How is a baby boy baptized? When is the best time to baptize a baby? What is needed for baptism

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One of major events in the life of a believer, this is a sacrament during which he is accepted into the faith and the church. The baptism of a child, both a boy and a girl, is carried out according to certain rules of the church. The sacrament is carried out according to a ritual that has not changed for several centuries. Parents and godparents must prepare carefully and in advance for this significant event.

What is baby baptism

The rite of baptism of a child is an important step for believing parents and their baby, a procedure after which a person is accepted into the Christian faith and church. Christenings have long history, but before today the basic rules and canons have been preserved. Holy baptism The birth of a child is not a tribute to fashion or tradition, the ritual saves the baby from sins (hereditary or personal) and birth takes place for a holy, spiritual life.

Choosing a name

If the name with which the baby is registered on the birth certificate is not in the calendar, then you should decide on choosing another one. They select names for the child’s baptism that are consonant with the world, for example, Zhanna - Anna, Sergei - Sergius. When there is no such correspondence in the church calendar, the name of the saint is used, who is honored immediately after the birth of the baby. When choosing a name, it is better to seek help from a clergyman rather than doing it yourself. In church rituals, the name given during the sacrament is used. It is necessary to know him in order to honor the heavenly intercessor.

At what age is it better to baptize a child?

The Church recommends scheduling a baby's christening as early as possible. Catholics and Orthodox Christians schedule the baptism of a child in the first months from the date of birth, although a person of any age is allowed to perform the ceremony. Some people postpone baptism until a person can independently decide on his choice of religion. Often the date for the sacrament is set on the 40th day of the baby’s life. The choice of the date of baptism, which establishes when to baptize a child, has several reasonable explanations:

• newborns up to 3 months can easily tolerate head-first dives;
• babies behave calmer and are not afraid when strangers pick them up;
• The mother of the baby is allowed to enter the church after 40 days from the date of birth.

Child christening - rules and signs

If the baptism of an infant is carried out according to all the rules, preparation for the sacrament should begin in advance. For future godparents church prescribes going to confession a few days before the date of the christening, repenting and receiving communion. It is also recommended to fast for 3-4 days, although this condition is not mandatory. On the morning of the ceremony, godparents should not eat or have sex the day before.

On what days are children baptized in church?

You can carry out the sacrament of baptism of a child on any day, be it a holiday, an ordinary day, or a fast day. IN church calendars there are no prohibitions on certain dates of the ceremony. The only exceptions are Christmas, Easter and Trinity, when the churches are crowded and it will be difficult to conduct the sacrament. Some temples have their own schedule related to internal regulations. When choosing the day on which the baptism of children will be scheduled, it is better to consult with a priest.

Rules for baptizing a child in the Orthodox Church

When you decide to baptize a child, it is important not only to choose a temple and purchase baptismal supplies, but also to familiarize yourself with the conditions defined by the church that parents and guests must follow. IN church rules it is stated that everyone must be with body crosses. Women should wear closed dresses and cover their heads with a scarf. The baptism process lasts at least half an hour, the baby will be held in your arms, so it is better to avoid uncomfortable high-heeled shoes.

Men will need a dark suit, but not black. Although the church does not set strict rules regarding appearance men do not need to come to the place where the sacraments are performed wearing shorts and a T-shirt. On the eve of the solemn event, the parents, as well as godmothers and popes must confess. A few days before the sacrament takes place, you should fast.

What is needed for the baptism of a boy child

When a boy is christened, the ceremony must include Godfather. Traditionally, he takes on all financial obligations, buys a cross for the ceremony and a gift. The custom of paying for the ritual is not always entrusted to the godfather; depending on the financial situation, the child’s natural parents can make a donation to the church. Buy baptism set, which includes a shirt, a blanket, and sometimes a cap, belongs to the godmother. She is also responsible for buying kryzhma and a silk scarf for the clergy.

Girl christening

At the sacrament of baptism of a girl, the godmother is considered the main recipient. Its main task is to read the “Creed” prayer during the ceremony. If it is difficult to memorize a text, you can take a hint with words. Traditionally, a woman gives a baptismal set and buys a kryzhma (white towel) for her godchildren. As a gift, you can present an icon of the saint whose name the goddaughter bears. The godfather must buy a cross, and also helps the girl’s parents financially by paying for the ceremony.

Choosing godparents

One of the main tasks of parents is to choose the right godparents (fathers) from Orthodox Christians for their newborn. These are not just those people who give gifts to a child on holidays, but also engage in spiritual education, teach the rules of Christian life and the basics of Orthodox doctrine. According to the church charter, one godparent is required: for a girl - a woman, for a boy - a man, but often both the godmother and the godfather are invited for the baptism procedure. Both recipients must be Orthodox Christians.

Receivers cannot be changed, so parents must carefully select mentors for their child. Often the child’s relatives are invited to this responsible “position”. Grandmothers, uncles, older sisters and any other people close to the family can become godparents. If you choose adoptees from the family, the godson will communicate with them more often, for example, at family events. In addition to the conditions set by the church, it is worth paying attention to the following qualities of potential godparents:

• reliability;
• responsibility;
• high moral and ethical values.

Who has no right to be a godfather

According to the norms of church law, sometimes a person cannot become godfather or mom. The high responsibility that is imposed on the recipients determines the circle of people who cannot claim such an honorable role. The following cannot become godparents:

• spouses or bride and groom for one child;
• parents for their baby;
• monks and nuns;
• non-Orthodox, unbaptized;
• immoral or insane;
• children (boys under 15, girls under 13).

The sacrament of baptism - rules for godparents

Responsibility for raising their godchildren in the Orthodox spirit is assigned to their godchildren. Preparing for this the most important stage plays a huge role in a child’s life, although it does not require much effort. Previously, recipients need to undergo a special interview by visiting the church. The godmother helps the parents prepare some items for the child's baptism. It is important that she knows how to handle the child, that she can take off his clothes and put on the baptismal set.

The godmother plays the most important role when the sacrament is performed on a girl. In cases where male infants are baptized, the godfather bears great responsibility. He takes the baby after immersing himself in the holy font, when the baby is wrapped in kryzhma. The godfather can also participate in the purchase of a baptismal set or cross. All material expenses are secondary; the main condition for a child’s baptism is the sincere faith of the relatives and godparents.

What you need to know

Godparents are entrusted with the enormous responsibility of spiritual education of the godson, teaching him the basics of the Christian faith. If the recipients are not sufficiently informed, then they should fill in the gaps, study the relevant literature, and talk with priests. Before the sacrament, it is better to learn about the rules of the ceremony. It is important to clarify at what stage the godmother takes the baby, and when the baby is held by the godfather, at what point the child is wrapped in kryzhma, and when the baptismal shirt is put on him.

Prayer for the baptism of a child for godparents

To receive the sacrament of baptism, a person (or recipients, if the ceremony is performed on a child) needs to know two fundamental prayers for all Christians: “Our Father”, “Creed”. It is better to know their text by heart and understand the meaning. IN modern church They are tolerant of the fact that recipients do not remember prayers. It is allowed to read them according to the prayer book.

Responsibilities of godparents

The role of godparents does not end after the sacrament of baptism; they need to pay a lot of attention to the spiritual education of the godson. Through personal example, the recipients must demonstrate human virtues to the child and teach him the basics of the Christian faith. With Christian upbringing, children need to learn to resort to the sacraments of confession, communion, and become familiar with the dates church holidays. Godparents give knowledge about the gracious power of the icon Mother of God, other shrines.

The godparents teach the godchildren to attend services, pray, observe fasting and other provisions of the church charter. Of the many tasks assigned to godparents, the most important is daily prayer about his godson. Throughout your life, you should maintain a warm and trusting relationship with your godson, be with him in sorrow and joy.

How does the baptism ceremony take place?

The sacred sacrament is carried out according to a specific plan and in in the prescribed manner, which has not changed for many years. The baptism of a child is called a spiritual birth, the main participants in the process are the priest, godparents and the newborn. According to ancient customs, the baby’s natural parents should not be present during the ceremony, but today they treat this with loyalty and allow mom and dad to attend the sacrament. The procedure can be divided into the following stages:

1. The rite of announcement. At that stage, over those preparing for baptism, the priest three times reads prohibitory prayers against evil and the baby’s renunciation of it. The baby is wrapped only in diapers, his chest and face should be free.
2. Prohibition on unclean spirits. Turning to the west, the priest reads prayers against Satan three times.
3. The renunciation of the recipients. The priest asks questions, and the recipients are responsible for the baby.
4. Confession of fidelity to the son of God. The godparents and the baby turn to the east and again answer the priest’s questions. At the end of the rite of confession of allegiance, the recipients read the prayer “Creed.”
5. Blessing of water. The priest dresses in white robes and performs the ceremony. The receivers each take a candle in their hands, and 3 more are lit on the eastern side of the font. After reading the prayer and asking for illumination of the water, the priest baptizes the water three times and blows on it.
6. Blessing of the oil. This stage of baptism is carried out similarly to the illumination of water. The priest blows into the vessel with oil three times, makes the sign of the cross over it, and reads a prayer. The water of the font is anointed with sacred oil when the person is baptized.
7. Immersion of the baby in the font three times. The priest baptizes the child by immersing him in water three times. The procedure is accompanied by special prayers. After the baby is dipped into the font three times, the priest hands the baby over to his receivers. The godfather takes the boy's child, and the godmother takes the girl's child. The baby is wrapped in a baptismal towel or kryzhma.
8. Dressing the baby in baptismal clothes. The baptism ceremony continues with the putting on of baptismal shirts on the newly baptized, and the baby is also given a cross.
9. Sacrament of Confirmation. The priest anoints the baby’s forehead, eyes, cheeks, chest, arms and legs while saying a prayer. The boy is carried around the altar three times, the priest helps the girls to venerate the icon of the Mother of God. The process is accompanied by a prayer of churching.
10. Hair cutting ceremony. The priest cuts some hair from the newborn's head. At the end of the sacrament, this hair remains in the church as a symbol of the first sacrifice to God.

Celebration of christening

The holy sacrament of baby baptism ends with a family celebration. The ceremonial table should include dishes made from dough and cereals. Guests are often treated to pancakes, pies and other pastries. It is traditional to serve poultry; clay dishes are used for baking it. An indispensable treat should be vegetables and herbs, symbolizing spring and the beginning of a new life. Godparents and guests present the baby with a gift. There are no special requirements for choosing a gift. You can give anything: from an icon of a saint to a set of silver spoons.

What to do with baptismal items

How to be baptized is described in detail in the Bible, but there are no recommendations for the use of baptismal paraphernalia. Because of this, there are many opinions and advice. Priests can recommend several options for storing kryzhma to parents:

• put it in the corner of the chest of drawers and take it out extreme cases(if the baby is sick or behaves restlessly);
• place the kryzhma near the crib, hiding it from public view, so that it protects the baby.

When the baby does not wear the cross all the time, it can be stored along with the kryzhma in the chest of drawers. While opinions may differ regarding the use of kryzhma, there are actions that absolutely cannot be carried out with it. The baptism towel cannot be washed, thrown away, or baptized another person in it. The baptismal shirt is put into a box or a special bag and kept for life. There is an opinion that it has healing powers; the shirt can be applied to the sore spot of the person who has been baptized in it.

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Baptism is one of the important sacraments, which means the acceptance of a person into Christian Church. Long before the advent of Christianity, there were ritual immersions in water, such a ritual is typical for many religions, because water is the source of life, the cult of water was different nations peace. There was a belief that after dipping a person into water, he becomes protected from all his sins and returns to a new, pure life.

Today, the rite of baptism is not very different from the rite of baptism performed several centuries ago. As before, so now, the priest does everything.

There are many Christian denominations and in all of them the rite of baptism takes place differently. For example, in the Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church baptism is classified as a sacrament. There are differences in the conduct of the baptismal rite itself when this ceremony is performed in different churches. IN catholic church the child is doused with water, in the Orthodox Church - they are immersed in water three times, and in Protestant Church the child is sprayed with water. And Adventists and Baptists baptisms, as a rule, are carried out in natural bodies of water.

How is the baptism ceremony performed?

The sacrament of baptism was established by Jesus himself. He was baptized in the Jordan River by Saint John the Baptist. It was no coincidence that the rite of baptism took place in water, because in the Bible water symbolizes life (everyone knows perfectly well that a person consists mainly of water), spiritual and physical purity, and God’s grace. Jesus himself did not have to be baptized, but thus by example he showed all people that each of them must begin his spiritual life. Jesus Christ himself sanctified the water in the Jordan River, and the priest therefore calls on the Holy Spirit through prayers to sanctify the water in the font.

Most often, baptism is carried out in the temple, but outside the temple it is also quite acceptable. The Sacrament of Baptism lasts on average about 30 minutes to one hour. The priest at the very beginning begins to read prohibition prayers, thus he drives out Satan from the person being baptized in the name of the Lord. After this, the baptized person (or godparents on his behalf) renounces Satan three times, and three times proclaim reunion with Jesus Christ as God and King. The Symbol of Faith is read three times, which contains the entire essence of the Orthodox confession of faith. Next, the Priest sanctifies the water and oil (oil). The person being baptized is anointed with this oil, and this indicates that from that moment he is in the tree of the Church of Christ. The person being baptized is given a name, which must be only Christian. After this, the person being baptized is immersed in water three times. During the first dive, the priest says the following words: “The servant (servant) of God (God’s) (name of the baptized) is baptized in the name of the Father. Amen". Second dive: “And the Son. Amen". Third dive: “and the Holy Spirit. Amen". From the water, the child is placed in a baptismal swaddling cloth, which is called kryzhma (another name is krizhmo or krizhma).

Next, the Sacrament of Confirmation is performed. The Gospel is also read by the Apostle, and during prayer tonsure takes place - the Priest cuts off a small tuft of hair from the person being baptized. And as a sign that the child has already become a Christian, they put a cross on his neck.

Basically, during baptism, the child is immersed in water, but splashing and dousing with water is also acceptable. One person can only be baptized once in his entire life, since a person can only be physically born once. Despite different views in beliefs (even in understanding the process of baptism), the Sacrament of Baptism is recognized by the Orthodox Church only in Armenian Church, Calvinist Church, Catholic Church (Greek and Roman), Anglican Church, Lutheran Church.

What is a holiday after a christening or a baptismal table?

Since ancient times, the ancient Slavs, after completing their pagan rites spent family holidays. In Christian Rus', they set the christening table on the same day and fed everyone - both guests and beggars. All classes had a tradition of arranging a christening table; the process differed only in rituals and the type of dishes served. Before entering the church, my father usually said the following words to his godparents: “Take the prayerful one, and bring me the baptized one” Leah "Go and bring the child into Orthodox faith» . At christenings, the godfather brought bread and bought a cross, and in some cases paid the priest for performing the ceremony. The godmother provided the priest with a towel so that he could wipe his hands after the ceremony, a shirt for the child and three to four yards of fabric.

At the christening dinner, the main guests were the child's godparents and the midwife. They were invited to the festive table and treated to tea and snacks. At this time, the child's father invited friends and relatives to his home to celebrate such an important event.

On the day of christening, the owners festively set the table. At the beginning, cold dishes were served, for example, on a fast day - kvass with meat and eggs and jelly, and on a fast day - kvass with sauerkraut and herring. After the cold one, they served noodles, potato soup with mushrooms, cabbage soup with smelt, which was seasoned with hemp oil - this is on a fast day, and on a fast day - giblet soup (ushnik), milk noodles, noodles with pork or chicken, cabbage soup with meat. Regardless of what dishes were on the baptismal table, the most important dish was always served - buckwheat porridge(millet porridge was served before serving).

After the end of the holiday, the guests expressed their gratitude to the owners and wished the child many summers and more health. The last to leave were the godmother and father. On the same day, in the evening or in the morning, they were offered snacks, followed by an exchange of gifts. The godfather gave her godfather a scarf as a souvenir, and the godfather, in turn, kissed his godfather on the lips and gave her money. Before leaving, the child’s mother gave the godparents a cake, for which she received a scarf or money (in some cases, soap, sugar, tea, and so on). This is where the holiday ends.

Today, the family christening holiday is being revived. Children will be born in maternity hospitals (mostly), so you should entrust the role of midwife to some relative or very respected guest. This decision is made by the parents of the person being baptized.

Is it possible to give the baby a name before the baptism ceremony?

Can. The parents give the baby a name and register it on the birth certificate. The church has no right to influence the name to be changed. Naturally, at baptism a child can be given church name, which will not always match the name registered on the birth certificate. The registered name will be used in Everyday life, and church - during church ceremonies.

The role of godparents

The choice of godparents must be taken very seriously, because if something happens to the child’s parents (illness or death), then the responsibility for raising the child will fall on the godparents. For this reason, they try to choose them among family friends, relatives or close people. Only Christians can be godparents.

In addition, the child’s godparents must be spiritual successors for their godson. It is forbidden to take non-believers, non-believers and unbaptized people as godfathers. Also, members of cult organizations and various sects, for example, fortune tellers and Roerich followers, cannot be taken as godparents. It is forbidden to take sinners (drug addicts, alcoholics, etc.) as godparents.

According to the norms of Church law, the following cannot become recipients: mentally ill people, minors, nuns and monks, parents for their children, the bride and groom, people who are married (since married life between persons who are spiritually related is unacceptable).

During the process of baptism of a child, the godparents hold him to the cross in the church. It can also be one person, a girl can be held godmother, and the boy is the godfather. If a person is baptized as an adult, then godparents are not a mandatory rule for him, since he can answer questions asked on one's own. The child's biological parents may be in the temple during the baptism, but they should not hold the child to the cross.

Many people are interested in this question: is it possible to marry a pregnant woman, can she be a godmother for a child? Of course you can, there are no barriers to this, since the church is very respectful and kind to pregnant women.

If you have any questions related to the baptism of a child, then it is best to look for an answer not from a neighbor or on the Internet, but it is best to ask a priest.

To carry out the baptism process, the godfather should buy pectoral cross, the child must wear this cross under his clothes for the rest of his life. The godmother needs to buy a baptismal shirt and kryzhma (white embroidered fabric in the shape of a diaper). In Kryzhma the child is held to the cross. The baptismal attire and the kryzhma are symbols of the fact that the baby came out of the font without sins. The kryzhma is preserved throughout the child’s life. If the child gets sick in the future, they cover him with kryzhma, as they believe that with its help a quick recovery will occur. On the day of christening, the child must appear at the cross clean, in smart and clean clothes and bathed.

When is the best time to baptize a baby?

The Church recommends that a child be baptized early age. Thus, the child is removed original sin, after which he becomes a member of the church. Jesus Christ had special treatment. He told his apostles “Let the children come to me and never forbid them to do so, for theirs is God’s kingdom.”. So parents do not need to delay in baptizing their child, so that the child can receive the baptism at an early age. God's grace. Immediately after the rite of baptism, the Holy Spirit descends on the child when anointing occurs.

Catholics and Orthodox Christians try to baptize children in the first months of their life, sometimes even in the first days of birth. Protestants perform baptism only in adulthood. They claim that in at a young age a child is not able to understand the Sacraments of Baptism, but his soul is capable of receiving the grace of the Holy Spirit. It happens and it happens early death child, therefore you should not delay baptism, since there is a risk of leaving the baby without God's protection and his path to salvation will be cut off.

Basically, all parents take care of their child, they want their child to be physically healthy and not get sick, they give him all sorts of vaccinations, so what prevents them from thinking about the immortality of the soul of their child?

Baptism can also be carried out in adulthood, if for some reason it was not carried out in infancy. In this case, the person must undergo catechesis. After this, the original sin of an adult and all other sins will be removed.

How to carry out baptism correctly: immerse the child in water or pour water over him?

The Holy Letter does not say how much water is needed for baptism. Water is a symbol of life and a sacrament of baptism.

Simply pouring or completely immersing in water during baptism is the tradition of the church.

There are churches that have special baptismal places where children are baptized, and even an adult can fully enter the water there.

What you need to purchase for baptism

If it is not the first child who is baptized, then in order for the brothers and sisters to love each other very much and be very friendly, subsequent children are baptized in the shirt in which the first-born was baptized.

Even though there are many different religions, they all have almost the same Baptism Ceremony. Basically, a baptismal cover or a baptismal set is purchased for a child. In some cases, they also purchase a special bag in which the child’s cut hair, a satin bracelet or boutonniere, and a satin-covered Bible will be stored in the future.

Christian Responsibilities of Godparents

Godparents must:

• Be a role model;
• Regularly prays for his goddaughter or godson;
• Teach your goddaughter or godson to fight evil and believe in Christ;
• Help her or him to grow with faith in the heart in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

If the godparents live far from their cross and see it very rarely, then they need to maintain contact in some way - call each other, write letters. The child must feel the care of his godparents, and he must also understand that they are very important in his life. important people. It is advisable that the godparents be present at the child's first communion.

The godmother and father are very important people both in the baptismal ceremony and in the life of the child.

Even in pre-Christian Rus' there was a ritual of nepotism, a child was bathed in a lake, river or in a wooden trough. The child was bathed in a pond, swaddled and given a name. In parallel with this, religious ceremonies. There were two, three, and four Kumovyevs. In the event of illness or death of parents, they took responsibility for raising the child.

Baptismal attire, baptismal shirt, baptismal dress

Most important element in the process of baptism - this is a baptismal outfit, a shirt or dress. He is mainly chosen in advance by the baby's godmother. When choosing, you need to focus on the fact that the outfit is pleasant to the touch and soft, then the baby will behave well in church.

Kryzhma. Kryzhma is a relic that is preserved long years. Kryzhma - openwork diaper white, who has never been in the laundry, receives a baby from the font at baptism in Kryzhma. During baptism, the kryzhma must be present; it is the main attribute of christenings. Very often, the date of the baby’s baptism and his name are embroidered on the corner of the kryzhma. Kryzhma should also be bought by the child’s godmother. Kryzhma is endowed with miraculous powers of healing a baby if he suddenly gets sick.

How to choose a baptismal outfit

This is the second outfit in a mother’s life, the choice of which she treats with such reverence and love. The first such outfit was most likely Wedding Dress mother. One way or another, we want to help you choose a high-quality baptismal outfit that will be passed down from generation to generation.

Finding a baptismal outfit is not difficult, because today the market offers us a huge selection of this baptismal attribute. The problem is that it is a little difficult to find exactly the kind of baptismal outfit that will suit your baby, will please you, will make the baptism ceremony exquisite, the cost of which will fit within your budget.

Therefore, when choosing a baptismal attire, it is worth considering the following:

1. Modern or traditional? The style of the baptismal attire plays a significant role. It is important to decide whether you want to buy something modern for your child, or whether you want to baptize him in his own outfit, which your parents have kept for many years. It's worth asking yourself some questions. Do you want your baby to be baptized in a traditional christening gown, or do you want it to be a modern satin suit? Want something exclusive? Do you want an outfit in the national style?

   Whatever style you choose, you need to make sure that your child is very comfortable in it, and that it is convenient for you to dress up your child. You need to pay due attention to the fabric from which the baptismal attire is made. The fabric should only be natural so that the child is comfortable and his body can breathe. An excellent choice would be fabrics such as 100% silk, satin, linen, satin (cotton). These are the fabrics that are always used for newborns, so this should not be an exception for baptismal attire.

   The christening outfit should be comfortable, soft, made of fabric High Quality, also the outfit should be gentle and pleasing to the eye.

1. Size. In order for the baby to be comfortable in baptismal clothes, you need to pay attention to the fact that the baptismal shirt is spacious enough. It is very important that the outfit does not put pressure on the baby’s skin or rub it when moving. When choosing an outfit, you should refer to the size chart; it usually gives the dimensions according to the baby’s body without any allowances.
2. Details. Details such as buttons should not be ignored. They must be sewn very tightly and match the color of the outfit. It is also worth paying attention to how long the ribbons on the outfit are, whether the buttons on the outfit are difficult to unfasten, how the lining is sewn: with seams to the baby’s body or with seams inward?
3. Color. Among baptismal outfits, white outfits are considered the most popular. But you don’t have to choose this particular color. You can choose an outfit of a different color for your baby. It should depend on what you want it to symbolize for your baby. It should be taken into account that white color is a symbol of youth and purity.
4. Season. When choosing a baptismal outfit, you need to take into account the time of year. If it’s sunny and warm outside, summer or spring, then naturally you need to choose an outfit with short sleeve. If the child’s christening is planned for the cold season, then you need to choose a warm hat, a warm fur coat or sweater, or a cotton-lined kryzhma.
5. Accessories. In the world of children's accessories you can get confused, such big choice there's everything. In order not to buy anything unnecessary, you should know what you will need at a minimum: a bib, booties and a hat. If you plan to baptize a child in the cold season, then you will also need a lined kryzhma, a fur coat or a warm sweater.

What is the best gift for a christening?

Practical or traditional: Most traditional christening gifts are not practical. A common traditional gift for a godmother is a christening shirt or kryzhma - a white openwork diaper. Traditionally, the godfather should present a silver spoon at a christening. If you are going to be the godparents of a child, then you should think about the fact that your gift for the baby should have a special meaning. You can also think about a gift that will be useful to the child when he becomes an adult. This could be a set silverware, you can open a small savings account for him at a bank. Ordinary christening guests can give clothes, books, and toys.

Silver - if you are a guest and are thinking of giving your child some jewelry for christening, then it is best to opt for silver items, since silver is the tradition of christening gifts.

silver spoon. It will be very good if you give a set of 12 silver spoons, as they symbolize the 12 apostles. If your budget cannot afford to give you such a gift, then you can opt for 4 silver spoons or even one. On the spoon you can engrave the name of the saint on whose day the baby was born or after whom he was named. A silver spoon is a symbol of prosperity.

Silver mug. Jesus Christ drank from a silver cup at his last supper. As a gift, the cup symbolizes that the baby's soul is empty and that it is waiting to be filled with purity and the holy spirit. For Catholics, a silver mug is a mandatory gift for the godfather's christening, since it is from this mug that the baby is poured with water.

A popular christening gift is the Bible or a set of books with religious themes. You can give something personal, for example, embroider his name on the child's clothes, or engrave the baby's initials on silver or gold jewelry.

Gifts most often given at christenings:

• Money;
• Silver;
• Ribbon or chain for a cross;
• Photo album with the baby's name;
• Silver or gold bracelet with name engraved;
• Earrings;
• Cross;
• Cloth;
• Bible;
• Books on religious topics;
• A set of books for the future;
• Fairy tales;
• Stuffed Toys or simple toys.

Baptism certificate

Before the baptismal ceremony, check with the church to see if they have a baptismal certificate, because it can be kept for many years for pleasant memories. If the church does not have such certificates, then do not be upset, as you can purchase them yourself.

Such certificates can be purchased for both the baptized person and the godparents, with a description of their responsibilities. Many temples will have photographers at your service who can capture this unforgettable event for a fee.

From baptism to wedding

For boy boutonniere. Boutonniere is a small beautiful bouquet for a boy, made of snow-white flowers, which over time becomes part of wedding bouquet that clings to wedding suit groom

For girl bracelet. This tradition is common in Europe. For a girl, they choose a beautiful bracelet made of white pearls, put it on the girl’s hand and keep it until the girl gets married. On the wedding day, such a bracelet becomes part of the jewelry. wedding dress brides

The rite of child baptism is one of the seven sacraments of the Orthodox Church. It symbolizes church birth man and his future acceptance into the Kingdom of God. It is believed that after this the child will be helped higher power, including his guardian angel.

We will tell you how the baptism ceremony of a child takes place so that you get the most complete picture about it and can prepare for this event in the best possible way.

When should a child be baptized?

The sacrament of child baptism is performed on all days of the week, more often on Saturdays, and during Lent in some parishes only on Saturday and Sunday. In the days of the great Orthodox holidays It is better not to baptize a child, since at this time many people visit churches, and the priest is busy conducting services.

Parents and future godparents need to visit the church the day before and talk with the priest, who will tell you in detail how exactly the baptism ceremony of their child will take place.

Babies are usually baptized on the 8th or 40th day after birth. But if the baby is seriously ill, then you can invite a priest to perform the ceremony earlier than usual. So the choice of time depends on the circumstances and health of the baby.

What do you need to know about choosing godparents for a child?

Parents will need to choose godparents who will be present at the sacrament of baptism of the child. They must be Orthodox Christians, well acquainted with church customs. Preference is given to pious people who often attend church.

They will be responsible to God for your son or daughter and will have to instruct their godson in the faith.

The godfather pays for the ceremony in the temple and the purchase of food for the festive table, which is traditionally set after the christening. The godmother buys the baby a christening outfit - a shirt for a boy or a dress for a girl, a beautiful cap with ribbons and lace.

If a baby is baptized before the 40th day from the time of birth, then his mother is not allowed to enter the temple. Then she can be there after the priest reads a special prayer over her.

Godparents, unlike parents, will be directly involved in the baptismal ceremony of the child. They will need to know certain prayers by heart (“Creed”, etc.) or repeat them after the priest (the parish will tell you more about this).

How is a child baptized?

It takes place during Divine Liturgy in the temple. The sacrament of baptism of a child always takes place in a very solemn atmosphere, because it symbolizes the birth of a person in the spiritual sense.

The ritual is preceded by the rite of announcement, during which the priest reads prohibitory prayers directed against Satan. The words sound: “Cast out from him (or from her) every evil and unclean spirit hidden and nesting in his heart...”.

Godparents read answered prayers on behalf of the new member Christ's Church, renouncing the unclean spirit and promising to remain faithful to the Lord.

Then, during the rite of baptism of a child, a priest with a censer in his hands walks around the font of water and says certain prayers. He blesses the water in which the baptized person will wash away his sins. The prayer sounds: “May all opposing forces be crushed under the sign of the image of Your Cross.”

Then the priest takes the baby in his arms and dips him into the font three times, reading prayers. This symbolizes Christ's three-day stay in the tomb, after which the Resurrection took place.

In some cases, the priest only sprinkles the baby's head with holy water and then gives him to his godparents. At the same time, the priest pronounces the 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 this, a cross is put on the baby and parts of his body (face, chest, arms and legs) are anointed with the sacred world, while the corresponding prayers are read.

Each time the priest repeats the words: “The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit,” and the child’s recipient (godfather) at the end of the anointing responds: “Amen,” which means “Truly, truly.” Then the godparents carry the child around the font three times, which symbolizes eternal life in Christ.

The priest reads an excerpt from the letter of the Apostle Paul to the Romans, dedicated to the topic of baptism, and an excerpt from the Gospel of Matthew - about the sending of the apostles by Jesus Christ to preach His teaching throughout the world and to baptize all nations in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Then the priest washes off the myrrh and wipes the child with a towel.

Finally, the priest cuts strands of the child’s hair in a cross shape with the words: “The servant of God (name) is tonsured in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen,” puts the hair on a wax cake and lowers it into the font.

The godparents place the male baby on the altar (this procedure is not performed for girls), and at the end of the sacrament of baptism of the child, he is given a Christian name.

The next stage is the application to one of the icons of the Most High, as well as to the icon of the Mother of God. After this, in some parishes, parents or godparents are issued a certificate of baptism of the child (to do this, you need to bring his birth certificate to the church in advance).

Typically, baptism takes place within half an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how many people take part in the ceremony.

Check with the priest whether this sacrament will take place with a complete immersion in the font or only with washing the child’s head; Only your baby or several children and adults will be baptized on this day. Having learned in more detail how the ceremony will take place, you can better prepare for it.

Parents need to approach this ceremony responsibly, being well aware of why their child is being baptized. You cannot baptize a baby just because other relatives insist on it or simply because it is customary.

Many churches provide a certain amount of donation for the rite of baptism of a child, which traditionally ranges from 600 to 2000 rubles. However, such contributions are voluntary, and if the child’s godparents or parents are unable to contribute this money, then the child must be baptized free of charge.

It is believed that baptizing a child helps protect the newborn from all evil, as well as take care of his health. In Orthodoxy, when a baby appears in a family, the question is raised about how the child is baptized, rules and signs.

After baptism, many people remove the cross so that the baby does not pull it and the string does not rub the delicate skin. They are worn already at a conscious age.

Features of the process of baptism of a newborn, as well as folk signs, preserved in the memory of many generations, we will consider in our article.

In many religions, water is the source of life, so it is not surprising that in Orthodoxy, newborns are also dipped in water, believing that they will become stronger and grow healthy.

First, let's find out in more detail how a child is baptized in a church. This rite is recognized by Orthodoxy if it is performed by Armenians, Calvinists, Catholics, as well as in the Anglican or Lutheran Church.

Rules for baptizing a child in church

Any occupation or business implies certain rules, the observance of which is necessary for all participants. In the same way, all rituals and traditions have their own canons.

Basic rules for baptizing a child in the Orthodox Church:

• The sacrament is performed in the temple, although there may be exceptions. For example, if the baby is under the supervision of doctors, and it is not possible to take him to the temple.
• The sacrament is performed by the priest within an hour on the 40th day from birth, since both the baby and the mother can already physically withstand the ceremony.
• First, the priest reads prohibition prayers to protect the baby from all evil.
• Since the baby does not yet speak, the godparents must renounce Satan three times in his place, and also voice their desire to be reunited with Jesus Christ.
• The prayer “Creed” is also read by the priest three times.
• Next, water and oil, that is, oil, are blessed.
• According to tradition, the baby is dipped into the font three times.

a) immersion in the font; b) anointing

• The name given to the baby in the church is not disclosed, since it has a protective function and is a kind of talisman - a talisman.
• After this, the baby is wrapped in kryzhma, that is, a diaper special for this ritual, so as not to catch a cold. But it’s better not to remove water from your face.
• The next step is confirmation, when the priest anoints the child with oil.
• Next, the Gospel and the Apostle are read, then the priest cuts the hair a large number of baby's hair.
• After putting a cross on his neck, the baby becomes a Christian.
• During the process of baptism, infants are not only dipped, but also the baby is sprinkled, which is also allowed.
• Any person can be baptized only once, just like he can be born into the world.

According to one belief, if a baby cries very loudly during baptism, then it is evil spirits who are leaving the child alone. The very rite of baptism of a child in Orthodoxy, the rules of which we have examined, is the most important step for parents as well as relatives, so on such a day they all come together to celebrate this event.

Girl's christening: rules and signs

Let's take a closer look at the christening of a girl - rules and signs:

1. You need to arrive in advance, and when they call you to the temple, the godfather brings the baby.
2. There is anointing with oil and immersion in the font.
3. They put on a cross and bring it to the icon of the Mother of God.
4. During the ritual, the godmother recites the prayers “Our Father” and “Creed.”
5. After dipping into the font, the baby is covered with kryzhma, and the mother calms the child.
6. Godfather gives silver cross, but the godmother must take care of the kryzhma and the baptismal set.

a) kryzhma; b) baptismal set

Everything that is needed for the baptism of a girl’s child is thought out and prepared in advance: a cross, a white diaper, a baptismal dress. The godfather pays for the entire ceremony. When choosing a cross, you need to take into account that the ends of the cross do not prick the girl, so choose rounded ones. A cross or the girl’s date of birth can be embroidered on the kryzhma. It is also worth stocking up on a hat, dress and booties.

There is a sign according to which the kryzhma is not washed for a year. When the baby is sick, it can be used to cover the baby for his speedy recovery.

You can give a girl a cross chain, books, a photo album, as well as various toys and hygiene products for the holiday. The icons of the Mother of God, Matrona, and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, embroidered with a cross or beads, will become symbolic.

Remember that choosing godparents for your child is a responsible task. It is impossible to change them, even if the person does not suit you over time. An important goal Godparents become involved in joining their godson to the church, talking about moral topics and going to church together.

What is needed to baptize a boy child?

Traditionally, the child’s parents are not in the church, so all responsibilities are assigned to the godparents. You can be a mother, but only after long conversations, fasting, and following certain rules. The godmother brings the baby into the church, covered with a white cloth. The priest and godparents repeat the prayers. Then he is turned to the west, anointed with oil, dipped into the font and carried around it. The priest himself completes the sacrament at the altar with the child in his arms.

It is important to know what is needed for the baptism of a boy child so that the sacrament takes place on top level, and was correctly organized:

• You will need a kryzhma, a baptismal shirt and a white blanket.
• You need to choose a non-pregnant adult woman without mental illness as godparents.
• The godmother buys a silk scarf for the priest.
• Godfather is responsible for financial side question, for gifts. He must also be an adult and a person of high moral character with no criminal record. Also, the godfather must not be married to the godmother.

There is a tradition in which the godfather gives the baby a silver spoon as a gift.

It is the godparents who undertake to take care of the baby when trouble happens to their mother and father, so they should consciously approach this decision, confess and try to be a role model for the godson.

While following all the rules, do not forget that you must learn the prayers by heart if you are chosen as a godparent. If you are afraid of getting confused or forgetting the words, then it is better to write a prayer on a piece of paper and read it.

Festive table for a child's christening

When the baptism ceremony of a child is completed, you always want to pleasantly celebrate this event. To do this, you need to know some secrets, as well as traditions and signs.

We'll tell you how to prepare for your child's baptism and think through all the organizational issues.

How to set the table for a child's christening?

Initially, we note that the baby’s parents are involved in organizing the feast, and godparents and relatives help. If you want to celebrate a ritual according to ancient traditions, then it’s worth remembering how our grandparents did it.

For a child’s christening, dishes with the following names: “Babkina’s pies”, “Babkina’s porridge”, “Babkina’s cheesecake” are suitable. This is due to the tradition of honoring the midwife who helped the mother give birth.

So the midwife brought this porridge with her, and they called it kutya. The porridge was seasoned with butter, eggs, honey, cream, and milk was added. Decorated with eggs cut in half. There was a tradition in ancient times when a ransom had to be given for porridge.

A rooster was baked in baptismal porridge if a boy was born, and if a girl was born, then a chicken was cooked. Yeast pies in the shape of hearts, flowers, pretzels, horns, ears, birds, and buns were very popular.

Any feast is not complete without signs and gifts for each other. The mother of the baptized child was given walnuts so that her milk is nutritious and tasty. But the older children received nuts, peas or legumes. According to legend, guys with such gifts became good speakers. Our ancestors believed that if you give children various gifts, then fate will be favorable to them.

Menu for baby's christening

Naturally, in addition to cooking traditional dishes, the tastes and wishes of the invited guests should be taken into account. So, young people will prefer salads, various desserts, and it wouldn’t hurt to prepare an original cake for the holiday.

You can choose several dish options and discuss them with godparents and relatives. For example, you can cook vitamin salad, children's snack, cutlets with mashed potatoes, fruit cake with jelly.

Also a good option would be the following menu: chicken salad, stuffed vegetables, baked potatoes with cheese, fish in tomato sauce, curd cake with berries.

What is better and more appetizing is up to each family to choose independently, because the main condition remains a wonderful, friendly atmosphere, and not a specific delicacy.

Try to have several dishes on the table so that each guest can choose something to suit their taste.

Of course, the holiday will not become truly memorable and bright if you do not take care of the cake. Real pie made with my own hands, or a custom-made cake with a fancy design, will equally delight you at festive table both small and adult guests. The cake is also a gift from the godfather.

Who buys a cross for a christening?

Rituals are always accompanied folk beliefs and signs. So, people advise not to use red shades in baby’s clothes, and the kryzhma should be white.

In addition, the baby must be wearing a hat during the baptism process. It is recommended to continue wearing the cap for 12 weeks. And in order for the baby’s life to be successful, during baptism they place water in a cup on the window.

Let's find out, for example, who buys a cross for a boy's christening. There is a tradition according to which the godmother buys the cross for the godson, and the godfather gives the cross as a gift. It would be appropriate to give the child and his family a Bible, which in the future he will be able to read and join spiritual life.

Baptism of a baby is for everyone religious family This is a big and important holiday in life, so spare no time and effort to properly prepare for this important event.

In addition, many parents believe that their child will get sick less if he is baptized, because he will have invisible protection.

Modern parents often film the ritual with a video camera and use the services of photographers, so they will have the opportunity to show this event to their adult children in the future and once again plunge into the atmosphere of the sacrament.

We wish you and your children good and health!

In order to in the right way to prepare for the baptism of a child, you need to clearly know the answers to next questions: how to sign up for a child’s baptism, how to dress a child for baptism, how to dress for a child’s baptism as an adult, how the child’s baptism ceremony is performed, how the child’s baptism is celebrated. In this article we will try to give answers to these questions that worry parents and baby's godparents before baptism.

How to register for baptism?

In some churches, a priest registers a child for baptism while he conducts a special interview with the child’s parents and godparents. There are Orthodox churches where people register for baptism church man, to whom such obedience is given. The baptism ceremony of a child involves the active participation of the child's godparents, so before you sign up for a specific day and specific time in the church, you should think carefully so that it is convenient for both the baby's parents and his godparents. During preparation for this great sacrament of the Church, we must try to turn more often in prayer to the Savior and His Most Holy Mother. This should be done by both the baby’s natural parents, his godparents and, if possible, all close people. You must register for baptism in advance, at least a week before the planned sacrament.

How to dress a child for baptism?

To clearly know the answer to this question, you need to ask during the interview what the temperature is in the room where the holy sacrament will take place. If this is a well-heated room, then you can dress the child lighter. And if it’s quite cool there, then it’s better to put warmer clothes on your baby, and be sure to take a blanket with you. Usually, a child is brought to baptism in only clothes, and after immersion in the font, he is dressed in a beautiful white baptismal outfit. However this is not strict rule.

How to dress for a child's baptism?

The clothing requirements for adults who prayerfully participate in the baptism of a child are the same as for visiting church. Women should have their heads covered, wear a skirt or dress, and clothing should be fairly closed. Even if the sacrament is performed in the summer, men should wear trousers, not shorts.

How is baptism performed?

The procedure for baptizing a child takes place in several stages. The child is held in the arms of his godparents. Usually the boy is held in the arms of his godmother before immersion in the holy font, and after immersion - by his godfather.
When a girl is baptized, everything happens exactly the opposite, although this is not a strict rule. The priest reads special prayers in which he calls on the grace of the Holy Spirit to descend on the baptized baby. The godparents read the Creed. This prayer presents the main doctrines Orthodox Church. On behalf of the child, godparents make a promise to remain faithful to God throughout their lives. There is a moment during the sacrament when the godparents turn their faces to the west. They make a symbolic blow and spit in this direction, and also pronounce certain words in which they renounce all evil deeds and thoughts on the child’s behalf. During immersion in the holy font, the priest pronounces the baptismal formula. This is the most main point in performing the sacrament of baptism. After the child's baptism, the sacrament of confirmation immediately occurs. The priest smears the baby's body parts with myrrh - blessed oil - and says certain prayers. These prayers concern not only the spiritual well-being of the child, but also his physical health. For this reason, there are a large number of cases where, at first glance, hopelessly ill children, after baptism, recovered to the delight of their parents and loved ones.

When the child’s parents and godparents inquire in advance about how the child’s baptism occurs and how to properly prepare for it, then they feel much calmer and more confident during the sacrament itself, and this has great importance. It is in a peaceful state of mind that it is easier to pray and be attentive to everything that happens.

How is a child's christening celebrated?

The celebration of a child's baptism is also called christening. It is customary that immediately after baptism the baby’s parents invite guests. Godparents bring their own gifts to the child's baptism, but not only godparents, but also all close people come with gifts. Some give clothes, some give toys, and some may bring books or dishes. During the festive feast, parents are congratulated on the joyful event of their baby’s baptism, and happy parents in turn, they thank you for your congratulations and treat everyone to various dishes.