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Baptism and Chrismation
Generally, there are two times when a person will be baptised at Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church: the first is if parents request that their newborn be baptised, and the second is if a person or family decides to convert to Orthodox Christianity later in life.
Infants being baptised.
NB: we have prepared a resource page to guide someone through Orthodox Christian practices from Conception to Infancy. We strongly recommend that any parent (or prospective parent) read this, as it covers different but essential material.
A consideration for parents of a new child is the Sacrament of Baptism. We strongly recommend arranging for this soon after birth, to ensure that a suitable day is found for both priest and family. Baptisms most often happen on a Saturday, and a common custom is for this to take place soon after the Fortieth Day after Birth.
Before the baptism itself begins, the infant is made a catechumen, through a series of exorcisms. This ensures the purity of the child, ready for the service about to happen. The beginning of the baptism service sees long prayers for the waters in the baptismal font. Then, a series of rites of meaning ensues:
- anointed with oil - with a series of short prayers for the child to follow the Christian life;
- immersed three times in the baptismal waters - and, with this participation in the death and Resurrection of Christ, thus being adopted into the Christian family;
- dressed in a white baptismal robe - signifying newness of life;
- anointed with chrism - when the child receives the Holy Spirit;
- tonsured (cutting of hair) - signifying one's first offering to God.
After baptism, the infant is brought to the Liturgy at the next opportunity, where Communion is given for the first time, and then to each Liturgy following.
- Fr Andrew especially recommends watching the catechetical talk on Baptism, which may be found at this link.
FAQ for infant Baptism
Q: When should I arrange for the baptism?
A: Soon after birth, the parents should tell their priest about their newborn - there are specific prayers to be read on the first day of life and on the eighth day of life, and Fr Andrew will come to the couple for these. This allows a good opportunity to arrange when baptism can be held. A common opportunity is soon after the fortieth day, which allows the whole family to celebrate together.
Q: Are there considerations about the name of the child?
A: Yes - all people who are baptised are given the name of a saint, who becomes their patron saint, who they celebrate each year. Parents are asked to consider the saint when naming their child - it is recommended that parents look up the name in church calendars to ensure that there is a saint of that name. As we know, there are many saints to choose from! Parents are welcome to discuss their name choices with Fr Andrew to align any name choices.
Q: Once I've booked in the baptism - what should I bring?
A: There are some required items:
- one set of clothes worn prior to baptism,
- one set of clothes worn after baptism (white or a 'light' colour),
- a baptismal cross and necklace, and
- a godparent (who is a faithful Orthodox Christian).
- towels for drying off after the Baptism
- OPTIONAL: a white baptismal gown (if you would like to keep your gown you are required to provide it, otherwise the parish has some available to borrow).
- OPTIONAL: You may also wish to bring a candle (though these can be provided).
Also: as a tonsure is part of the service, please do not cut the child's hair before baptism.
Q: Who should I choose as a godparent?
A: Good question!
A person being baptised must have a godparent who is an Orthodox Christian, who is of the same sex as the person being baptised. The godparent must be aged 13 or over. It is also optional that someone may have two godparents - in this case, that person may have one of each sex. (It should be noted that this can introduce complications with people becoming spiritual relatives - please discuss this with Fr Andrew).
For more information on Godparent's see: https://orthodoxwiki.org/Godparent
Beyond these, there are a variety of things to consider, but the most important are the godparents ability to assist in the spiritual development of the child over the course of their life. This should include such matters as their frequency of church attendance.
Q: Can we have celebrations at church afterwards?
A: This must be discussed with Fr Andrew. His answer will depend on a number of factors.
Q: What if there is no question addressed here?
A: Please contact Fr Andrew directly.
Adults being baptised
The baptism of an adult into the Orthodox Christian faith is generally the culmination of journey - a period of instruction and preparation over a period of time. The adult will have been made a catechumen prior to this service, through a series of exorcisms ensuring the purity of the person as they strive for Baptism. At Holy Annunciation, adults will normatively be baptised at Easter or at Christmas.
The beginning of the baptism service sees long prayers for the waters in the baptismal font. Then, a series of rites of meaning ensues within the service:
- anointed with oil - with a series of short prayers for the person to follow the Christian life;
- immersed three times in the baptismal waters - and, with this participation in the death and Resurrection of Christ, thus being adopted into the Christian family;
- dressed in a white baptismal robe - signifying newness of life;
- anointed with chrism - when the person receives the Holy Spirit;
- tonsured (cutting of hair) - signifying one's first offering to God.
After baptism, the newly-baptised is brought to the Liturgy at the next opportunity, where Communion is given for the first time, and then to each Liturgy following.
- Fr Andrew especially recommends watching the catechetical talk on Baptism, which may be found at this link.
FAQ for adults being baptised
Q: Once I've booked in the baptism - what should I bring?
A: There are some required items:
- one set of clothes worn prior to baptism (black or a 'dark' colour),
- one set of clothes worn after baptism (white or a 'light' colour),
- a baptismal cross and necklace, and
- a godparent (who is a faithful Orthodox Christian).
- towels for drying off after the Baptism
- OPTIONAL: a white baptismal gown (if you would like to keep your gown then you are required to provide it, otherwise the parish has some available to borrow).
- OPTIONAL: You may also wish to bring a candle (though these can be provided).
Also: as a tonsure is part of the service, please do not have a haircut before baptism. (At least 1in or 3cm is advised).
Q: Who should I choose as a godparent?
A: Good question!
A person being baptised must have a godparent who is an Orthodox Christian, who is of the same sex as the person being baptised. It is also optional that someone may have two godparents - in this case, that person may have one of each sex. (It should be noted that this can introduce complications with people becoming spiritual relatives - please discuss this with Fr Andrew).
The role of a godparent in an adult baptism is to vouch for the faith of the person being baptised, and to help them as they make their first steps in following Christ - able to assist with elementary questions of how to live out the Christian life. (A godparent is not to be confused with a spiritual guide). Typically, this will be a person in the same church community (though there can be extenuating circumstances).
Some criteria that maybe helpful to think about when deciding on a Godparent:
- Is the person a good role model? Is the person a little further ahead on their spiritual journey? Are they able to help guide you to salvation?
- Do you trust this person? (to be able to ask them for guidance when needed)
- Do they frequently attend church services and church events? Are they involved in church life?
- Does this person have compassion and willingness to be a Godparent?
- How much involvement do you want your Godparent to have in your life? What sort of relationship would you want with the potential Godparent?
- Is this person someone you are willing to have a life long connection with?
For further guidance, please speak with Fr Andrew (please also speak with Fr Andrew before asking the prospective godparent).
For more information on Godparent's see: https://orthodoxwiki.org/Godparent
Q: What about the baptismal name?
A: All people who are baptised are given the name of a saint, who becomes their patron saint, and who they celebrate each year. At our parish, a person's baptismal name is based on the name a person has - that is, a person generally does not choose their own baptismal name. Most people will have names that correlate with an Orthodox saint - if so, the patron saint is of the same name as the person. Please speak with Fr Andrew to confirm your baptismal name.
Q: What if my question isn't addressed here?
A: Please contact Fr Andrew directly.
