Baptismal Guidelines & Checklist (2008)

Baptism brings about the birth of new life in Christ. The Orthodox Church practices infant baptism because historically it never required “understanding” as a pre-condition. To know God is the fruit of baptism. Baptism makes a person a participant in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and a member of His body the Church. This is the first step in becoming a follower of Jesus Christ. The Church does have a responsibility to administer the sacrament only to those who have shown that this is the primary purpose for the baptism.

“Or are you ignorant that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him by the baptism into the death, that even as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, thus also we should walk in newness of life. [Rom. 6].”

I. Requirements Prior to the Baptism for the parents:

1. Active Church Membership

A Baptism is a privilege that requires a commitment on behalf of the parents to raise the child in the Orthodox Church. If parents are not active members of the Church, you must demonstrate a desire to become active for the sacrament to be approved. Parents are the primary role models for their children in living a committed life to Christ. Commitment to Christ is expressed in regularly attending Sunday liturgy, participating in the sacramental life of the Church and being a current Steward of the Church.

• If parents themselves are not regularly attending an Orthodox Church, an appointment should be made with the priest in order to discuss the situation.

“Good Standing” Requirements for an Orthodox Christian

1. Married in the Orthodox Church. If you were not married in the Orthodox Church, your marriage needs to be blessed in the Church in order to be in good standing. This is not required prior to baptizing a child but arrangements ought to be made to have the marriage blessed in the Church.

2. A Pledged Steward of an Orthodox Church for the current year.

3. Actively attending the divine services on Sundays.

Choosing a Sponsor or Godparent In the Baptismal service, the Church requires a Sponsor/Godparent (koumbaros – male, Koumbara – female). The Godparent is the one who vouches for the child and the family as to the sincerity of the reasons why they are seeking baptism. In addition, the godparents serve to guide, teach, and counsel their godchildren in the Orthodox faith. The Church requires that the Godparent be an Orthodox Christian in good standing; there are no exceptions to this rule. The priest can help couples in the selection of godparents if needed.

Requirements to Serve as a Godparent

• Must be an Orthodox Christian

• A registered Steward of an Orthodox Parish.

• If married, must be in an Orthodox Church.

• If married in the Orthodox Church and are now divorced, they need to obtain an Ecclesiastical Divorce Decree.

• A parishioner may serve as a sponsor in another Parish by presenting a letter of good standing from his or her home Parish Priest.

The Godparent anoints the child with blessed oil during the ceremony. By participating in the sacrament in this manner, the Godparent is making a pledge to guide and support  their Godchild.

Godparent Customs

• It is customary for the Godparent to bring their Godchild to Holy Communion for three consecutive Sundays after the Baptism. This is done in order to form the habit of frequent communion for the child.

II. Scheduling Your Baptism

If you would like to schedule a baptism for your child, parents need to schedule an appointment with Fr. Christopher or Fr. Spiro.

Invitations:

The printing of invitations should not be done until the date and time for the baptism has been confirmed with the Priests

III. Frequently asked Questions:

Naming the Child: If the child was not given a Christian name (a saint’s name) one must be selected. The giving of a Christian name establishes a life long relationship between the child and their saint. If you need help Fr. Chris or Fr. Spiro can assist in selecting a name.

Baptismal Candles and Martyrika (witness crosses w/ ribbon): Traditionally, the newly baptized receive a decorated candle at baptism. Some provide their guests with martyrika (witness pins) which can be personalized with the child’s name and date of the baptism.

Length of the Baptism:

The Baptism service is approximately 45 minutes long.

• Chanter • Custodian Fees

• There is no fee for the Sacrament, however it is required that you are a current Steward of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. A signed pledged form along with an initial payment is required prior to the Baptism.

Days when baptisms are not permitted: Baptisms may not be performed from Christmas Day through the Feast of Theophany (December 25-January 6), during Holy Week, or on any of the Great Feastdays of the Lord.

Baptismal Checklist:

The following items are either provided by the parents or the Godparents.

• Cross & Chain

• White Outfit for after the Service

• A Small Bottle of Olive Oil

• A Bar of Ivory soap • 1 white hand towel

• 1 Large White Bath Towel - (If a double baptism – bring 2)

• 1 Large Candle- (If a double baptism – bring 2)

• Optional additional smaller candles for Children to participate in a procession