Baptisms
Baptism is the sacrament by which a person is received into the Church. In the Orthodox tradition it is normally received in infancy, in church and in the presence of a godparent, and adults are received through the same preparation and rite.
Special Service
Holy Baptism
What to bring
Most of what is needed is simple, and traditionally the godparent provides it. It helps to have ready:
- The child's birth certificate, to register the baptism in the parish records
- A baptismal cross, to be blessed and given to the newly baptised
- A large towel or blanket to dry and warm the child, and a small towel for the priest
- A small bottle of olive oil, to be blessed by the priest
- A baptismal candle
- A white baptismal gown, for the child to wear after the service
For the service itself, it is easiest to dress the child in only a nappy and a warm blanket. If anything on this list is unclear, the priest will happily advise.
When and how
The Orthodox tradition is to baptise infants, in church unless there is an emergency, in the presence of at least one godparent. The recommended age is between three and six months. The service usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour, and is complete only when the child receives their first Holy Communion. It is celebrated in English or Romanian, or in both, as arranged with the priest, and a baptism certificate is issued at the end.
The godparent
The godparent must be a baptised Orthodox Christian in good standing, who has recently made their confession and received Holy Communion. More than one godparent is often chosen. The godparent speaks on the child's behalf during the service, renouncing evil, confessing faith in Christ and reading the Creed, and afterwards remains a spiritual guide to the child. Honorary witnesses, Orthodox or not, are welcome to take part and to help, but they are not the child's godparents.
The parents
Parents commit to raising the child in the Orthodox faith: attending the Divine Liturgy as often as possible, bringing the child to receive Holy Communion, and teaching them to pray, to make the sign of the Cross, and to grow in the habits of the faith at home and in church. It is advisable that the parents are themselves baptised and chrismated Orthodox Christians, married in the Church and in good standing. Parents usually choose the godparent, with the child's best interests in mind.
Adults
Adults who wish to be received into the Orthodox Church first follow a period of instruction, its length and pattern agreed with the priest. The priest decides whether the candidate is received by baptism and chrismation or by chrismation alone; in most cases a person already baptised is received by chrismation, the anointing with Holy Chrism. One Orthodox godparent in good standing is required, and a certificate of baptism or chrismation is issued.
Costs
There is no set fee: the sacrament cannot be bought. The parish does have running costs, and donations towards its work are always appreciated.
Every family’s circumstances are different, and none of this need be settled before you get in touch. Dates and preparation are arranged personally with the Rector, who will guide you through everything. Contact the Rector →
