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For many years, faith in God in our country was condemned in every possible way, which is why the various sacraments and rituals of Orthodox Christians still seem strange and mystical to some today. However, time passes and modern people are increasingly turning to spirituality, wanting to build their lives in such a way that they can find well-deserved peace and happiness even after death. One of the most serious rites of Orthodoxy is the sacrament of baptism, when a person’s soul completely renounces and renounces the tricks of the evil one and is dedicated to God.
For all true believers, this is a mandatory condition, because they prefer to baptize children in infancy, and some simply want to pay tribute to traditions; in any case, there will definitely be no harm from carrying out such a ceremony. However, even before you come to church at a certain time and bring your baby, you should first find out what is needed for the baptism of a child, how to properly prepare for the ceremony, what you need to purchase and what support to enlist. This is exactly what our article will discuss.
At what age is it better to baptize a child?
| The opportunity to receive God's grace through baptism is given to a person from birth. It is believed that the sooner the baby has a Guardian Angel, the better. As a rule, baptism of a newborn is carried out on the eighth or fortieth day of life. Most often, it is the second option that is preferred by young parents, since until the 40th day after giving birth the woman remains in physiological impurity and is not allowed to participate in church sacraments. After 40 days, a cleansing prayer is read over the young mother, after which she is again allowed to visit the temple and attend the baptism of her baby. Some parents are in no hurry to baptize their child, giving him the opportunity to grow up and get stronger. But you shouldn’t delay it, because as children grow older, they begin to get scared of new people and being in unfamiliar surroundings, so they can behave restlessly. |
Congratulations on the christening of a boy from grandparents
My granddaughter, little angel, be happy and healthy! Happiness, fragile little stalk, The best of gifts! Be a cheerful little boy, and grow up to the joy of everyone! Study, work tirelessly, Create your own Eden!
Beloved grandson, happy christening! Be faithful to God every moment. Let kindness surround you everywhere, May the Lord's blessing keep you.
Let faith be strong every moment, Let your prayers be sincere. And may the angel always protect you, Sometimes giving you a simple miracle.
Congratulations on your christening, grandson, dear child. May strong faith live and help you in a glorious life.
May the heavens protect you, And an angel cover you with his wings, May your patron arrange goodness, luck and love.
With the christening of you, my grandson, With a strong and weighty ceremony, I wish you to go with a beautiful light illuminated.
Let the angel protect you from trouble, And let everything succeed in life, Let faith protect you from trouble, And let joy smile in life.
In our house there is a hero - no matter where! His years have just begun. From now on he is protected from all troubles, the Angel of God dedicated a vow to him. Please accept congratulations, therefore, he will be happy and blessed. You cannot find a happier baby in the world, Than a child whose soul is baptized!
My granddaughter, you are my joy, I congratulate you on your Epiphany, your dear grandmother wishes you salvation. Grow, my dear angel, For the happiness of your loved ones and relatives, May the Omniscient Creator God preserve your soul.
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.
Peculiarities of baptism in a monastery
Previously, churches at monasteries were closed to everyone except monks and those wishing to take monastic vows. The ministers strictly adhered to the main rule: “Let them observe silence, and adhere only to fasting and prayer.” In turn, daily prayer services, confessions, and church sacraments performed with ordinary parishioners would be contrary to this law.
Today, monasteries are allowed to provide spiritual assistance to the laity, that is, to have a parish. In such a temple, services are held for parishioners, baptismal and wedding ceremonies are performed. Regardless of whether it is a male or female monastery, both boys and girls can be baptized. But it is worth noting that not all monastery churches have a parish, so this issue must be clarified in advance in a specific monastery.
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.
It is better to choose a recipient from close friends or relatives so that over the years the connection with him is not lost:
Parents need to carefully consider the choice of godparents, and the godparents themselves need to go through public conversations and decide for themselves whether they are ready for the assigned responsibility. Refusing to be a recipient is not a sin. Worse is not keeping your promise to the Lord. |
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.
Choosing the Right Church
For parents at this time, the issue of choosing the place where the child will be baptized becomes important. Much depends on which church the sacrament will be performed in. The existing rules and recommendations do not say anything strict about this. If the baby’s father and mother go to a specific church, they may well have the baby baptized by their confessor.
In the same case, when along with baptism their full coming to faith takes place, then they can do this at their own discretion and choose the church and priest who will be closest to them morally. An important factor is the proximity of the temple to home, so that going there in the future does not become rare , but is carried out on a regular basis.
Well-known clergy also recommend, if possible, to baptize the baby in some very significant places for Orthodox people, which can give the child additional strength.
It is worth noting that each temple has its own schedule for rituals, so you need to agree on the timing with the priest. It is he who determines the day (it is advisable that it does not fall on the godmother’s critical days (she will not enter the temple).
He will also tell you what church name will be given to the baby. You can give communion to a child on any day, that is, on Sundays, Orthodox holidays and Angel's Day.
If this is not possible, then it is advisable to bring the baby to communion at least once a month. Then he will become accustomed to spiritual life.
Where to perform the sacrament of Baptism?
| The child’s parents choose the venue at their own discretion. Small churches are preferable because they are visited by fewer people and there is the possibility of choosing a suitable date, and it is also easier to organize an individual sacrament. Parents need in advance:
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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.
Girl's christening clothes: dress
In the case of a girl's baptism, it is necessary to purchase a dress or shirt specially designed for this purpose, a cap with lace trim and booties. Sometimes the basic set also includes tights or other accessories. It all depends on the age of the baby and the time of year when the sacrament is performed. The material is not so important, but it should be pleasant to the touch, not cause discomfort to the baby, and also be suitable for the weather.
It is considered a good sign to choose a light shade for baptismal clothing, perhaps even white. The godmother can also make a set with her own hands; this will serve as additional protection for the girl, since such a thing will carry the energy of love and care.
After the sacrament, the kryzhma and baptismal gown are kept at home and under no circumstances are given to anyone. There is a practice of wrapping a child in it at the time of illness. Parishioners claim that this ensures a quick recovery for the baby and makes her calmer. For a year after the sacrament, the kryzhma is not washed.
Recommendations for choosing a church name: traditions and rules
Usually the already named child is baptized. If the baby’s name is Orthodox, then the priest identifies the heavenly patron among saints with the same name. When the name by which the child is named is not in the Orthodox calendar, the priest suggests choosing a church name for him:
The naming prayer precedes baptism. Further, it is the Orthodox name that is used in all church sacraments, and is also mentioned in prayers for the child. |
Boy baptism names
The choice of name plays a huge role in the baptism process. Often quite serious disagreements arise on this issue, which are quite difficult to bring to a common denominator. Therefore, it is better to turn to a clergyman, who will always advise what to do in a given situation.
Most often you have to choose a name for christening when the secular name is not Orthodox. If it is present in the church canon, then it is not at all necessary to change it. There is still a practice of giving different church and secular names. According to many parishioners, this protects the baby from the evil eye or other energetic influences. However, the church does not recognize the possibility of such outside influences. Therefore, the choice of name largely depends on the personal wishes of the parents. Often a name is chosen according to Christmastide, naming the child after a saint revered on the day or period of birth.
- Is it possible to be a godmother several times?
- Responsibilities of a godmother;
- On what days is it better to baptize a child?
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.
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.
Congratulations on the christening of a boy in verse
I sincerely congratulate you on your christening, May your baby grow up under protection, I wish him health and happiness, And may the Angel protect him everywhere!
An angel came down to the boy to help him in life, because then he was baptized! And I want to wish that his dreams come true, that he grows strong, strong! So that the sun smiles, So that God brings happiness!
Your baby is under God now, Today is his day of the cross, May this holiday of magic bring you all the best!
May his life be happy, filled with only goodness, Love, affection and care, The path is guarded by the angel of the house.
Congratulations on the baptism of a glorious baby! This is how this day is calculated: Now one more soul is under God’s protection.
Wash the little man with pure holy water, so that he has a golden character and a kind heart.
May the Lord send in fate Talents and aspirations, Health, childhood without worries, Happy growing up.
Happy christening to you, boy. The holy sacrament has passed. I wish that it brings goodness and joy into your destiny.
May the good angel always protect you And Heaven help, May the wind of happiness fill the sails on the schooner of life.
Today you were baptized, you were lowered into the font three times. From now on you have become the godson, May God’s mercy not leave you.
Like an angel in swaddling clothes, Miles have never seen the light of a child. Grow under angelic protection, washed from troubles with Holy water.
Your soul sings with joy, Today your baby was baptized! Let him grow up healthy, Let him find his way in life, Let him grow up strong and big, So that you can always be proud of him, So that he never upsets you, May he become your assistant, your support!
Today is the sacrament of baptism for a boy, for a baby. Immersion in the holy font, So that the soul sings in joy.
Let the little boy grow up healthy, happy, joyful, big. Protected by an angel and God, and always loved by the whole family.
Good luck, wisdom, luck, success in life in everything. In matters of diligence, patience, worthy to be a student.
Happy christening to you, baby, I wish you God's grace, Today you received the rite, The mark of the angelic seal.
I wish you strength and happiness, May faith help you in life, May hope, joy and love never leave you.
May the light of kindness and understanding illuminate your path through life, May the flow of Divine support bless you for take-off.
I sincerely congratulate you, you have already been baptized, Life, my dear, will become brighter and happier, yours.
I wish you, boy, Happiness, joy, good luck, May Heaven help you solve problems in life.
My dear, beloved son, I congratulate you on your Baptism, I have only one you, and with all my soul I wish,
Let love come to you, And let luck not leave you, And let joy find you, And let everything that means a lot in life!
Photo and video recording of the sacrament as a keepsake
It would be appropriate to capture the bright sacrament of baptism in photographs and record it on video in order to show it to a grown-up child in the future. At the same time, we recommend that you foresee important points in advance:
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Photos courtesy of Olesya Panteleeva.
Congratulations on the boy's christening in your own words
Happy christening! May your little angel grow up healthy and happy! Let all troubles and illnesses pass him by, let a bright and joyful life await him! Let the laughter and patter of your baby’s feet inspire and motivate you to great achievements!
Let the christening give your baby a guardian angel who will constantly watch over him from heaven! And here on earth, not only his mom and dad, his family, but also two wonderful godparents will now look after him! May all your child’s defenders always have enough strength, skills and dexterity to truly help at the right moment!
I sincerely congratulate the parents and their baby on the sacrament of baptism! Today your baby has found not only a godfather and godmother, who will be with him at any moment, but also the intercession and help of God. Let faith help him grow up to be a kind, honest and loving person!
On this touching day of our boy’s christening, I want to express my gratitude to the parents. They were the ones who gave the world such a wonderful baby. I, as a godmother, wish that my beloved godson grows up healthy and kind, that angels play a quiet, gentle melody of love on small pipes every night over his bedside, that the great forces of the divine world protect the boy from bitter tears and evil. May he be happy, successful and cheerful throughout the life prepared for him from above.
My little grandson, our common sunshine! Now you are baptized and are under the protection of a holy angel who will greet your morning and see off your day with invisible participation, secret help, and sincere love! May hard times never fall on your shoulders, and then on your shoulders, and let their heaviness darken your life, which is immensely dear to all of us!
This wonderful event has happened! From this day on, your baby is under the most reliable protection - the protection of God! May there be no disappointments, adversities and falls on his path. May God and the guardian angels hear your prayers and give your baby health and cheerfulness. Please accept our sincere congratulations!
The christening of this little angel is a wonderful holiday! We would like to wish him a happy and long life, may he always be blessed by God, and may his faith be sincere. He has a whole life ahead of him, full of joys and sorrows. So let him learn to appreciate joy, and let him perceive sorrow with fortitude and dignity. Happy christening!
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