On what days is a Child baptized in church - when is it better after birth?

Baptism is a sacred sacrament that every Orthodox Christian goes through. In turn, this ritual raises a lot of questions among those who are planning to convert to Christianity, and among the parents of the baby they want to baptize. Parents are faced with such tasks as selecting godparents, choosing a temple in which the ceremony will be performed, what needs to be purchased for this, on what days the child can be baptized, etc. In this article you will find explanations for some points in preparing for the baptism of an infant.

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At what age is it better to baptize a child?

There is no clear answer to this question regarding the numbers of a person’s age. The rite of baptism should be completed at any age, if a person has not been baptized and wants to convert, or the child’s parents have made such a decision. But it is assumed that the sooner this is accomplished, the better. Often, babies are baptized on the fortieth day after their birth. Also, in parallel with the newborn, his other unbaptized relatives, if any, including parents, can be baptized.

Baptism

How and when to baptize a child? On what days can the sacrament be celebrated? It is generally customary to perform the ritual with newborn babies or infants under one year of age. The sacrament is performed on days established by the church. But it also happens that completely adults come to baptism. This is due to the fact that even during the times of the Soviet Union it was forbidden to baptize children and generally attend church. But there are also those who decided to change their faith and convert to Christianity.

Future spiritual parents must be present at baptism. They are chosen by the mother and father of the child, or by the baptized person himself, if we are talking about a completely adult person. Spiritual parents will be mentors to their godson. They must protect him in the same way as his own parents would do. And in the event of the premature death of mom and dad or another reason why the child remains an orphan, the spiritual father and mother will have to take the upbringing of the godson into their own hands.

Choosing a Church

In this case, the parents of the newborn rely on their personal opinion - they can choose the temple that they like, which they usually visit, or simply the one whose location relative to the house suits them most.

Baptism ceremony at home

An option for baptism at home is possible. However, this is usually carried out in case of serious illness of the baby.

Preparing for baptism

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Before holding a newborn baptism ceremony, it is worth resolving some issues. Parents should decide who to take as godparents, choose the temple in which the sacrament will be performed, as well as the day. They themselves, or in agreement with the future godfather and mother, need to purchase a pectoral cross, a robe (shirt, etc.) and a towel for the baby.

In advance, parents should come to the chosen church to talk with the priest and discuss all the details. It is likely that the priest, as tradition says, will advise future godparents to confess, take communion and fast three days before baptism.

What to consider when baptizing in a temple

First of all, the priest will invite you and future recipients to undergo public conversations, which are mandatory. In large temples such classes are held regularly on certain days. In small churches, the date and time can be agreed upon individually.

How to pass an interview

What day to choose for baptism

The sacrament is performed on any day, both holiday and fast. In many churches with large parishes, they mainly baptize on Saturday and Sunday, and usually several children at the same time.

If parents want the sacrament to be individual, to take place in a calmer atmosphere, without strangers and the feeling of a queue, then the priest can suggest a weekday. Or you can choose a small church that does not have a set schedule for baptisms, and arrange a convenient day and time.

How much does baptism cost?

The amount of donation in each temple may be different. In some, it is a fixed amount, in others, the godfather himself decides how much he can give to the needs of the church after the sacrament. Usually the cost of the ceremony already includes: a certificate of Baptism and a simple consecrated cross. If desired, the godfather can buy another cross: silver or gold. Also in the church store you will need to purchase:

• candles - the number is determined by the number of guests;
• personalized icon with the image of the baby’s heavenly patron;
• an icon of the Guardian Angel to a child as a gift from his godparents.

Is it possible to photograph the baptism ceremony?

Who to invite to become godparents

You can invite anyone you want to be your godparents, you just have to take into account that future godparents will only have a spiritual connection, that is, they should not be married and will not be bound by marriage in the future. Even his parents, even adopted ones, cannot baptize their child. Also, the proposed godparents should not be of other faiths or not at all baptized.

You should not invite complete strangers or people little known to you to become your child’s godparents. However, this condition does not apply to the priest, who has the right to take on the role of successor. Nowadays it is customary to invite both the godfather and the godmother, but you can limit yourself to one person, usually a woman for a girl, and a man for a boy. The godmother must not be under 13 years of age, and the godfather must not be 15.

Church of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia in Strogino

What do you need if you decide to accept the sacrament of Baptism or baptize a child?

Before planning the date of the sacrament of Baptism, in order to avoid refusal to perform this Sacrament, please pay attention to the following :

I. Conversations

According to

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, those being baptized (from 7 years old), as well as godparents and parents of the child, need to undergo free conversations (at least two) .

If someone does not want to prepare for Baptism, if they want to “just baptize the child (or be baptized) as before,” then one should think... why? Baptism only makes sense when a person radically changes his life, when a child is introduced to church life. It has been noticed that people who are baptized, but not enlightened, fall into even greater sins than even the unbaptized, and “for that person the last thing is worse than the first.” (Gospel of Luke chapter 11, verses 24-26).

In our temple, conversations are held regularly , according to the schedule.

1st conversation - Mon., Wed., Fri., Sun. — 13:00

2nd conversation - Tue., Thu., Sat. — 13:00

• Attention! If Baptism is planned to be performed in our church, and the conversations were held in another church, then we still ask one of the child’s parents (as a rule, they live not far from our church) to come to our church for any of the conversations that are convenient for them to check their level knowledge. The same applies to those who have already had conversations in our church, but that was a very long time ago (more than six months). You can find out about the requirements for the level of training in our temple below.

II. In our church, at the end of the 1st conversation, homework is given (which must be checked at the 2nd conversation):

1. Understanding each word from the prayer “Creed” (Orthodox Niceno-Constantinograd) and reading the text itself without errors.
2. General understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ. To do this, you need to read the Gospel of Matthew (Orthodox in the Synodal translation), and also write at least five questions about the “dark” passages from the Gospel.
3. Go through Confession (that is, repent of your sins) from a priest in any church of the Russian Orthodox Church. In our church, Confession can be held every evening after 18.30, and also in the morning, after the Divine Liturgy (except for the summer holidays and the period of Lent, when Confession may be canceled in the evening).

1. If you fail to complete your homework, you will have to come to us again and again until the person honestly prepares participate in the sacrament of Baptism (including as godparents or parents of a child).

III. Baptism

• The date of Baptism is discussed during the last conversation.
• In our country, Baptism is performed on a voluntary donation (including completely free of charge).
• Usually in our church two people are baptized at a time . But they can also baptize individually , if warned about this in advance, when registering for Baptism.
• Women are NOT supposed to undergo Baptism during their period or within 40 days after the birth of a child, except in special cases. The same rule applies to the godmother or parent, that is, during the period of uncleanness, they cannot take part in the Baptism of the child.

IV. Reminder for Baptism (what you need to take with you):

1. Child’s birth certificate (passport) or a photocopy thereof. It is given before the start of Baptism to the temple for the window of the candle box. At the end of the Baptism, the documents can be taken back along with a new document - a certificate of Baptism.

Documents are required to make an entry in the temple register confirming identity: who was baptized, when and by whom. This book is kept and, if necessary, it can always be confirmed that a person is indeed baptized.

2. Cross stitch with ribbon or chain. (Such a cross can always be purchased in an icon shop at any temple).

3. Baptismal set: shirt/shirt/T-shirt, the main thing is that the clothes are clean and light. (It is dressed by the priest on the person being baptized after immersion, and in the future it can no longer be thrown away as a shrine).

4. Towel to lightly dry off after diving.

5. Choose the name of the patron saint and write down the date of his memory. (You can read about this on our website here (click the link)

*6. For diving : men - swimming trunks, women - a swimsuit, babies - nothing. Also, for immersion you can wear a shirt (but not a baptismal one). (There is a screen for changing clothes in the Chapel). In the future, all this cannot be thrown away as a shrine.

*7. Slippers (preferably flip-flops) to stand on during Baptism.

5. In what cases you CANNOT become godparents (the most common cases are considered):

• In absentia , because godparents need to personally participate in the sacrament of Baptism. Just as you cannot participate in the sacraments of Communion or Wedding in absentia.
• To the closest relatives of those being baptized: father or mother.
• Married couples of the same baptized person, as well as potential spouses, because having become godfathers, according to established tradition, they do not have the right to start a family with each other, since spiritual ties are incompatible with marital ones.
• For the same reason , the spouse , including the potential one, is the one being baptized. (The same rule applies to the person being baptized).
• Teenagers under 14 years of age (in some cases even older).
• Mentally ill.
• Not baptized in the Russian Orthodox Church or in the Local Orthodox Churches.
• Orthodox baptized, but do not recognize the Russian Orthodox Church headed by our patriarch (freethinkers, schismatics, sectarians and others).
• Orthodox baptized, recognizing our Russian Orthodox Church, but leading a non-Christian lifestyle . Especially those living in such grave sins as abortion, undecided marriage, adultery and other types of fornication, drug addiction, gambling, drunkenness, turning to magic, blasphemy, murder, suicide attempts, incitement to the above sins, denial of any provisions about the Christian faith from prayer “Creed”, as well as those living in other grave sins. (But you can repent of them from an Orthodox priest at Confession and never make them again. In such cases, you can become godparents).

Edited by priest Sergiy Ayupov.

6. Literature

• Catechetical conversations of priest Daniil Sysoev (listen to mp3) ()
• Orthodox literature in Word (doc) format
• Read the article on our website (link).
• Prayers Creed (I Believe...), (read the explanation of the Creed on our website. (link))
• These prayers are in the Orthodox prayer book at the beginning of the Morning Prayers. All prayers used by the Russian Orthodox Church are written in Church Slavonic: you need to pay attention to the accents, there is no letter “e” in the Central Symbols and all words are read exactly the same as they are written, for example: “sinAGO” instead of “sinner”, etc. .
• Read the Gospel (the first one is necessarily from Matthew, the rest are optional).

Suitable days for christening - which ones are best?

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Probably every parent wonders on what days children are baptized and whether this has any special meaning at all. People often refer to signs associated with each day of the week, including the baptism ceremony. Here's what they say:

• Monday – on this day it is undesirable to start new businesses, since it is likely that they will not be successful;
• Tuesday is a favorable period for both new beginnings and baptism, wedding, which promises well-being;
• Wednesday - also does not promise anything good in any endeavors, but on this day it is recommended to fast;
• Thursday is a happy day, suitable for the rite of baptism, and also characterizes people born on such a day as kind and bright;
• Friday is the opposite day to the previous one and is considered unlucky;
• Saturday - on weekends people often come to baptize newborns or to be baptized themselves, and Saturday, according to popular belief, brings good luck and prosperity;
• Sunday is also considered a good day by all signs, and baptism performed on this day should promise the baby the firm protection of God.

However, all these are just popular opinions and long-standing beliefs, which the church does not support and, in turn, says that every person can convert to faith on absolutely any day. Exceptions are possible only if a baptism ceremony is not held in a particular church on that day for some reason, often related to the order of certain services in that particular church.

There is not even a ban on holding baptisms on Saturday, otherwise known as funeral Saturday. Someone may suggest that the day of remembrance of the dead is not suitable for this, but clergy also deny the veracity of this superstition.

There are no restrictions regarding what day to perform the baptismal ceremony, including during Lent or a major church holiday. But here it is worth taking into account some other points - the duration of the services and the attendance of a large number of people.

• Is it possible to be a godmother several times?
• Rules of baptism;
• Prayer to the godmother.

SERVICE – Baptism

Baptism in the Orthodox Church is the very first and most important Sacrament. Further participation in the Sacraments of the Church is impossible for an unbaptized person.

The baptism of a child, like an adult, is his birth in the bosom of the Church. After performing this Sacrament, a person becomes part of it. Therefore, godparents (successors) must also be baptized in the Church. They can be neither Muslims, nor Jews, nor Buddhists, nor followers of pagan cults, nor atheists.

It is worth noting that the ritual side of Baptism is only the external side of this Sacrament.

Many people come to the temple with the desire to find out the cost of baptism in the church, to have an Orthodox baptism of a child, or to be baptized themselves. The price in Moscow may vary.

Organizing and holding a baptism in Moscow is not always an easy task. You may encounter unexpected circumstances:

General baptism

This is the simultaneous baptism of a group of people (children and adults). In this case, the ceremony takes longer.

Presence of strangers

During the celebration of the Sacrament, strangers can enter the temple, buy candles, observe those being baptized, and even film what is happening.

The hurrying priest

The priest, formally conducting the ceremony, is in a hurry and patter.

Lack of choir

In modern practice in the Orthodox Church, baptisms are almost always performed without a choir.

Today, our agency is the only one that offers full support for organizing and conducting individual baptisms.

• We will help organize baptism in Moscow in beautiful and cozy Orthodox churches in our capital. During the cold season, the temple will be additionally heated, and the baptismal font will be filled with warm water.
• For adult baptisms, a baptistery (a separate indoor area with a small pool of warm water) can be provided.
• There is an agreement with some temples to completely or partially close the temple for the entire duration of the ceremony.
• The baptism will be performed by an attentive, educated priest.
• We will organize a preliminary interview.
• We will provide exclusive musical accompaniment of a professional male choir.
• We organize photo and video shooting.
• We will advise you and answer your questions.

Additional services:

• Florist (decoration of the font and/or temple)
• Baptism sets (for children and adults)
• Pectoral crosses
• Orthodox icons

The cost of our services is quite acceptable for a metropolis like Moscow.

In order to organize an individual baptism in Moscow, you can contact us by phone, as well as through the application form on the website or by writing to us at.

Baptism of baby Teona Lazarenko

Our agency was happy to organize a personalized Baptism for baby Theona. Further

Baptism of the baby Alexander Katyshev

The Kitezh music agency was happy to organize the individual baptism of baby Alexander Katyshev. Further

Baptism of baby Alexandra

The Kitezh music agency was happy to participate in organizing the individual baptism of baby Alexandra. Further

Baptism of Anna Serebryakova and Gleb Blinov

The Kitezh music agency was happy to organize the individual baptism of babies Anna and Gleb. Further

Baptism in Georgian

The Kitezh music agency was happy to participate in the individual baptism of baby Mariam. A special feature of this baptism can be noted by the fact that, basically, it took place in the Georgian language. Further

Baptism of baby Ulyana Bondar

The Kitezh music agency was happy to organize the individual baptism of baby Ulyana. Further

Baptism of baby Dmitry Khromtsov

The Kitezh music agency was happy to organize an individual baptism for baby Dmitry. Further

Days of the ceremony in the temple

When is the best time to perform the sacrament? On what days are children baptized in church? It is believed that it is best to perform the ritual with a child on the fortieth day from his birth. This has absolutely nothing to do with the baby. It’s just that if it is vital for him that his mother be present at the ceremony with him, then forty days must pass before the woman can enter the temple. After giving birth, a girl is considered dirty during this period, so she must wait until her body cleanses itself.

After the allotted time has passed, the priest reads a prayer of purification over the woman, after which she can enter the temple. But it also happens that a child urgently needs to be baptized. This may be mainly due to the baby’s illness. Then the mother is forbidden to attend the ceremony. The most optimal age for baptism of a baby is considered to be up to six months.

As for religion, it does not matter at all on what days children are baptized in church. But each temple has its own schedule and time allotted for the ceremony. Therefore, before baptizing a child, parents must first go to the church where the sacrament will be held and agree on the time and day with the priest.

So on what day of the week can a child be baptized? As we already found out earlier, the ceremony can be performed on any day of the week, regardless of whether it is a weekend or a weekday.

Who should be at the ceremony?

Before we talk about what days children are baptized in church, it is necessary to talk about those present at the ceremony. Baptism has long been considered a sacrament. Therefore, only the holy father, child and future godparents can attend it. But today no one adheres to this rule. Therefore, almost all relatives are invited to the child’s baptism and they even order a photographer to capture this event on camera. But some priests still do not approve of this innovation.

It is also advisable, before baptizing a child, for spiritual parents to attend seminars in church, where they will be told about the responsibility assigned to them and how to behave correctly during the ceremony itself. But again, today no one follows this rule either. And future mentors appear only on the day of the ceremony, where a few minutes before the ceremony begins, the priest tells them what they will need to do.

When the ceremony begins, the parents carry the child into the church in their arms. Then they hand it over to one of the godparents. The boy should be held by the girl, and the girl by the man. When the ceremony begins, there should be complete silence in the temple, only the priest reads the prayers. Both parents must repeat them. With these prayers they renounce the devil twice. Afterwards, the priest takes the child and reads the prayers of anointing over him. Then the shearing process occurs. It doesn't matter who it is - a boy or a girl. The priest cuts a cross on the child's head. This ritual symbolizes submission to the Lord and a kind of sacrifice. If a boy is baptized, the priest carries him in his arms to the altar. If it is a girl, then the holy father leans her against the icon of the Mother of God. After these rituals, the child is returned to his spiritual parents, but in reverse.