Frequently Asked Questions
about the
Orthodox Baptism
Please read below for a list of FAQ about the Orthodox baptism. If you still have a question that is not answered below, we invite you to email us at info@blessedcelebration.com.
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What items do I need for the christening ceremony?
You will need the following for the baptismal ceremony:
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) 2 white hand towels - they hang on the sides of the baptismal font and are used to wipe hands during the ceremony.
(5) 1 large white bath towel - for drying off the child before dressing in the baptismal outfit.
(6) 1 white oil sheet - 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 - used to wash the oil off the hands of the Godparents and the priest after the communion.
(8) 1 small oil bottle - (filled with any type of olive oil) - 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.
(9) 1 baptismal cross and chain (traditionally a 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 current good standing in the Orthodox church - needed by the church to prove the Godparents are Orthodox Christians.
(11) Baptismal outfit - outfit, shoes and socks. All clothing should be white.
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 happens during the 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.
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 number of almonds. The odd number is indivisible and symbolizes the union and indivisibility of the newly married couple - or the union of the baptized child with his Godparents. Bouboniera must contain at least 5 almonds - with the 5 almonds representing (1) health (2) happiness, (3) fertility, (4) wealth and (5) a long life together.
Do you offer other colors besides white for your 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.
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.
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.
Who pays for what for a baptism?
There is no absolute for whom 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 specific items.
The Godparent traditionally pays for/provides:
- the baptismal outfit (gown or suit).
- The oil & towel set (lathopana) which includes the oil bottle, oil sheet, and baptismal towels.
- 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.
- A gold cross for the child to keep for his/her lifetime.
- Martyrika / witness pins. (Some parents of the child offer to pay for this.)
- Jordan almond/boubouniera favors. (Some parents of the child offer to pay for this.)
The parents of the child typically pay for:
- The reception after the baptism.
- 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).
After the baptism: What do I do with the baptism candle?
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.
After the baptism: What do I do with the baptismal clothing? Can I wash it?
After the baptism, the baptismal clothes - or vaftistika / baptistika - contain Holy Oil on the garment. As such, the Holy Oil can not 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 in today's more modern times 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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