The rite of baptism of children is a church Sacrament through which every child of faithful parents must go. This, of course, is the most important rite in the life of every Orthodox Christian. It is believed that during baptism a person dies for his sinful life and is reborn for eternal, pure life. We’ll talk about this.
Many newly made parents think about the baptism of their child immediately after birth. But how to organize everything right? Dear popes and mothers, know that the rite of baptism of children is a special Sacrament for which you need to prepare in a certain way. Which one? Now we will tell you in stages.
How should the baptismal ceremony take place?
The rules by which this Divine Sacrament takes place have long been defined. The main thing is to have a sincere desire. If you, for example, don’t really want to baptize your child in infancy, then you don’t need to. Wait. Your parental instinct will tell you at what age you need to do this. So, how is the baptismal rite of the child?
First, you need to find godparents for your baby. These must be believers. If it is not possible to find two, then the rite of baptism allows only one godfather: for a girl - women, for a boy - men. Godparents must know the Creed by heart . In the future, they will pray for their young godchildren, tell them about the Lord, about the Church. If the search for future godparents was unsuccessful, the rite of baptism of children can occur without them. In any case, the father should not refuse you this.
Secondly, you can baptize a baby immediately after birth. But in this case, the mother cannot be present in the temple, since she is considered unclean before the Lord for 40 days. If she still wants to be present at the baptism of her child, then it is necessary to wait 40 days, after which the priest must read a special prayer over her.
Thirdly, you need to take care of the things in which the child will be in the temple. The fact is that the rite of baptism of children requires that they wear white baptismal shirts (necessarily new ones). They can be purchased directly in the temple (usually future godparents do this). Why is this necessary? Old clothes symbolize the sins that need to be washed away, appearing in the eyes of the Lord in everything new, clean, white ... The baptismal shirt is stored throughout the life of the child.
Fourth, it should be understood that this Church Sacrament is the first holy feast for a child. That is why you need to knowingly prepare, taking care of how to celebrate this event. At home you need to set the festive table and invite the people closest and faithful to you. Note that this is not a holiday for adults, so there can be no talk of any alcoholic beverages.
What becomes a child after the sacrament of baptism?
He becomes a convert Christian. He receives a Christian name (name), acquires a heavenly patron and intercessor, who can ask God to show mercy to his ward, to forgive him for this or that sin.