Baptism is a kind of cleansing from possible filth, the instruction of one who has come to God on the true path. In a mystical sense, it is also a renunciation of Satan, a demonstration that human life is forever connected with God. Usually the sacrament of baptism takes place in childhood, but it is possible much later, the Church does not limit anyone in his quest for the Absolute. In this article we will look at how a child is baptized.
First you need to decide on the choice of
godparents. The main condition is a kinship of souls, general views on raising a child. You must be sure that they can not only help you in various situations, come to the rescue, but they will also be able to bring benefit to your child. This does not mean that you automatically relieve yourself of the responsibility for the Christian upbringing of your children, shift this burden to the shoulders of others. On the contrary, it is a matter of taking an obligation to God and the Church to show, by our own example, a Christian model of life.
What is necessary for the baptism of a child? Mandatory artiboots - a cross and a shirt, in which the child falls into the font. You can buy such a shirt in the temple where the baptismal procedure will take place, or sew from a simple fabric. But do not forget about the cross on the back. You will need more shoes or slippers. Remember that this is in line with church traditions. Many churches are very anxious to follow such details.
How is the baptism of the child, they will tell you directly in the temple. You will need candles, which are easiest to purchase directly in the church premises before the sacrament begins. Buy a few candles, do not regret - they are needed for both the baptized and the godfather. Some of the candles are donated.
The procedure itself lasts about 40 minutes. A beginner is usually not allowed to conduct the Sacraments. An experienced priest knows better how a child is baptized. At the very beginning, “prohibitions” are read - special prayers, after which there is a renunciation of Satan and the adoption of the Orthodox faith. The godparents also pronounce the words relying on the sacrament, after which the child is immersed in water three times. Meanwhile, the priest pronounces the following words: “The servant of God (servant of God) (name) is baptized in the name of the Father, amen. And the Son, amen. And the Holy Spirit, amen. "
After bathing, the godfather receives a godson (or godson), on which new white robes and a cross are put on. It remains to undergo the ceremony of Anointing. The Holy Father and godparents, reading a special prayer, go around the baptized three times. In some temples, in addition, the Epistle to the Romans is read in the part devoted to baptism. The baby is washed with holy water, and a special prayer is said over him, emphasizing the inextricable connection of the world, God and the baptized.
The last action is to cut the baby with a cross, which should symbolize submission to the will of God and the birth of a new life in Christ. The baby is again dipped three times in the water with the corresponding prayers.
Now it all depends on the parents and godparents. In what spirit they raise a child, whether they will instill Christian values in him - by and large depends only on them.
In conclusion, you must say: do not be afraid. There is nothing difficult or dangerous about how a child is baptized. If he is calm, then he will not even have time to notice how the Sacrament ends.