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Orthodox Baptisms

Read below for answers to our frequently asked questions about Orthodox baptisms.  If you have a question that is not answered below, we’re happy to assist!  Email your question to  info@blessedcelebration.com.

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Preparing for the Baptism:

#What items do I need for the christening ceremony?

You will need the following for the baptismal ceremony:

(1) Baptismal Candles  (essential)
Provided by the godparent, one large decorated candle for the ceremony and smaller white candles to be carried by the children who circle the font. The traditional decoration of a baptismal candle includes a large bow of ribbon or tulle with streamers.

(2) Martyrika  (traditional but not essential)
Also known as martirika, or witness pins – these are small lapel crosses handed out at the end of the ceremony and worn by guests as proof of witnessing the baptism. The traditional pin is made of white, pink or blue ribbon and features a tiny cross or icon in the center.

(3) Bombonieres (traditional but not essential)
Also known as boubounieres or candy favors – are almond candy favors given to each guest after the baptism by either the godparent or the parents of the baptized child. Styles can range widely for these favors. Traditional favors are simple white, pink or blue puffs of tulle tied with a ribbon and filled with white Jordan almonds. However, styles can range widely and can extend to the elaborate, distinctive and fun. The gift of bombonieres is an Eastern Orthodox tradition over 3,000 years old.

Filled with koufeta – jordan almonds – the favors are given as tokens of good fortune and happiness. Bombonieres are symobolic of life with their bittersweet taste. The sugar coating represents the hope that life will be blessed with more sweetness than bitterness. Bombonieres are always filled with an odd number of almonds. The odd number is indivisible and symbolizes the union and indivisibility of the newly married couple.

(4) 2 white hand towels (1 towel at least is essential, 2 is traditional)

They hang on the sides of the baptismal font and are used to wipe hands during the ceremony.

(5) 1 large white bath towel (essential)

The large towel is for drying off the child before dressing in the baptismal outfit. 

(6) 1 white oil sheet (essential)

Used immediately after the dunking of the child in the baptismal font.  One Godparent will hold the oil sheet outspread and the priest will place the child into the oil sheet when finished at the baptismal font. The oil sheet protects the Godparent's clothing and wraps the child.

(7) 1 bar of soap (essential)

Used to wash the oil off the hands of the Godparents and the priest after the communion. 

(8a) 1 small oil bottle (essential, but church may be able to lend one)

Olive oil is poured into the oil bottle and then blessed by the priest.  The Holy Oil is then used by the priest to baptize the child.  The priest will pour the Holy Oil into the baptismal water.

(8b) Olive oil  (non-essential if church provides the oil)

Any 100% pure virgin olive oil can be used for the baptism.  You can purchase any 100% pure virgin olive oil from a store and bring it with you to the church, where upon the priest will bless it during the service.

(9) 1 baptismal cross and chain (essential)

Traditionally a gold or white gold cross.  Chain and cross is put onto the child at the alter by a Godparent.  This happens after the child is baptized and dressed in his/her baptismal outfit.

(10) Proof of Godparent’s current good standing in the Orthodox church  (essential)

Needed by the church to prove the Godparents are Orthodox Christians.

(11) Baptismal outfit  (essential)

The baptismal wear consists of the outfit, the shoes and the socks.  Traditionally undergarments are also used (a onesie or specialty cloth undershirt and bloomers) that can absorb the Holy oil on the baby and provide a protective layering between the (oily) skin of the baby and the baptismal outfit.  Whether or not the outfit comes with a bonnet or hat, many also choose to buy an oil liner cap for the baby’s head to absorb the holy oil and protect the clothing of anyone holding the baby.  All clothing must be white.

(12) Pre-Ceremony outfit (non-essential)

This is the outfit that the baby wears to the church and in which she or he begins the service.  The service begins at the doors to the church from the narthex where the baby is presented to the church.  As the baby is likely to be photographed during this portion of the ceremony – and as she /he is being presented to the church, it is traditional to wear a nice outfit.  This outfit does not have to be white – it can be any color! 

#What are the requirements for a Godparent?

A Godparent - or sponsor - must be:

- At least 12 years of age
- Baptized and/or chrismated in the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church
- if married, married in the Greek Orthodox Church
- if divorced, has received an Eccelesiastical Divorce
- is a current parishioner in good standing (a member /steward) of any parish in the Greek Orthodox Church.

#What paperwork is required for the Orthodox baptism?

Although it may differ from church to church, the following paperwork is generally needed to be submitted to the church prior to the date of the event:

For a godparent:

• A copy of his/her Ecclesiastical Marriage Certificate, if applicable
• A copy of his/her Ecclesiastical Divorce, if applicable
• A copy of his/her Baptismal Certificate 
• A Certificate of Membership ((If from a church different than where the baptism is taking place).  This certificate must be
• signed by his/her parish priest and printed on the church’s letterhead
• current for the same year in which the baptism is scheduled

For the parents of the baptized child:

• Application for Baptism or Chrismation
• Selection of a chosen Greek Orthodox Christian name of a saint (if the legal name is not a Christian name of a saint, a baptized name must be chosen).  No nicknames or secular names can be used.

#Who pays for what for a baptism?
Our most popular FAQ!    There is no absolute for who pays for what, but we can offer general guidelines on what is traditionally done.  Each situation is unique.  As a base foundation, the Godparent assumes the financial responsibilities of the baptism until the parents of the baptized child offer to pay for items.   It is most common for the costs to be split between the Godparents and the parents with each picking up the cost for certain elements of the event. 

The Godparent traditionally pays for:

• The baptismal outfit (gown or suit).
• The oil & towel set (lathopana) which includes the oil bottle, oil sheet, and baptismal towels. 
• A cross necklace for the child to keep for his/her lifetime.

The Godparent OR the parent pays for: 

•  The jordan almond/boubouniera favors. 
• Martyrika / witness pins.
• The ladopana / baptismal candles – traditionally one large one (one is adequate for either 1 or 2 Godparents) and 2 smaller candles for any children or other participants who may be up at the alter.

The parents of the child typically pay for:

• The reception after the baptism. 
• The pre-ceremony outfit
• Any gratuities to the priest or any charge for use of a church facility (although this traditionally is a responsibility of the godparents, many parents of the child nowadays assume this responsibility).

Should I plan to tip the priest for performing the baptism?  If so – what is the appropriate amount?

•         Yes, it is customary to tip the priest who conducts your baptism.  Tips vary from region to region.  In the NYC region, a standard amount for a tip can be anywhere from $100 to $300 for the priest (very typical amount can be $100-$150).  Some choose to give a gift if they feel uncomfortable tipping.  

• If you do not wish to tip the priest, it is appropriate to make a donation to the church. 
• You may be requested to make a donation to the church for a facility charge for use of the church.
• The psalti (ψάλτης / cantor)  is the man who sings at the church.  He usually gets tipped too - and a typical amount is $50.
• There may be a third man at the service - the neikoro - who helps the priest.  The neikoro is sometimes also referred to as the Custodian.  If so, he is traditionally tipped to - in an amount similar to the psalti.  
• The tip can be paid for by either the parents of the child being baptized or by the Godparents. 

#Do the parents of the Godchild get a gift for the Godparents?
Yes.  It is traditional that the parents of the baptized child give a gift to the Godparents as a thank you for doing them the honor of taking their child under their religious wing.  While it is a great honor to be chosen as a Godparent for a child, it is also a great responsibility.  A proper gift of thanks is appropriate at the baptism.  The gift can be anything of choosing and can range from a frame for a picture of the godchild, to kitchenware, to homeware, or to something specific for the Godparent's taste.  A religious gift (icon) is always appropriate as well.

#Can I wash the oil sheet and towel before the actual baptism?
Yes, before the service, if you wish, you can wash the oil sheet and the towel.  It is once the Holy Oil from the baptism touches the towel and oil sheet that special care needs to be taken.  Post-ceremony, the oil sheet and towel should be washed separately in a bucket and then the bucket water disposed of on the property of the Godchild's home (the Holy Oil thus being washed into the bucket water and then being transferred into the land where the child lives).  If you do not prefer to wash the clothes in a bucket, you can wash them by themselves in the washing machine - and move the drain tube to empty into a bucket and then dispose of that water on soil at the home of the Godchild.

#What happens during the Baptism?

(1)   The child is presented to the church

(2)   The child is immersed in the baptismal font three times, symbolizing the three days Christ spent in the tomb.   This event is a reenactment of Christ's baptism, death and Resurrection.

(3)   After immersion, the priest places the child in the open arms of the godparent, who holds a new white sheet as a symbol of the soul's purity.

(4)   Immediately following the baptism in the font, the priest administers a second sacrament:  Chrismation, where the child receives the gift of the Holy Spirit with miron, a special oil blessed by the Ecumenical Patriarch. Three locks are tonsured (cut) from the child's hair in the form of a cross.

(5)   The child is taken into a dressing room in the church and put into his/her baptismal outfit by the Godparents or the grandparents.  

(6)   While the child is being changed, the baptismal candles are lit.

(7)   The dressed child is brought back into the church and the priest, Godparents, baptized child, and chosen children walk around the baptismal font three times. 

(8)   The reading of scriptures takes place and the priest administers a third sacrament, communion, to the child.

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Baptismal Photo: Photo depicting after immersion, the baby is placed into the Godparents arms who hold the oil sheet to protect their clothing and absorb the Holy oil on the baby:

Baptismal Photo: Photo depicting the sacrament of Chrismation where the priest administers the miron, a special oil blessed by the Ecumenical Patriarch.
 

Baptismal Photo:  Photo depicting the sacrament of Christmation, the tonsuring of the child, when three locks are cut from the child's hair in the form of the cross.

 

Baptismal Photo: Photo depicting child in dressing room getting changed into his baptismal outfit:

 

Baptismal Photo: Photo depicting chosen children holding their candles and around the baptismal table:

 

Baptismal Photo:  Photo depicting the baptized child receiving her first Communion:

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How much oil gets used during a baptism?  How big does the oil bottle need to be?

• A little Holy oil goes a long way!  About 3-4 ounces of Holy oil is used during a baptism.  Blessed Celebration's oil bottles hold enough oil for the ceremony.  They are a minimum of 6 ounces and size up from there.   

#Who signs the Ecclesiastical Baptismal Certificate?

One (never two) godparents signs the Ecclesiastical Baptismal Certificate.  If both godparents are Orthodox, a decision will need to  be made which of the two will sign the certificate.  If one godparent is Orthodox and the other is a non-Orthodox (and with limited participation in the ceremony), the Orthodox godparent signs the certificate.  A non-Orthodox Christian’s name will not appear on the certificate as a godparent of the child.

The certificate is signed at the end of the baptismal ceremony.  The priest will present the certificate for signing.

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#After the Baptism

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#What is the Godparent’s responsibility after the baptism?

•  The godparent should arrange with the parents to bring the newly baptized person (infant, child or adult) to Holy Communion for three consecutive Divine Liturgies at any Orthodox Christian church.   The baptismal candle used in the ceremony should be brought to the church for the three communions.  The candle should be lit when you go up for Holy Communion.
• The godparent should nurture the newly baptized child or adult into the Orthodox Christian faith.  This can be done through regular attendance at worship services, teaching your godchild about the Orthodox faith, and encouraging the child to participate in religious education and youth ministry programs.
• The godparent should attend godparent events at the church with their godchild.
• The godparent should remember their godchild at holidays, birthdays and on his or her name day.

#I’m having a reception after the baptism ceremony.  Am I supposed to invite the priest who did the baptism?

Yes! It is customary to invite the priest to any reception after the service.  The priest may or may not attend depending upon his schedule, but it proper and expected to extend the invitation.

#What do I do with the baptism candle after the baptism?
The godparents must bring the baptized baby to church for three communions after the baptism.  Ideally, these communions are taken consecutively the first three Sundays after the baptism.  If the Godparent(s) or Godchild is not available for a particular Sunday, then communion should be taken the next available Sunday. 

The baptismal candle is brought with the Godchild to the church each of these three communions.  A few minutes before communion starts, the Godparent should light the candle using the flame from a lit candle in the narthex.  The lit candle should be brought up to the alter during communion.  It may be blown out at any point after communion.  Special note: the Godparent should carry the child on the right side of his or her body as he/she approaches the alter.  If there are two Godparents, one should carry the baby to the alter, the other should hold the lit candle.  At the time of communion, the Godparent should provide the priest wtih the baptismal name of the baby right before the baby accepts communion. 

#What do I do with the baptismal clothing after the baptism?  Can I wash them?
After the baptism, the baptismal clothes - or vaftistika / baptistika - contain Holy Oil on the garment.  As such, the Holy Oil cannot be disposed of through a washing in a washing machine. 

The best way to wash the garment post Sacrament is to do a wash by hand in a bucket.  You can wash the clothing with regular detergent in a bucket and poor the washed water outside onto the ground.  Another option used is to wash the garment in a washing machine but move the drain tube to empty into a bucket (rather than into a sink) and then dispose of the washing machine water onto the ground of the Godchild's home.   You can also wash the Lathopana (towels and oil sheet) the same way. as these, too, contain Holy Oil on them.

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#General Information About Baptisms

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#Why is a baptism done? 
Baptism cleanses an individual's soul of original sin. The sacrament of baptism and chrismation brings great happiness to the Orthodox Christian family as, once baptized, a child can begin life in the Christian Orthodox faith.

#Can a person who is not baptized or chrismated in the Greek/Eastern Orthodox Christian faith serve as a Godparent?

A non Greek/Eastern Orthodox person may have limited participation in the baptismal service but may not fully participate in the sacrament.   This is because they do not profess the same Creed (faith) as Orthodox Christians.    A Godparent who is a full Eastern Orthodox Christian must be named who can fully participate in the sacraments of the baptism.   If there are two Godparents and one is not Christian Orthodox, the Christian Orthodox Godparent will be the one to serve as the official sponsor – and can not rub the oil on the baby or sign the baptismal certificate. 

#Who may not serve as a Godparent?  A person may not serve as a godparent:

• If married civilly and the Church has not blessed his/her marriage
• If he/she is civilly divorced and has not been granted an ecclesiastical divorce
• If he/she is not a steward of a Greek Orthodox church in good standing
• For any other reason he/she is not in communion with the Greek Orthodox Church

#Can two sets of families baptize each other’s children?

• Technically, yes, it is permitted that two sets of families can baptize each other’s children.  However, the church does not advise that this be done and certain clergy will not conduct a baptism between families that are already koumbaroi (God-family).  The Orthodox preference, ideally, is that our spiritual families expand thus spreading the faith and spiritual bonding as opposed to contracting it within families that already have a spiritual bond/relationship, i.e. they already are  koumbaroi.   

#Can two god siblings marry?   Can a god brother and god sister marry?

•        ( This question is answered here in the baptismal section, because the baptism does affect how two families can interact in the future.) 

• Per Orthodox canon law, a god brother and god sister cannot marry.  A person is a god sibling with someone when their parents have baptized a child in their family.  If family A has 2 children and family B has 2 children – and either of the parents in family A baptized a child in family B, then those 4 siblings are considered godchildren.  Children from family A cannot be married to children in family B in the Orthodox church. The families have been joined under God by baptism and thus cannot be married in the Orthodox faith.

#What are the non-permissible dates of the calendar year to hold a baptism?
Baptisms may not be conducted on the following days unless it is absolutely necessary and permission is obtained from the Metropolis Metropolitan:

1.  December 25th - January 6th
2.  Holy Week
3.  Major Feast Days
4. August 1-15

#What is a good gift for my godchild?

A gift from a godparemt to a godchild should be something that is meaningful to the nature of your special religious connection.  A religious education book is always a great gift.  For children, Orthodox picture bibles make wonderful gifts.  Religious bracelets, saint cards, or a framed picture of you and the child is also a wonderful keepsake.  A special and extremely appropriate lifetime gift for your godchild is an icon – especially one of his/her patron saint.  For a list of icons made for Blessed Celebration by Orthodox nuns, please visit our icon page here.

#What is the difference between a Greek Orthodox baptism and a Roman Catholic baptism? 

The nature of the baptism is the same for both the Roman Catholics as the Greek Orthodox baptism: It is the cleansing of sin from the baptized individual and the beginning of membership into the Church.  Both religions recognize baptism as a Sacrament.  Both churches conduct a Trinitarian baptism – or acknowledge the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Both churches pledge the baptized individual to the Service of God forever.

Some of the differences between a Greek Orthodox and a Roman Catholic baptism include:

• The Greek Orthodox church conducts deep water baptism.  The Roman Catholic church does not have deep water baptism.  
• In the Greek Orthodox baptism, the individual is tonsured (the cutting of the hair) but is not in the Roman Catholic service.
• The baptized individual in the Greek Orthodox church must receive a cross to wear.
• The Godparents are obligated by the church to care for the raising of the child should the parents perish, at least with regard to his or her religious education.  Godparents are considered to be second parents to the baptized individual in the Greek Orthodox church.
• The Sacrament of Chrismation is the equivalent of the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Roman Catholic church – the giving of the Holy Spirit (Communion).   In the Roman Catholic Church, Confirmation is separate from the Baptism – given to those 7 or older - and is performed by a Bishop.  In the Orthodox Church a priest performs the Sacrament of Baptism followed by the Sacrament of Confirmation—the first Communion, in the same service.
• The Godparents in the Orthodox baptism are asked to “spit on the devil” during the service. 

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#About Boubouniera

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#What are bouboniera?

• Bouboniera are favors given out in celebration at weddings, baptisms, anniversaries, and any special celebratory event.  The favors traditionally contain jordan almonds.  Boubonieres are given out as gifts to each guest after the wedding or baptism at the reception.  Styles can range widely for these favors. Traditional favors are simple white, ivory, pink or blue puffs of tulle tied with a ribbon. However, styles can range widely and can extend to the elaborate, distinctive and fun.

#What is the tradition of the favors? 

• The gift of bomboniera is an Eastern Orthodox tradition over 3,000 years old. Filled with koufeta – or jordan almonds – the favors are given as tokens of good fortune and happiness. Bombonieres are symobolic of life with their bittersweet taste. The sugar coating represents the hope that life will be blessed with more sweetness than bitterness.  

#How many jordan almonds do boubouniera contain?
Bombonieres are always filled with an odd and an indivisible number of almonds.  The traditional amount is 5 almonds – which symbolizes: 

(1) health
(2) happiness,
(3) fertility,
(4) wealth and
(5) a long life.

Favors can be filled with more than 5 almonds, if desired – but the number has to be odd and indivisible (i.e., 7, 11 or 13 almonds).  Favors cannot be filled with 9 almonds, as 9 is a divisible number.  In a wedding, the indivisible number symbolizes the union and indivisibility of the newly married couple.  In a baptism, the indivisibility of the union of the baptized child with his or her Godparents. 

#When are favors given out and how many should I order? 

• Traditionally one favor is given to each guest.  For both baptisms and weddings, the favors are usually given out at the reception (although sometimes given out directly at the church after a baptism).  For weddings, they may be placed out at the table settings, distributed at the end of the night, placed out along with table assignments, or given out by the bride and groom.  For baptisms, they may also be distributed to guests by the Godparents or the parents of the baptized baby.

#How long do Jordan Almonds stay fresh?  How soon before my event date can I order my favors?

• Jordan almonds stay fresh for up to months.  The hard sugar coating provides a protective wrap that keeps the jordan almond fresh for many months.  White jordan almonds keep fresh for 6-12 months.  Colored almonds - which may start to fade in color after a few months - stay fresh for only up to 4 months.  Foil-covered gold or silver almonds stay fresh for up to 4 months. Any favor with jordan almonds should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct exposure to light.  If your timing allows, we recommend ordering about 2 months before your event date. 

#What's the correct spelling and how do you pronounce bouboniera? 
Traditionally pronounced: "Boo-bon-yera" or "Bom-bon-yera".  There is no one correct way to spell this word - you will likely encounter a variety of spellings.  Some of the most popular are:

• Boubouniera, bouboniera (singular or plural)
• Boubounieres (plural)
• Bonboniere, bomboniere (singular)
• Bomboniera, Bombonieres
• ... the list goes on.

#Do you offer other colors besides white for the jordan almonds?

• Yes -  We also offer pink, light blue and ivory jordan almonds.  You can substitute these colors in your bouboniera if you wish - at no extra charge.  To do so, you may request this option in the comment box at checkout.  We do also offer silver colored jordan almonds (these are silver foiled wrapped) at an additional charge.  If you would prefer silver colored almonds in your favors, the additional surcharge is $0.85 per favor.

Have a question not answered here?  We can help!  Email us at info@blessedcelebration.com.