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About the Orthodox Baptism
The sacrament of baptism and chrismation brings great happiness to the Orthodox Christian family. Baptism cleanses an individual's soul of original sin. The special service entails the infant being 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. 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.
Immediately following the baptism, 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.
After dressing in new clothing, the baptismal candles are lit and the priest, godparent, baptised infant, and chosen children walk around the baptismal font. Following the reading of scriptures, the priest administers a third sacrament, communion, to the child.
Preparing for the Ceremony - Items Needed
Baptismal Candles
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.
Martyrika
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.
Bombonieres
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.
Additional Items Needed
- 2 white hand towels
- 1 large white bath towel for wrapping the child
- 1 white sheet
- 1 bar of soap
- 1 small bottle of olive oil
- 1 baptismal cross and chain (traditionally a gold cross)
- Proof of current good standing in the Orthodox church
- A new change of clothes for the child after Baptism. All clothing should be white.
Permissible Baptism Dates
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
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