Despite the massive spread of atheism in Soviet times, in the modern world more and more people are returning to religion. Most of the Russian population preaches Orthodoxy, so many believers are interested in when you can baptize a newborn. As a rule, this is done on the fortieth day from the birth of the baby. Why such a deadline? Throughout this period of time, a woman is considered "unclean" and she is forbidden to enter the temple. In exceptional cases, a ceremony can be performed 8 days after the birth of the baby, for example, if he is seriously ill. Before this, the mother of the child should read a special prayer, after which she will be allowed to enter the temple.
What do you need to bring to church?
But it is important to know not only when to baptize a newborn, but also how to prepare for this rite. For the baptismal ceremony, the baby's parents choose his godparents whose task is to accompany their godson in spiritual formation. Godparents need to know important prayers and beliefs, their main task is to retell the main points of the Bible. According to church canons, a child must have one godparent (a boy has a man, a girl has a woman), however, it has long been a tradition to select a pair of parents - godfather and mother. Most often, this "family" couple is a couple of close people. You should not choose random people who will fulfill their roles only formally.
Who should be godparents?Before wondering when the newborn is baptized, it is better to choose the candidacy of the godparents. It is immediately necessary to determine who they certainly can not be. First of all, these are the parents themselves. In the second, atheists or people of a different faith. The moral image of future godfathers of father and mother is also important. They should not use drugs, drink alcohol, lead a promiscuous sex life. All this testifies to the moral instability of people. Such parents will not be able to teach their pupil anything good.
When is a newborn baby baptized?
The answer is simple: forty days after the birth of the baby. But it is not important. Some parents do not perform this ceremony, leaving the child with the right to choose whether to come to faith or not. Others want to leave the process of baptism to a more conscious age of the child.
How is the baptismal rite?
Now you know when a newborn is baptized. But how does the rite go? Above the child, the priest reads prayers, lubricating him with special oil. Then the baby is dipped three times in holy water. After that, the child is given a new name. Most often it is called in honor of the saint whose feast falls on the day of christening. This date is considered the second birthday. In addition to what you need to know when a newborn is baptized, how the rite is held, you need to take some things with you.
This is primarily a
pectoral cross and a large towel (or sheet). You will also need
a birth certificate . It should be understood that baptism is a sacrament, therefore only parents and godparents are present.
Baptism is a small celebration!
If desired, the completion of the rite by church canons can be celebrated - this is not prohibited. On a birthday it is customary to give gifts, as well as on a birthday. Sometimes godparents pay the rite - this is their gift to the pupil. The rest of the people can donate toys for the baby or household items.