Christening is always a holiday. And if a birthday is celebrated annually, then this holiday happens only once in a lifetime. It is important to be very responsible for the choice of godparents. According to Orthodoxy, biological parents are accountable to the “world”, and godparents are accountable to God. They must take care of spiritual education. According to the canons, only a baptized and a believer can become a godmother. Biological godparents cannot be, unlike all other relatives. Godparents are required to take the child to the sacrament at least once a year. The ideal option is when the christening coincides with the fortieth day from the birth of the baby. Siblings cannot be godparents.
Agree on baptism in the church in advance. At least a week before the planned date. Meet the priest if you are not already familiar. Discuss with him all the details. No one will tell you better about the sacrament. Specify whether it is possible to call guests, to shoot the event. Not all clerics approve of this, so be prepared to refuse. It is quite possible to christen a child at home, but according to a long-standing tradition, they do this in churches and churches, "under the domes." Find out what name your child receives at baptism. Sometimes a child is given a different name, since not all worldly names are present to Orthodox Christians.
What "dowry" to prepare for the christening of a child? Father must tell you about this too. Required, as a rule:
- chain and cross;
- the icon of the saint (the name given at baptism must match the name of the saint);
- a large towel (better if it is new), which will cover the baby after the ceremony;
- The outfit for the child is white (do not be stingy, because this is the most important holiday in life);
- a blanket for the baby;
- birth certificate and passport of one of the parents.
Christening a child. rules
Godparents must necessarily learn the prayer "Believe." It will have to be pronounced at the ceremony. Be sure to wear crosses when you are going to church. Before the christening, both godparents should go to church, repent and receive communion. Both before communion and before baptism, godparents should not eat (before the rite) and have sex on this day. The christening of the child must be paid by the godparents. In addition, the godmother pays (or gives) the outfit for the child, and the godmother pays the cross.
Godmother should be dressed modestly. No miniskirts and defiant makeup! The head must be covered. On "critical days" women do not go to the temple. A woman who gave birth to a child 39 days ago or less cannot become a godmother. Godfathers should not be in close relationships. If the child has only one godfather, before he must be of the same gender as the child. It is undesirable to become a godmother to a pregnant woman. The ceremony lasts a long time, and almost all this time she will have to hold the baby. Keep this in mind when planning your baby's christening.
How to behave during such a ceremony?
Clothing should be decent, modest, in bright colors. Women should be with their heads covered, skirts no higher than the knee (preferably long). Men entering the church should take off their hats. Before entering and after entering you need to cross yourself. Leave jewelry at home this day. To place and hold a candle is permissible with any hand. Baptized with the right hand. On the right half of the church should be men, on the left - women. If the mother still has discharge after childbirth, she must not enter the church.
How are the christening of a child?
You need to drive in advance. The priest will give a sign (notify him of your arrival) when you can enter. The child is brought in by godparents. Father must keep the girl, mother - the boy. According to custom, the child should be naked, wrapped in a diaper, but now this rule is rarely adhered to. The first thing the priest does is put his hand on the baby. Gesture means the protection given by the Lord to the infant. Godparents are standing with the baby at the font, holding candles. There is a reading of “The Creed”, a renunciation of the devil and a promise to fulfill God's commandments. Then the priest blesses the water, the baby is taken from the godparents and thrice lowered into the font. Do not worry that the child will catch a cold. The temple is always warm, and the water is at least 36 degrees. During baptism, the sacrament of anointing is performed. The priest crosswise anoints the child with the holy world (aromatic oil made at special times and under special conditions) forehead, eyes, ears, mouth, nostrils, rib cage, arms, legs, pronouncing each time: “Seal of the Holy Spirit, Amen.” Then the child is given to the godfather (if it was a boy) or godmother (if it is a girl). They wipe the child, put on a cross and clothes (should be ready). The priest cuts the child’s hair crosswise. This is a symbol of obedience to God and the sacrifice of the baptized (as thanks for entering into a pure spiritual life). The child is surrounded three times around the font (meaning reunion with the Church). The father brings the boy to the altar (girls do not bring), the girl is given the icon of the Mother of God. The rite can last up to two hours.
After baptism, sweets are left (given to the clergy) in the church, and in the absence of fasting, sausages, cereals, and white bread. The rest depends on your desire and wallet.
Do not wash clothes after the ceremony. Put it as it is. After christening must be communed next Sunday