The sacrament of baptism is the very first rite, which is very significant for the Christian. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare for it both for the parents themselves and for the future godfathers. What should be considered for baptizing a child? Are there any rules and restrictions? We will answer these and many other questions in the article.
What is baptism?
Baptism is the first and most important Christian sacrament recognized in Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Protestantism. Thanks to him, a person becomes one of the members of the church. The baptism of children gives them the opportunity to continue to be involved in other sacraments of the church, for example, such as the Eucharist (communion).
Baptism is slightly different in different faiths, for example, in Orthodoxy, a person is immersed three times in water, in Catholicism - once, and in Protestantism they simply pour water on one who receives baptism. During the ceremony, the priest reads prayers specific to this sacrament. One of the main roles during the ceremony is played by the godparents, who have a great responsibility and responsibility to their godson.
The origin of baptism
In ancient times, immersion in water or pouring water over practically all peoples paid special attention and great importance was attached. It was believed that during this rite a person is cleansed not only physically, but also spiritually.
The baptism of children in one form or another was encountered in ancient Rome. The ancient Roman writer and philosopher Macrobius (V century A.D.) writes that on the 8th or 9th day newborns were washed with water and gave them a name.
In early Christianity, baptism was performed in Jordan by the Baptist John, who preached the imminent appearance of the Messiah. Baptism was performed as a symbol of repentance for committed sinful deeds. The Son of God was also baptized by John, as the church teaches, while he was sinless.
Baptism of children
Baptism is a very important sacrament in Christianity, and when exactly to baptize a child, each parent decides for himself. It is believed that it is best to baptize 40 days after birth, especially since until this time the mother of the child, according to church canons, is unclean.
In the Old Testament church, a child was delivered to the church 40 days after the birth of God, and a special prayer was read over his mother. This was done before or after baptism.
When to begin the baptism of children, the question is controversial, it is necessary to proceed from specific cases and situations. Baptizing a child while he is still very small is preferable, as this corresponds to the canons. Moreover, a small child is easier to endure the rite and calmer responds to outsiders, such as a priest and godparents.
Rite of baptism
The baptism of children in the church is desirable, but not mandatory, there are exceptions when the ceremony is carried out at home. At the very beginning of the sacrament, the holy father recites the so-called prohibition prayers, which protect the child from Satan in the name of the Lord. After this, the godfathers abdicate three times from unclean power and three times proclaims the union with Jesus as the Lord.
Then the priest pronounces a prayer at the baptism of the child and blesses the water and oil of oil, which smear the baptized. After anointing with oil, a little person is called a name that is taken from the Christian tradition. It is preferable to choose a name according to the calendar, as in the old days, but now it is not mandatory, but advisory in nature.
Immersion in the font
After receiving the name of the child three times immersed in a font with water. At the first immersion, the holy father utters the words that the servant or servant of God is baptized, the name is called and said: "... in the name of the Father. Amen."
During the second immersion in the font, the priest says: “... and the Son. Amen". When the child dips into the water for the third time, the priest says: “... and the Holy Spirit. Amen".
According to the rules of baptism, a child after immersion in water is placed in krigma, this is a special baptismal diaper, it is also called "kryzhma" or "kryzhmo". The process itself fits into the period from half to an hour. Then the priest begins to conduct the sacrament of anointing.
Rite completion
The Holy Father reads the Gospel and carries out the tonsure of the baptized, cutting his small lock of hair. Then the child is put on a cross, which is a symbol of the fact that he has become a Christian.
When choosing a cross for the baptism of a child, you should familiarize yourself with some rules. His godparents should choose him. The material from which the cross is made does not play a big role, it can be made of gold, silver, bronze, copper or amber. In the spiritual sense, crosses made of metal and wood are very close to the Cross of the Lord.
The cross does not have to be purchased at the church shop; it can be bought anywhere else. It is recommended to purchase a cross that does not have sharp corners in order to avoid the slightest damage. When buying not in the shop at the church, before the sacrament begins, the cross must be consecrated.
God-parents
Contrary to popular belief, there should not necessarily be two godparents. It can be one, the main thing in this case - when a girl’s child is baptized, it must be a woman, and when a boy is baptized, only a man. Often the question arises: "Who can be godparents, but who can not?"
In reality, there are no specific rules; they are all quite simple. The godfather must be an Orthodox, baptized person, since he is responsible for the spiritual education of the child. The godfather cannot be the parent of the child. It cannot be a monk or a nun. There are no other restrictions on the rules for baptizing a child.
Before the sacrament
Before the rite, the godfather and mother must come to a conversation with the priest. The Holy Father tells the future godfather and mother about Christ and the Gospel, instructs spiritual cleansing before the sacrament of baptism.
Before the baptism of the child, the godparents need to memorize the text of a special prayer - “Symbol of Faith”. It is pronounced three times during the ceremony, it is also advisable that one of the godparents read it.
Future godparents still need to confess and receive communion, before this was a mandatory requirement, now this is done at will. However, it is recommended that you take a responsible approach to the sacrament of baptism, take the sacrament, and purify your soul with confession.
The responsibilities of the godparents
The godfather of the child during the procedure holds the baby in his arms, in the case when the boy is baptized, if the girl, then the godmother does it.
Parents (godparents) give the baptized man a pectoral cross, and also choose the first gift for him. Previously, the first gift was called "a tooth." It was a silver spoon, which the child first began to eat.
Godparents also give the child a birthmark (growth, measured) icon. The icon should be with a child of the same name as a saint and of the same height as him. This saint will be the patron and assistant of the child who has passed the rite.
What does the godfather need to know for the baptism of a child? First of all, he assumes the responsibilities of spiritual education. He tells him about the main Christian canons, teaches the saving ordinances of Communion and Confession.
The main duty of the godfather is a prayer for his ward. If anything happens to his parents, it is he who must take up the upbringing and care of the baby.
Name at baptism
What is needed to baptize a child and choose a name for him according to the holy calendar? For a long time in Russia there was a tradition to give a name according to clergy. Saints call a list of Christian saints, dates of life, as well as their deeds. The name for the child was chosen as follows. After the birth of the baby, the parents and relatives of the mother and father began to study the holy calendar and select the appropriate name for the newborn.
If on a birthday it was not possible to find a suitable, harmonious name that parents would like, then the search continued on the following days of the calendar. When a child is called according to the holy calendar, he is given the custody and protection of that saint whose name he is called. Nowadays, many believing families follow this tradition and give a name to a newborn when they are baptized according to the holy calendar.
General and individual ceremonies
There are two types of sacraments - general and individual. From the point of view of church rules, there is absolutely no difference in them. If you will baptize a child with other children, you must come at the appointed time, with the child, godparents and related accessories. Your child will receive the sacrament of baptism along with other children in order of priority.
Individual baptism can also be done. To do this, you should discuss the details with the holy father and ask him to set the date and time of the ceremony for a certain day. It is convenient for both parents and the child, and for godparents. In an individual rite, there will be no outsiders in the church, and the child will feel much calmer.
Differences for daughters and sons
The procedure for daughters and sons is slightly different. So, for example, the girls, after they were lowered into the font, bring closer to the icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Savior. The baptism of a child by his mother (godmother) does not imply service at the altar of the temple, since the final stage of the sacrament is carried out there only for boys with their godfathers.
There is a difference in the baptism of girls and boys and in clothing, for example, girls, like adult women, should have their heads covered. The headdress (white cap) is acquired by the godparents and put on for the entire time they are in the temple.
When baptizing boys, there are also some features, in particular, the adoption of a male baby by the godmother before being dipped into the font. After immersing him three times in his arms, the godfather takes (provided that there are two godparents).
There are no restrictions on days and holidays for the sacrament of baptism. Therefore, it is allowed to baptize children on any day: ordinary, festive, and fasting. You can also do this during Lent, which is not prohibited by church canons. Each church has its own schedule, and you need to choose the time for baptism, given it.
It is important to remember that the baptism of a child is the main step of the baby in spiritual life. It is also the responsibility of the godparents, who are responsible for the spiritual education of the child. The sacrament of baptism should be approached seriously and thoroughly prepared. Having brought up the offspring in the Christian faith, in following the commandments, you will lay the fundamental foundation of his whole life, forming from him a worthy person.