You have decided to baptize your child, but don't know where to start. How to do it? What is needed for this? Priest Sergiy Zvonarev, an employee of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, a cleric of the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Khoroshevo, will help to figure it out.
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Now almost all parents, regardless of whether they live according to church canons or not, are trying to baptize their children. Father Sergius, what do you think about this?
Of course, the desire to baptize a baby in any case is only welcome. However, parents would like to wish a more responsible attitude to the sacrament. Baptism is not a tribute to fashion or tradition, but the spiritual birth of a person for a mysterious life with God, which occurs only once. In the sacrament of Baptism, a person is given the grace of the Holy Spirit, which helps him grow spiritually, strengthen himself in love for God and neighbor. Taking holy baptism, the person becomes a full member of the Church and can participate in other ordinances.
Faith is an essential condition for receiving the sacrament of Baptism. Of course, it is pointless to demand faith from an infant. Baptism of children occurs according to the faith of their parents, as well as godparents.
At what age is it best to baptize a child?
There are no strict requirements: baptize the child when you see fit. However, given the spiritual importance of this sacrament, one should not particularly delay either - usually children are baptized in the first year of life.
Is it possible to baptize a child if his parents are unbaptized, of a different faith or baptized in non-Orthodox (for example, Catholics, Armenians or Baptists)?
It is possible and necessary. The religion of the parents in this case is not a determining factor.
Are there rules about baptizing more than one person at the same time? Can children and parents, brothers and sisters be baptized together?
Nothing prevents the simultaneous baptism of several people: in our time, 20-30 people are often baptized at the same time. It is possible to be baptized together with relatives. I think that it is a great spiritual joy when close people receive Holy Baptism together.
Most couples who want to baptize their baby are not married in a church. Can they baptize their child?
Calling on Orthodox people to enter into a church marriage, the Church, at the same time, recognizes the marriage registered in the registry office as legal. If the child's parents are not married, this does not prevent him from being baptized.
Father Sergiy, you know that, unfortunately, there are many single-parent families and children born out of wedlock. What to do in such cases?
The presence in the family of only one of the parents is not an obstacle to the baptism of the child, as well as other conditions of his birth.
The question of choosing a name is perhaps one of the most exciting. Despite the fact that, in principle, a child can be baptized with any name, it is customary in the Russian Orthodox Church to baptize children with the name of one of the saints, who is mentioned in the Saints (a list of saints' names). If the name given at birth is not in the Saints, then, as a rule, the consonant name of one of God's saints is given (for example, Karina - Catherine, Inga - Inna, Robert - Rodion), or the name of a saint whose memory falls on the date the birth of a child (for example, January 14 - Basil the Great, October 8 - St. Sergius of Radonezh, July 24 - Equal-to-the-Apostles Princess Olga). With this name, a person is baptized, can participate in the sacraments. This name is written in commemoration notes.
How to choose a church where a child will be baptized and is it possible to baptize a child at home?
The choice of the temple where the baptism will take place is more important for the parents than for the baby himself. If you are parishioners of a particular church, then it is better to baptize there.
Baptisms at home, as a rule, are performed only under some special circumstances that prevent people from coming to the temple, for example, in the event of a serious illness of a child.
What days do baptisms take place? Is it possible to baptize a child in fasting?
Baptism can be performed absolutely on any day - Lenten, ordinary or festive. But each church has its own schedule, so when choosing a day for christening, you need to consult with the priest.
Who can be invited to be godparents? What responsibilities does this place on them?
Orthodox Christians who are not married to each other, and also do not plan a further marriage, can become godparents, since godfathers are spiritually related to each other.
Role godparents great. It is they who promise to raise the child in the faith. The participation of godparents in the spiritual upbringing of children should be real, not nominal. Today there are all possibilities for this. The clergy are always ready to discuss issues of spiritual education of children, in church shops there is religious children's literature that tells about God, faith, the Church.
In order to teach godchildren godparents themselves must understand and be able to explain what and in whom they believe.
A godfather can be either a distant or close relative of the person being baptized - an uncle or aunt, brother or sister, grandmother or grandfather, or simply good friend child's parents. When choosing a godfather, of course, you need to be guided by how good a spiritual educator and adviser he can become for your child.
What is needed for baptism? How should one prepare for it?
In those churches where it is customary to hold catechumens (that is, teaching) conversations, godparents need to visit them in advance. For the baptism of an infant, you need to have a baptismal shirt, a pectoral cross, a towel, and a few candles. All this can be prepared in advance by yourself, or purchased at a church shop. According to tradition, godparents give the baby a cross and an icon of his heavenly patron. Before the baptism of a child, it is advisable for Orthodox Christians to confess and take communion, because on the day of baptism, for the first time, their baby will also take communion with them.
Who can be present in the church at the time of baptism?
Everyone who is not indifferent to this spiritual event in the life of the family, and who prayerfully wants to share the joy of the Holy Sacrament, can be present.
How should baptisms be celebrated?
You can set the table, prepare refreshments, invite godparents, relatives to celebrate this event. But remember that the day of christening should not be marred by abuse. It must be sanctified by love and spiritual joy.
I talked with Father Sergius: Alexandra Borisova.
Baptism is one of the main sacraments of Orthodoxy. This rite is the adoption of the Christian faith. It is designed to protect a person from the influence of dark forces and direct his life in a bright spiritual direction. There is an opinion regarding the correctness of the adoption of Christianity already in adult, meaningful age. However, Orthodox priests argue the opposite. Being baptized in infancy, a person early acquires a guardian angel, is cleansed of original sin and is forever accepted into the holy church monastery.
The Orthodox Church recommends that babies be baptized on the 8th or 40th day after their birth. Newborn babies in dangerous disease, it is worth christening as soon as possible. Before christening, you need to decide on the choice of an Orthodox name for the baby. A saint bearing the same name becomes his intercessor before higher powers. The Orthodox name should be known to a limited number of people, this will make a person invulnerable to evil and ill-wishers.
Baptism of a child in a church
Many are interested in what days and how the child is baptized in the church. The rules are almost the same in every Orthodox church. For christening, you can choose any day of the week. The exceptions are big church holidays, when, due to the heavy workload, the priest will not be able to conduct the ceremony.
Preparation for the sacrament
Preparation for the sacrament involves the purchase of a baptismal kit, preliminary conversations with a clergyman, and the choice of godfather and mother. The baptismal set includes a shirt (diaper), a pectoral cross and an icon depicting the patron saint. For female babies, a cap or handkerchief is added. A baptismal shirt (kryzhma) is considered a miraculous amulet and should be kept throughout the life of its owner.
With its help, folk healers remove curses and help in the treatment of serious diseases.
Kryzhma for baptism
Kryzhma can be bought or sewn independently. This can be done by both the mother and the future godmother. Preference is given white color fabric as a symbol of purity and purity.
The pectoral cross is traditionally bought by the godfather. It should be of inexpensive metal. It is allowed to have a cross made of silver, as this metal is able to purify and drive away evil spirits. But gold is not considered pure, so gold crosses are undesirable. You can purchase such a cross in the future, not forgetting to consecrate it. After the sacrament, the pectoral cross is supposed to be worn constantly as a symbol of faith.
Godparents often think about what is better to buy for the cross - a chain or a cord? In church shops, ropes are sold - gaytans, specially designed for wearing it. They are safe and easy to use and are especially suitable for young children.
Relatives and godparents should first visit the priest and ask him everything necessary questions for the upcoming ceremony. He will tell you in detail what is needed for proper participation in it. To take a photo or video, you need to get his obligatory approval and blessing. On the day of the christening, you must have the birth certificate of the baby with you. On its basis, a certificate of baptism will be issued.
Choice of Godparents
The choice of godparents should not be made for materialistic reasons. Priests advise to invite believers for this, who in the future are able to become spiritual parents and mentors for the godson, and, if necessary, replace his father and mother. They must necessarily belong to the Orthodox faith.
Future godparents are invited to the temple to talk with the priest. The clergyman will tell them how the child is baptized, explain their role in the ceremony and in the spiritual life of the future godson. Church rules strictly define the category of persons who cannot be godparents:
- the child's parents;
- atheists and representatives of other religions;
- temple staff;
- minors;
- persons who are married to each other.
Women are forbidden to be present in the holy monastery during critical days. Before the sacrament, the godparents are required to observe a three-day fast, confess and receive communion.
Baptism of children in the church
The rules of the church forbade the parents of children to be with them during the ceremony. Today, the order of the ceremony has changed somewhat and Orthodox priest can christen the baby in their presence.
All participants in the ceremony need to pay attention to their appearance. It must comply with church requirements. Restrained tones are preferred in clothes. All those present should have pectoral crosses, and baptismal candles in their hands.
Women are not supposed to wear short open dresses or skirts. The head is covered with a scarf or scarf. Flashy jewelry and bright makeup are excluded. Female children must also be covered. Men are allowed into the temple without a headdress.
Christenings of children of both sexes follow the same rules. The first sacred act is the laying on of the priest's hand on the child. Such a gesture symbolizes the acquisition of the protection of God. The godparents answer on behalf of the godson some of the questions of the priest, then the priest anoints the child with church oil (oil).
After the anointing, the godparents with the baby in their arms must go to the font. The priest blesses the water and immerses the baby in it three times. If a boy is being baptized, then the godmother brings him to the font, and if the girl is being baptized, the godfather. After bathing, you need to put on a baptismal shirt and cover your head. The priest performs the rite of chrismation, which happens only once in a lifetime.
Rules for baptism in the church
Then a small strand of hair is cut from the child's head. The baby is carried 3 times around the font. This means that he took Orthodox faith and united with her forever. The whole ceremony is accompanied by constant recitation of prayers.
Upon returning from the holy monastery, all those invited gather for festive table. During the celebration, children are given gifts and warm sincere wishes.
Duration and cost of the ceremony
The duration and cost of the rite vary. Many parents are interested in how long the baptism of a child in the church takes. Much depends on the father. Most often, the ritual takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
The main material costs fall on the shoulders of the blood father and mother, although there was once a custom to fully pay for everything to the godfather. The cost of baptism in the church is indicated in the price list with the prices of church services. It can be found in the icon shop. You can find out how much it costs to baptize a child in a church from its employees. Traditionally, the amount ranges from 600 to 2000 rubles.
Everyone decides for himself whether to believe him in signs or not. There are beliefs associated with christening. Our wise ancestors advised to do the following:
- do not inform strangers about the date of the upcoming christening;
- only allowed into the temple even number guests;
- before the christening, count all the money in the house - this will ensure the child a comfortable life;
- on the day of christening, as on the days church holidays, do not perform any work;
- do not open the doors of the house to anyone until all participants in the ceremony return from the temple;
- do not take a pregnant woman as godparents;
- on a holiday in the house do not make noise and do not quarrel;
- after the feast, the godmother and father should be the last of the guests to leave.
Orthodox priests teach that the mere fact of baptism is not enough to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Important future life in Christ and participation in all church sacraments. The Church calls on the parents of baptized children to live in her bosom and set a worthy example for the growing generation.
Rules for baptizing a child in a church: video
Despite the massive spread of atheism during the Soviet era, in modern world all more people back to religion. Most of the population of Russia preaches Orthodoxy, so many believers are interested in when a newborn can be baptized. As a rule, this is done on the fortieth day from the birth of the baby. Why such a period? During this period of time, the woman is considered "unclean" and is forbidden to enter the temple. In exceptional cases, a ceremony can be performed 8 days after the birth of the baby, for example, if he is seriously ill. Before this, the mother of the child should read a special prayer, after which she will be allowed to enter the temple.
What do you need to take with you to church?
But it is important to know not only when it is necessary, but also how to prepare for this ceremony. For the christening ceremony, the baby's parents choose godparents, whose task is to accompany their godson in spiritual development. must know important prayers and beliefs, their main task is to retell the main points of the Bible. According to church canons, a child should have one godparent (a boy has a man, a girl has a woman), but it has long been a tradition to select a pair of parents - godfather and mother. Most often, this "family" couple is a couple of close people. You should not choose random people who will play their roles only formally.
Before wondering when a newborn is being baptized, it is better to choose a godparent. It is worth immediately determining who they definitely cannot be. The first is the parents themselves. In the second - atheists or people of a different faith. The future godfather and mother are also important. They must not use drugs, use alcoholic drinks, lead a disorderly sexual life. All this testifies to the moral instability of people. Such parents will not be able to teach their pupil anything good.
When is a newborn baptized?
The answer is simple: forty days after the birth of the baby. But it is not important. Some parents do not perform this rite, leaving the child in the future the right to choose whether to come to faith or not. Others want to leave the process of baptism to a more conscious age of the child.
How is the rite of baptism?
Now you know when a newborn is baptized. But how does the ceremony itself go? Above the child, the priest reads prayers, lubricating him with special oil. Then the baby is dipped three times in After that, the child is given a new name. Most often, it is named after the saint whose feast falls on the day of christening. This date is considered the second birthday. In addition to what you need to know when a newborn is baptized, how the ceremony goes, you need to take some things with you.
This is primarily a large towel (or sheet). You will also need a child. It should be understood that baptism is a sacrament, therefore only parents and godparents are present at it.
Baptism is a small holiday!
If desired, you can celebrate the completion of the ceremony with church canons - this is not prohibited. It is customary to give gifts on name days, as well as on birthdays. Sometimes godparents pay for the rite - this is their gift to the pupil. Other people can donate toys for the baby or household items.
What do we know about the Sacrament of Baptism, what do parents and godparents need to know in order to baptize a child, what are the requirements of the Church for the performance of this Sacrament, on what days is it performed in the church and on Lazarus Saturday?
Baptism age of children
One can decide that it is possible to be baptized only in adulthood, having consciously approached the choice of faith. This is not true. the church has been performing since ancient times, but certain rather strict conditions must be met.
In the future, children should be brought up as Orthodox Christians, participate in church life, receive the sacraments, and have mentors teaching them this. For this, there are godparents at baptism, that is, godparents. They make a vow to God instead of a child who cannot yet do it himself. They are further responsible for the spiritual upbringing of the godchild, and it is they who will answer before God for what kind of Christian the child for whom they vouched has become.
The question of age, that is, what time to baptize a child, should be decided by parents. Approaching the choice of godparents in the same way as agreeing to become a godfather should be taken seriously, thinking about what kind of spiritual upbringing the child will receive in the future.
When should a baby be baptized?
What days are children baptized? It has long been customary in the church to baptize on the eighth or fortieth day. And that's why.
According to church tradition, on the birthday of the mother and child, three prayers are read by the priest, blessing the mother and the baby who came into this world.
On the eighth day, the priest performs the rite of naming. This ceremony has a deep spiritual meaning. The name affirms our existence in the Universe. The Church in this rite recognizes the uniqueness of a particular person, his personality, endowed with a divine gift. By our name given to us in baptism, the Lord knows us, accepts prayers for us.
The name of a Christian has always been considered holy, therefore there is a tradition of naming in honor of an Orthodox saint, who after that becomes the heavenly intercessor of a person. It's the name given to man in the rite of naming, he is mentioned when receiving the Sacraments of the Church (confession, communion, wedding), when commemorated in notes, when commemorated in home prayers.
On the fortieth day, a ceremony should be performed on the mother, containing cleansing prayers, allowing her to visit the temple from that day on and be a member of the church again (from the day of birth until the fortieth day, a woman is absent from the temple for the time of purification). The ceremony must take place in the temple.
These three rites (on the first, eighth and fortieth days) are performed at Baptism, if they were not performed separately, each at its own time. Therefore, the tradition of baptism on the eighth day, when the name should be called, or on the fortieth day, when mothers can already come to the temple and be introduced into the bosom of the church with a cleansing prayer, is widespread.
However, a person can be christened on the first birthday, and on any subsequent. The main thing is not to delay or deprive the child of the opportunity to become a Christian and heir to the Kingdom of Heaven as soon as possible. It is also important to know that if a child mortal danger or sick, then you need to christen him as soon as possible. For this, the priest is invited to the hospital.
What are the requirements of the church for godparents?
As already mentioned, they take responsibility for the upbringing of the godson in the faith and make vows before God for him. Accordingly, they themselves must be Orthodox Christians who understand the foundations of the faith and live the life of the church, that is, they participate in the Sacraments (confession, communion).
In former times, Baptism was preceded by a period of pronouncement - the time that was given to a person to prepare for the great Sacrament. In the first centuries of Christianity, this period lasted up to two years. The catechumens - those who are about to receive the Sacrament of Baptism - were instructed in the truths of the faith, studied the Holy Scriptures and Tradition, and were present at Divine services. Only after thorough preparation the person was baptized.
At present, there is also preparation - categorical talks, where classes are held for adults who want to be baptized, and godparents who want to be the child's foster parents. Announcements are held at temples. Most often there are two, but there are parishes that organize longer training.
First of all, it must be said that there is no such day in the year on which this sacrament could not be performed. What days are children baptized in the church? The main condition is the readiness of a person for this. In addition, there is even the possibility of baptism not by a priest, but by any Christian. But this is allowed only if the person is dying and there is no way to call the priest.
Our ancestors did this, for example, when a baby was born very weak and the mother, fearing that he would die, washed him three times with water with the words of a prayer: “The servant of God (name) is baptized in the name of the Father (wash with water), amen, and the Son (wash water), amen, and the Holy Spirit (wash with water), amen.” This baptism is accepted by the Church. If the child remains alive, then you need to contact the priest in the future so that he completes the Sacrament. This is, of course, only possible if there is real threat human life. But you need to know about it.
And in order to find out on what days children are baptized in the church in which it is decided to receive the Sacrament, it is necessary to contact the church shop with this question. In large churches, there are usually days specially set aside for this, then Baptism occurs simultaneously for several people. In small parishes, it is enough to contact the priest and coordinate the time with him. The same possibility exists in large churches, if there is a desire to be baptized separately.
In the old days, the day for the adoption of Baptism was timed to coincide with the great holidays, primarily Easter and Epiphany. Therefore, there are no obstacles to baptize a child on Trinity, Palm Sunday, Lazarus Saturday, Christmas or Epiphany. The only difficulty may arise if the priests are busy that day and simply cannot perform the Sacrament. Therefore, in this case, you need to know in advance which days children are baptized in the church, or discuss the day with the priest.
Where to perform the Sacrament of Baptism?
Can be done anywhere. In emergency situations, as already mentioned, even a layman can baptize. If you choose, at home or in the temple - of course, in the temple, where the Spirit of God is present in a special way. There is also the possibility of performing the Sacrament in an open source (river, sea), as it happened in ancient times, as the Lord Jesus Christ Himself was baptized. This issue can also be discussed with the priest.
Just do not forget that the Sacrament will be performed in any place according to the faith of the person being baptized or the recipients, if it is a child, and does not depend on the place where it will take place.
How to live after Baptism?
For a true believer who consciously accepts Baptism, this Sacrament turns out to be an opportunity already here to partake of eternity, to become what God wants us to be. We are all children of the Lord, but after baptism we become closer to God. However, for this it is not enough just to be baptized, a further life in Christ is necessary, participation in the other Sacraments of the Church is necessary.
So at what age should a child be baptized? Preferably as soon as possible. But you need to understand that this Sacrament in itself does not guarantee salvation, but is only the first step towards it. And it is good when, after the baptism of a child, the family continues life in the bosom of the Church, being an example to their child.
