart! You gave me my children and godchildren (names). You redeemed both my soul and theirs with Your priceless Blood. For the sake of Your Divine Blood, I beg You, my sweetest Savior, with Your grace touch the hearts of my children and godchildren (names), protect them with Your Divine fear, keep them from bad inclinations and habits, direct them to the bright path of life, truth and goodness. Decorate their lives with everything good and saving, arrange their fate as You yourself want and save their souls with their own destinies! Lord, God of our fathers! Give to my children and godchildren (names) a right heart to keep Your commandments, Your revelations and Your statutes. And do it all! Amen.
Godparents and their responsibilities
Baptism is an important event in a person’s life. During the ritual, the child finds his own heavenly patron - the Guardian Angel and earthly guardians - godparents. It is they who must instill in their ward the love of God from childhood, teach him prayers, tell him the story of the coming of Jesus Christ, the meaning and significance of his sacrifice.
Godparents must set an example worthy of imitation. Lead a righteous life, keep God’s covenants, constantly attend temple and read prayer rules in the morning.
Godparents should say a prayer for the baby not only during the baptismal ceremony, but every day ask the Lord for health for the godson and his successful development. When visiting a temple, you should light a candle for the health of your godson. At home, ask the heavenly powers for intercession and all kinds of help for the child, regardless of his age.
Prayer "Our Father"
In Orthodoxy, it is believed that the lines were composed by the Lord himself. This is one of the basic prayers that every Christian should know. It is read in the morning, waking up from sleep, and in the evening, going to bed. Also, this is the text that is said before asking God for something.
Before the Sacrament of Baptism, spiritual parents must memorize the text. When the godson gets older, his godparents tell him about the meaning of the lines and teach him to believe.
Text with accents in Church Slavonic
- “I believe in one God, the Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible.
- And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only begotten, who was born of the Father before all ages; Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, to whom all things were.
- For our sake, man and our salvation, who came down from heaven and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became human.
- Crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried.
- And he rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures.
- And ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father.
- And the one who is to come will judge with glory the living and the dead, His Kingdom will have no end.
- And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-Giving One, who proceeds from the Father, who is with the Father and the Son, we are worshiped and glorified, who spoke the prophets.
- Into one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
- I confess one baptism for the remission of sins.
- Teaching the resurrection of the dead,
- and the life of the next century. Amen."
The role of prayer and features of the sacrament
The christening prayer serves as a blessing. The priest introduces you to the peculiarities of the sacrament, and you also need to ask him any questions you may have before baptism.
Prayer for christening serves as a blessing
In order not to disturb the order or do something wrong out of ignorance, the Sacrament of Baptism is not a tribute to fashion, it must be a conscious decision made according to the faith of the parents.
Godparents must be piously dressed. Have crosses on yourself. Prepare baptismal clothes and a cross for the child.
Prayer for christening serves as a blessing
His own mother can be present at the christening only with the blessing of the priest, so if there is no such permission, do not give in to curiosity; by performing obedience and humility, the glory of the Orthodox faith is preserved.
Additional Tips
Women present at baptisms must be dressed according to church rules:
- skirt below the knees;
- sleeves to the hands;
- a light scarf or headscarf;
- lack of bright lipstick on the lips and manicure, noticeable eyeliner and shadows on the eyes;
- low-heeled shoes.
On the neck of the mother, like the father, there should be a cross. A child can be baptized in any church at the request of the parents. Place of residence does not matter. When choosing a middle name for your baby, you should first consult with the priest. The name at baptism may not match the name on the birth certificate. At the end of the ceremony, you should purchase a guardian angel icon with a prayer.
