Baptisms

GUIDELINES FOR THE PARENTS AND GODPARENT(S)

Congratulations on your decision for your child to receive Holy Baptism, Holy Chrismation and Holy Communion.  Unless given special permission, the parents must be Stewarts of St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church in good financial standing.  Please contact the office to make the appropriate arrangements.

Once scheduled, please regulate your time so that you and the Godparent(s) are in the church nave at least 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the service.  Kindly instruct your guests that we maintain a spiritual decorum in our church at all times, regardless of whether or not a service is being conducted.

The following details should be taken care of at least two weeks prior to the date of the Christening:

  1. Contact the church office to verify vital information to be placed on the official certificate.
  2. Please make sure that you have sent your Stewardship Pledge Card for the current year and have your pledge up to date at least two weeks before the Baptism.
  3. Please ensure that you have chosen a Godparent who is in good standing Spiritually, Canonically and Financially within the Orthodox Church.(see below)

GUIDELINES FOR THE GODPARENT(S)

In the Orthodox Christian Faith, the role of a Godparent is a serious spiritual responsibility. It is not just a formality. The Godparent makes a commitment to assist in the spiritual formation and growth of a child with the parents. The following information is provided to help you, as parents, understand the criteria by which a person may serve as a Godparent.

  1. Only an Orthodox Christian may be a Godparent for an Orthodox child.
  2. The selected person, if married, must have been married in the Orthodox Church. If not married in the Orthodox Church, or co-habitating outside of the marital bond, the person is not eligible to be a Godparent. They should speak either to their parish priest, if they are from another parish, or me to put this in proper spiritual and canonical order.
  3. If the person is civilly divorced, and has not sought the counsel of the Orthodox Church to receive an Ecclesiastical Divorce, he or she is not eligible to be a Godparent. They should speak either to their parish priest, if they are from another parish, or me to put this in proper spiritual and canonical order.
  4. The person selected to become a Godparent must be a steward in good standing of our parish.
  5. If the person is a member of another Orthodox parish, a letter from their parish priest stating the eligibility to act as a Godparent must be sent directly to Fr. John. This should be completed at least two weeks prior to the Baptism.

The following items are needed for the Baptism, traditionally provided for by the Godparent(s):

  1. A Cross and Chain
  2. Olive Oil (small bottle)
  3. One White Flat Sheet (single)
  4. One Large White Bath Towel
  5. Two White Hand Towels
  6. A Bar of Ivory Soap
  7. Clothes (for the Child) i.e. Baptismal outfit and undergarment
  8. Two White Candles for Godparent/s and extra if needed

*For non infant baptism, parents will provide swim trunks, flip flops and a white terry cloth bath robe. Also, the parents should have appropriate church clothes for their child to wear after being baptized

On this special day, three Sacraments will be administered: Baptism, Chrismation and Holy Communion.

Baptism is our Easter Pascha experience. We die to the Old Adam and are born anew to the New Adam, Jesus Christ. Our birthright and citizenship in the Kingdom of God is restored to us.

Chrismation is our Pentecost experience. We receive the outpouring and in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit. We receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Holy Communion is given to us after our Baptism and Chrismation. As full citizens in the Kingdom of God, we begin immediately to share God’s Blessings, one of which is to be mystically united with our Lord, Jesus Christ, through His Precious Body and Life-giving Blood.

For three consecutive Sundays thereafter, the Godparent(s) should accompany you and the child to the church for Holy Communion. The child should then be brought for Holy Communion on a regular basis, including the Lenten periods and Holy Days of the Church. Church School, Youth Activities and regular liturgical worship will help you and the Godparent(s) raise your child in the grace of Christ. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.