Sacrament of Chrismation

Chrismation in the Orthodox Church takes place soon after baptism. Orthodox leaders note the close link between the two sacraments. Orthodox teachings state that baptism and chrismation have no meaning without the other. As such, chrismation must quickly follow baptism. This is a marked difference from other churches that practice the sacrament, such as the Roman Catholic and Anglican faiths. In these institutions, chrismation is conferred on the faithful when they are older. Soon after chrismation, the Orthodox congregants are also given their first Holy Communion.

In the sacrament, the priest anoints the person with holy oil known as chrism, which contains pure olive oil and forty sweet-smelling substances. In anointing a person, the priest makes the sign of the Cross and says, “The Seal and Gift of the Holy Spirit.” The chrism is put on several parts of the body, including the forehead, chest, and feet. Through chrismation, the congregant becomes part of the laos, or the people of God.

Chrismation and “Churching”

After baptism and chrismation, the congregant is referred to as “churched” by Orthodox leaders. Churching is an imitation of the Old Testament tradition that prescribed that male children should be presented to God in the temple forty days after their birth. As such, most Orthodox priests recommend that children be churched once they are around forty days old.

During this time, it is also common for the mother of the child to be churched as well. Also a hallmark of Old Testament tradition, churching for mothers denotes their reentry into the church after participating with God in the birth of their child and their confinement. By being churched, the mother can once again participate in communion and receive the Body and Blood of Christ.

Chrismation in the Apostolic Tradition

Orthodox scholars are quick to point out that chrismation exists in biblical teachings and is not just a church tradition. These scholars emphasize that several passages from the Acts of the Apostles note how early Christian leaders anointed their own followers with the gift of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 19, Paul lays his hands on several people, at which point the Holy Spirit comes upon them. In Acts 8, Peter and John travel to Samaria to give worshipers the gift of the Holy Spirit after they had already been baptized in the name of Jesus. Also, in the Gospel of Matthew, Christ urges his followers to make disciples of all men and baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

It’s true that chrismation is one of the most important sacraments in the Orthodox Church. Through chrismation, the faithful are given the gift of the Holy Spirit and become full members of the church and the laos.

Source:

OrthodoxWiki – Chrismation

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Start a Savings Account

If you are the parent of the child who is baptized, it is a good idea to start a savings account. Some parents even start the account with a generous gift. The expectation is that this savings account will grow so that when it is time for him to move out on his own, he will have a nice amount of money with which to start his new life.

Are you a Godparent?

Aside from buying the items the priest needs for the ceremony, including the cross, it is also customary for the godparents to give the child a gift. As a godparent, it is expected that you should be fairly generous. However, since you paid for much of the Christening ceremony, giving a gift like this isn’t necessary.

Any Amount is Welcomed

If you are a guest at the Christening, the amount you give will largely depend on your financial situation. Since the money is intended to help build the child’s future, any amount is welcomed. However, if you truly don’t have much to give, it may be better to buy a physical gift or to make something. That way, you can find ways to maximize the money you do have to spend on a gift.

Your Relationship with the Child

The amount you give will also depend on how well you know the child who is being baptized. Immediate family and close friends are usually more generous with how much money they give, as long as it’s within their financial means. If you don’t know the child or the family that well, being generous isn’t necessarily expected.

Giving More Than Just Money

Even though most people give money or a check as a baptism gift, there are other options. For example, you can purchase savings bonds instead of giving money. The nice thing about a savings bond is that it can take a while for it to mature. That means that there won’t be much of a temptation to cash in the bond before it reaches its targeted amount. This is also a great way to maximize the amount of money that you have to spend.

If you are looking for a great gift idea for a Greek Christening gift, money is often the best option. Not only is it the classic choice, it is also a most welcomed choice. Parents use this as an opportunity to begin a savings account for the child so that they could begin saving for his future. Over time, the money in the account will grow. Giving money as a gift helps to make the future more secure. All you need to do is give an amount that is as generous as your financial situation allows.

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A Christening is a memorable occasion both for the family and for the person to be christened. In the Greek Orthodox Church, the ceremony has two sacraments – Holy Baptism and Holy Chrism. At its conclusion, the newly christened is now officially a part of God’s kingdom.

If you are invited to this joyous occasion, it is because you have a great relationship with the family. This also means that you should bring a gift, especially if there is a reception that will follow the ceremony.

Rather than give the same old gifts, why not give something unique and handmade? Here are some options for things you can make from scratch if you have the skill. If not, you can purchase beautiful, handmade Christening gifts straight from the artisan.

Make Something Personalized

You can make a Christening gift that is completely personalized. No matter what you make, be sure to include the child’s name, the date of the Christening, names of the parents, and names of the godparents so the child has something to help remember the details of this special day.

Here are some things that you can make by hand and then personalize to give if you’re invited to a Christening.

• Handmade pillow, which has been personalized with embroidery.

• A monogrammed homemade baby blanket with all relevant information stitched in.

• Handmade commemorative plaque with all the important details about the Christening engraved on it.

As you can see, these gifts have varying degrees of difficulty for the people who make them. If you don’t have the skill at all, you can purchase the handmade item already made.

Handmade Religious Inspired Gifts

Even though you could easily give the child an icon or a cross that you purchased in the store, you can also make a religious gift yourself. Ideas for handmade religious gifts include making a cross, embroidering Bible versus on fabric, and creating plaques with Biblical information inscribed on them.

The main idea to creating a gift that has been inspired by Christianity is to select something that has meaning to the person being christened or to the family. This could be a Bible verse, a scrapbook with religious inspired items, information about baptism, and anything that pertains to the Greek Orthodox Christian Faith.

Homemade Christening Gifts Based on Gender

When choosing a homemade Christening gift, you can make or buy a gift that is based on gender. Gifts that are appropriate for boys include anything in the color blue, anything that has been monogrammed with his name, and jewelry that is geared towards boys. For girls, items such as baby photo albums, wedding dresses, fancy dolly shoes and even christening guest books that give them much pleasure as they grow up.

If you are invited to a Christening, you will need to bring a gift. Rather than give money or buy something traditional, you may want to make something yourself or at least buy something that has been handmade. These are keepsakes that will always be cherished.

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Are you attending a Greek Christening and looking for the right gift? There are several types of gifts you can give. These include money, religious gifts, and other keepsakes designed to help honor their special day. However, one of the most popular types of gifts are those made out of silver. Here are some details as to the types of silver Christening gifts available to you.

Silver Baby Spoon

One of the most common of the silver Christening gifts is the silver baby spoon. This is typically given to young girls but boys have been known to get it, too. In the American South, girls were given these spoons in a set pattern. This became her silver pattern and for every gift-giving occasion throughout her life, she was given pieces of the pattern. The silver set was finalized on her wedding day.

You can certainly resurrect the tradition by gifting a baby girl a special silver spoon at her Christening. In fact, you can give it to boys as well as girls. The spoon can be engraved, for example, to commemorate the date of the Christening.

Religious Themed Silver Gifts

Another option for a Christening gift is to give religious inspired items made of silver, such as a cross, Bible cover, or other religious trinkets. Any of these religious gifts can also be engraved.

Keep in mind that the godparent always buys the cross the priest will use during the Christening ceremony. This cross can either be gold or silver. Even if you aren’t the godparent, you could also get him or her a beautiful silver cross.

Silver Christening Keepsakes

In the Greek Orthodox Church, the Christening ceremony usually takes place in infancy. This means that the majority of Greek Orthodox Christians don’t remember anything about their own Christening. All they have left are the mementos and keepsakes that were given on that day.

Keepsakes can come in various forms but the best ones are engraved with the child’s name, the name of the godparents, and the date of the Christening. Consider giving a silver keepsake box, a silver plaque, an engraved cross or bracelet, or a silver charm. There are specialty stores that have a nice selection of silver items that can be engraved.

Silver Baby Gifts

Another popular silver gift idea is to give the newly Christened infant a silver gift typically given to babies when they are born. These include silver rattles, picture frames, coin banks, keepsake plaques, silver baby cups, ornaments, and more. All of these baby gifts can also be engraved with the child’s baptismal name, the names of the godparents, and the date of the Christening.

For most Orthodox Christians, the keepsakes given to them during their Christening are often the only reminders they have that ceremony actually occurred. So giving him or her a special silver gift is something that is very memorable. If you get any of these silver items engraved, it offers an extra reminder of the details of the special day.

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However, there may come a time when you question whether or not the godparent is performing his role properly. Here is some advice on what to do if you feel the godparent isn’t performing his or her duties.

Baptism and the Role of the Godparent

In the Greek Orthodox Church, Baptism is the first sacrament that is performed. In fact, it is a requirement that in order to participate in the other sacraments, Holy Baptism must occur first. The reason for this is that when someone is baptized, he experiences a spiritual rebirth and is now considered part of Christ’s kingdom.

Everyone who is baptized needs a sponsor, or a godparent. This individual is given the role of monitoring the new Christian’s spiritual development. There are several ways the godparent is selected but ultimately, the best choice is to select one who will best accomplish this role.

Assess How the Godparent is Doing

Before you take action, you should assess how the godparent truly is doing. Does he spend time with your child? Does he take your child to church or talk to him about God? Sometimes, it’s hard to determine how seriously the godparent adheres to his duties until the child gets a little older.

The Godparent’s main duty is to help the child learn about Christianity and the Orthodox Church. Although most parents assume this role, the godparent should still be involved in the process by speaking with the parents about the child’s spiritual health. For example, if parents neglect to take the child to church, it is up to the Godparent to make arrangements.

What to Do if the Godparent Isn’t Performing His Duties

Sometimes, parents are unhappy with the choice they made for a godparent. Some have even asked their priests if they could baptize their child again and this time, select a different godparent. Unfortunately, there is no way to “fire” your Godparent. Baptism takes place only once.

There are, however, some things you can do to help the godparent get back on track. First of all, be sure to pray to God for guidance on what you should do. Each situation is different and God will help guide you on the proper approach. You should also speak with your priest.

The next step is to make sure that your personal relationship with the Godparent is strong. You should invite him to be a real part of the family. In doing so, you give him a chance to get to know your child which can help forge the Godparent/Godchild bond. Also, be sure that he understands what your expectations are.

Selecting a Godparent can be tricky. There may come a time when you may regret your choice. If that ever happens to you, the best approach is to give the problem to God and wait to see what you are supposed to do.

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Even though the Christening is an important event in the life of an Orthodox Christian, it can be very expensive. One is the biggest expenses are the items that are needed for the church during the ceremony. The good news is that there are ways to save money on these items.

Here are some tips on how to save money on your Greek Christening supplies:

Save Money on the Christening Box

There are services that compile beautiful boxes filled with all the items the priest needs to complete the Christening. This includes a bar of soap, a small bottle of oil, and a white hand towel. These boxes are beautifully crafted and can be very expensive. Some are even engraved.

It is not a requirement to buy these boxes. You can assemble your own box and find the items yourself. You also don’t necessarily need the box itself, which adds to the expense. As long as you get the soap, towel, and oil that the priest suggests, you don’t need to incur any additional expenses.

If you do decide that you want these items stored in a beautiful box, consider making the box yourself. You may want to ask your priest for tips and to make sure that the box is appropriate for the ceremony.

Purchasing the Miropania Set

The Miropania set includes other items that the priest requires. This includes a large white towel, a white hand towel, a new white outfit, and a white sheet. As is the case with the Christening boxes, you can also purchase a Miropania set that has already been assembled.

However, if you want to save money, you can buy all the items yourself. First, ask the priest exactly what is required. Second, you can look for sales and discounts on all the items. As long as the Miropania set contains everything that is needed, it doesn’t matter how you acquire the items.

Money Saving Ideas for Candles

Most Christenings have at least one large candle and two smaller ones for people to hold during the ceremony. The large candle is also lit while the newly baptized Christian receives Holy Communion a total of three times after the Christening.

Most of the candles that we see are beautifully decorated. However, they don’t have to be decorated at all because it is only a tradition, not a necessity. By either decorating the candles yourself or forgoing the decorations all together, you can save a good amount of money.

Christenings are important because they contain two essential Holy Sacraments – Holy Baptism and Holy Chrism. For those who are responsible for buying the items for the church, however, it can be expensive. Luckily, there are ways to save money.

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What exactly is a Christening?

In the Christening ceremony, Orthodox Christians participate in two sacraments – Chrismation and Baptism. During the Baptism, new Christians are submerged in water and cleansed of their sins. After that, they are Chrismated, or anointed with oil, to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Does every Orthodox Christian need to be baptized?

Yes, it is a requirement for all Orthodox Christians to be baptized in order to officially be considered an Orthodox Christian. After the baptism, you will receive a baptismal certificate, which you should always keep on hand as proof. You will need to show you have been baptized in order to become a member of the church community and to participate in other sacraments.

Why are infants baptized?

In the Orthodox Christian Church, it is preferred that infants get baptized. This is because the church wants them to become part of God’s Kingdom from a young age. Other Christian denominations wait until the believer makes the conscious choice to follow God. However, this is unnecessary in the Orthodox Church. In fact, the younger you are baptized, the better.

Do I really need to find a godparent?

Yes, the godparent is not only an essential part of the Christening ceremony but also in the life of the new Orthodox Christian. A special bond is formed between the godparent and godchild as the person being baptized grows in her faith. The godparent is the official sponsor and speaks on her behalf during the ceremony.

How do I choose a godparent?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a godparent. If the person being baptized is old enough, she can choose her own. If she is an infant, the parents will choose someone for her. Generally, the koumbaros or koumbara of the parent’s wedding, the mother or father’s godparent, or a close family friend or relative is chosen. He needs to be Orthodox Christians in good standing.

What do I do once I’ve decided to have a Christening for my child or myself?

The very first thing you should do is contact a Greek Orthodox priest to figure out exactly what needs to be done. Each person’s situation is different. For example, if you are converting to Christianity from another religion, such as Hindu, the priest may want to meet with you to teach you about the Orthodox faith before being baptized.

In order to be a practicing Greek Orthodox Christian, you need to be baptized. During the Christening ceremony, you will experience the sacraments of Baptism, Christmation, and Holy Communion follows most ceremonies. Understanding what a Christening is and what you need to do are great first steps.

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Becoming a Spiritual Role Model

Generally, the godparent is looked at as someone with high moral character. You will need to be an Orthodox Christian in good standing, which is something that only the church can truly assess. So before you accept the role as godparent, it helps to understand that you have been assessed as being worthy of the role.

Since the godparent is considered a spiritual role model, someone who is a fairly active Orthodox Christian should be selected. The future godparent should attend church regularly, receive communion often, and read scripture and pray on a daily basis. In doing so, it may help encourage the godchild to develop these habits, as well.

Relationship Between Godparent and Godchild

Another way the godparent can help develop the godchild’s relationship with God and the church is by building the godparent/godchild relationship. The deeper this bond becomes, the more likely it is that the child will become a practicing Orthodox Christian. It is much easier to help someone develop their Christianity when they know you well.

To develop this bond, it is normally a simple matter of spending consistent time with them. This involves not only spending time with them at church, but outside of church as well. As your friendship develops, you can talk about God and the Orthodox Church as you spend time with each other.

Spiritual Health of the Parents

If the parents have a healthy relationship with God, chances are pretty good that the godchild will, as well. This means that in addition to overseeing your godchild’s spiritual health, you will also need to do something similar with the parents. What this entails differs greatly depending on the family and your relationship with them.

For example, if you notice they haven’t been going to church, it is up to you to ask why. At this point, you can invite the parents and your godchild to attend church with you. If the parents are unwilling to attend, you should see if they will let you take your godchild with you.

Developing a Relationship With the Parents

If you are not really close with the parents of your godchild, it may help considerably if you develop your friendship with them, as well. This will ultimately make it easier for you to perform your godparent duties. However, if they selected you in the first place, chances are pretty good that you’re already close. In this case, efforts should be taken to make sure the friendship between you and the parents remains strong.

As a godparent in the Greek Orthodox Church you are responsible not only for aspects of the Christening itself, but also for developing the spiritual well being of your godchild. This role doesn’t stop once the Christening is over; rather, it is only just beginning.

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There are several types of gifts that you can give. These include money, baby themed items, and religious inspired gifts. Though there are many kinds of religious gifts you can give, one of the best choices is to give an icon. However, how do you choose the best one?

Have the Icon Blessed

Once you do select an icon to give as a Christening gift, you may want to give it to your Orthodox priest or bishop to have it blessed. However, this practice isn’t necessary and most leave it up to the recipient to decide if the icon should be blessed. However, whether or not an icon should be blessed in the first place is the subject of some controversy. If you’re unsure, please consult with your priest for guidance.

Patron Saint

In the Orthodox Church, most people are named after a saint. If you are unsure of which saint the child is named after, it is best to ask the parents. In some cases, the baptismal name may differ from the name that is on the birth certificate so it is best to make sure. Once you find out the name, you can find the icon of that saint and give it as a Christening gift.

Theotokos – Mother of God

Another icon option for a Christening gift is to find one of the Theotokos, or the Mother of God. Though it is possible to find an icon of Mary by herself, a much better gift for a baptism is to give one that depicts Mary with her infant child. As Christians, we are followers of Christ and giving an icon with the baby Jesus in it is a reminder of that.

Notable Scenes from the Bible

Other common icons that can be given as gifts are those that depict scenes from the Bible. Any scene would be appropriate. One of the best choices is an icon that depicts the baptism of Christ. However, choosing a scene from the Bible is highly personal. If you know the family well, you could also select an icon that has a special meaning to the family.

Something Special

In some cases, certain saints have come to represent certain things. For example, if the person who is getting baptized is battling a certain illness, Saint Panteleimon is looked at as an appropriate intercessor. Note, however, that it isn’t the saint that delivers us from these problems, but rather God if it is His will.

If you are attending a Greek Orthodox Christening, a great gift idea is to give an icon. Since the Christening serves as the official beginning of the life of a Christian, giving an icon to display in the home is an appropriate gesture.

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Essentially, the Godparents oversee the newly baptized Christian’s spiritual growth and development. This includes making sure he attends church, learns about scripture and Greek Orthodoxy, and participates in sacraments such as Holy Communion on a regular basis.

To express gratitude, it is a nice gesture to give the godparent a token of appreciation on the day of the Christening. Here are some ideas for gifts that you can give.

Godmother/ Godfather Themed Gifts

Getting the godparent a godmother or godfather themed gift is a nice gesture. Giving an item such as picture frames, keepsake plaques, ornaments, Bibles, and trinket boxes that say, “Godmother” or “Godfather” on it are available in specialty shops or online. Some of these items also have inspirational sayings on them.

Personalized Gifts

Another option is to give the godparent a personalized gift. For example, any of the above mentioned gifts can also be monogrammed with a name and an inspirational Bible quote or saying. You can also visit a store that specializes in providing items for personalization, such as Bibles, keepsake boxes, and other items. Select something you know the godparent will enjoy.

Religious Items

It is also appropriate to give the godparent a religious keepsake such as a cross, icon, or Bible. For ideas you can ask your priest for advice. Also, if your church has a bookstore or gift shop, you may be able to find something appropriate there. For example, you can get the godparent an icon of her patron saint, a cross, or even an Orthodox prayer rope.

Greek Inspired Items

Another fun gift idea is to give the godparent a Greek inspired item. If you visit Greece you can buy her a souvenir while there. Gift ideas include olive oil and other Greek kitchen items, gifts straight from a monastery or convent in Greece, books about Greece, and more. For example, some convents in Greece sell handmade items like journals, incense, candles, soaps, and prayer ropes. Any of these items would be appropriate.

Gift Certificates

Getting a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant or store is also a nice gift. You can also give her a small keepsake item, such as a small icon of her Patron Saint, with a gift certificate. Use your personal judgment as to how much you want to spend on the gift certificate.

In general, your goal is to express gratitude to the godparent for taking on such an important role. Before you buy the gift, it helps to set a budget as to how much you want to spend. From there, you can decide the type of gift you want to give. Once you do that, the appropriate time to give it is directly after the ceremony. If there is a reception that follows, you can present it to her then.

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Greek Christening Etiquette – Frequently Asked Questions

Should I give a gift?

If you have been invited to a Greek Christening, you absolutely need to give a gift. Not only is it a gesture of good will, but also the Godparent and family are both going through an expense to share the day with you. Not bringing a gift is considered bad etiquette.

What kind of gift should I give?

There are several gifts that are appropriate to give at a Christening. One of the most popular is to give money. Families often start a savings account and use the Christening gifts as a way to start the savings. Other appropriate gifts include baby related gifts like clothes and toys (if the person getting Christened is an infant) and religious gifts such as icons and crosses.

Who organizes the Christening ceremony?

Traditionally, it is the Godparent who is responsible for organizing the ceremony. This includes reserving the church, tipping the priest, and paying for all items the priest needs to execute the ceremony. It is also a tradition for the godparent to buy the infant a special cross to wear during the ceremony and throughout his or her life.

Who organizes the reception?

Typically, it is up to the parents to organize and pay for the reception, but this is up for debate. Families often split the costs with the Godparent or they will volunteer to pay for the whole Christening reception for the whole family for the family. No matter what happens, it is a good idea for the parents and the godparent to determine who will pay for the reception before making any arrangements.

Who chooses the Godparent?

It is up to the parents to choose a Godparent for the infant being baptized. Usually, the parents present their choice to the priest who will then determine if the potential godparent meets the criteria. Essentially, the Godparent needs to be an Orthodox Christian in good standing, which does include several factors. Check with your priest to determine what these factors are.

Can the potential Godparent turn it down?

The Godparent is basically charged with the task of being a Christian role model to the new Christian. If the godparent doesn’t feel like he or she can successfully perform this duty, it may be best to turn it down. Becoming a godparent is a personal decision and if the individual doesn’t feel up to the task, it is best to turn it down so the family can find someone who is willing to take on such an important responsibility.

Even for Greek Orthodox Christians, the traditions and expectations surrounding Greek Christenings can be confusing. Hopefully, some of your questions were answered.

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Are you invited to a Greek Christening? If so, it is customary that you give a gift, whether you can attend or not. Being baptized signifies the beginning of a person’s Orthodox Christian life. That is why the most common Christening gifts that are given, are religious in nature. Here are some ideas that will help you find wonderful religious themed gifts to give at the Christening.

A Special Bible or Other Orthodox Christian Book

There is such a wide variety of Bibles and other religious books you can give, the choice is really up to you. They’re all appropriate. You can either select those that are geared towards children or something that the child will grow into, as he or she gets older.

Items like Bibles, Orthodox prayer books, and other religious literature all make wonderful Christening gifts. You may want to inscribe the book with something special so she can remember who gave her the book as she gets older.

Cross Pendant or Other Cross Jewelry

Even though the godparent gives the child a cross to wear during the Christening, it is still appropriate to give a cross as a gift. This can be in the form of a pendant, a cross charm, cross earrings, or a cross bracelet. Since she is getting a cross from her godparent, though, you may want to consider one of the other types of crosses so that your gift can be a little more unique.

Giving an Icon as a Gift

Another great idea for a religious Greek Christening gift is an icon. There are several ways you can approach this. You can give her an icon of the saint that she’s named after, an icon of an important scene from the Bible, or one of Jesus. Including a description of the icon itself is also a nice touch. For example, if her name is Catherine you can give her an icon of Saint Catherine.

Baptismal Pins

Another appropriate gift for an Orthodox Christening are baptismal pins. These are small pins that bear a cross and perhaps a saying about baptism. These are most often given to the Christening guests but it is possible to find baptismal pins that are designed as a keepsake for the person who is baptized.  These are also nice trinkets to include with another gift, such as money.

Other Inspirational Religious Gifts

Other options for a Christian themed gift for an Orthodox Christening are any religious items such as plaques with religious, keepsake boxes with crosses, quilts and blankets with a Christian theme, religious clothing, etc. It is also more than appropriate to make these items yourself. For example, a handmade quilt with a Greek Orthodox theme would be an appropriate gift.

If you are attending a Greek Orthodox Christening you may want to consider giving a gift with a religious theme. Since this is a very important Sacrament in the Orthodox Church, a Christian gift is more than appropriate. Religious keepsakes, such as crosses, are the kinds of gifts that she will likely have all her life.

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Almost everything that takes place requires money and it can get expensive. Figuring out who pays for what can also be very confusing. Here is a guide that can help you determine if the parents will pay for something or if it is the responsibility of the godparents.

Decide What Your Limits Are

Technically speaking, all that is really necessary for a Greek Orthodox Baptism occurs during the ceremony itself. Everything else, such as the witness pins, Koufeta, and the reception that typically follows, are extras.

The parents and the godparents should get together and determine what will happen on the day of the Christening. Will you follow all the traditions or will you stick with the bare minimum?

What the Godparent Pays For

Once you accept to become a godparent, the next step is to collect all the items needed for the ceremony. These are the items that are the godparent’s sole responsibility.

• New white baptismal outfit – a white suit for a boy and a white gown for a girl.

• All white towels needed during the ceremony.

• Bottle of oil and the oil sheet.

• Martyrika, or witness pins. These are usually in the shape of a cross with a ribbon tied onto it.

• Cross necklace, usually gold, to be worn during the ceremony and to have as a keepsake throughout the child’s life.

In order to find these items you can ask your priest for suggestions, look online, or ask the people in your parish.

What the Godparents or the Parents Pay For

Depending on finances and varying traditions from family to family, there are some items that either the godparent or the parents could pay for.

• Koufeta – The candy coated almond favor, a traditional item at Greek Christenings.

• Baptismal Candles – Typically, baptisms require one large white candle and two smaller ones.

• Any gratuity given to the church and the priest.

How do people decide who will pay for these items? There are several factors involved including financial status and traditions within the family. Also, the parents and godparents could even split these costs.

What the Parents Pay For

After the Christening ceremony, there is usually a reception that follows. It is typically the responsibility of the parents to handle anything that takes place before or after the ceremony.

• Outfit the baby wears before the ceremony.

• All expenses that relate to the reception that follows.

• Any favors other than the Koufeta that will be given to guests at the reception.

As you can see, there are several expenses that are related to the Christening. In general, the godparent handles any expenses that happen concerning the church and the parents handle the reception. However, there are some things that either the parents or the godparents will pay for, such as the Koufeta, baptismal candles, and any gratuities. Before any potential conflicts arise, consult this guide so you can know what to expect.

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Since the Christening is so important, people love to celebrate the occasion with a special reception and meal after the ceremony. Traditionally, the godparents pay for the items needed during the ceremony and the parents and/or the godparents pay for the reception that follows.

Even though the reception is a tradition not a religious necessity, mostly everyone has at least a small gathering. Some families, however, love to give their guests a quality experience either by cooking a big meal themselves or offering it at a restaurant. Having it at a restaurant, however, is the easiest way to give guests a great experience without the hassle.

Choose the Best Restaurant

Your very first step in planning your Christening reception at a restaurant is to seek out the best restaurant for your needs. As a Greek-American, you may consider holding the reception at your local Greek restaurant.

If not, select a restaurant that has a menu that will appeal to a wide variety of people. The goal is to find a place that has good food with a nice atmosphere at affordable prices.

One thing to remember is that if your guest list is fairly large some restaurants won’t be able to accommodate that. Determine how many guests you expect before you start considering where to have it. This may help you narrow it down,

Sending Out Invitations

Once you find the restaurant and make the guest list, your next step is to send out the invitations. By now, you should have set a date with your priest.

The invitations should have the time and date of the Christening, where the Christening is, and where the reception will be. Setting a “respond no later than” date is also a crucial element of the invite.

Note that paper invitations sent through the mail are still the most effective even though there are plenty of great electronic options. Not everyone has email or checks it reliably and you may miss a few people.

Plan out the Details

Once you have a restaurant selected, your next step is to plan out the individual details such as what people will eat, the cost, and what to do about the reception favors such as the Koufeta (white candied almonds) and the witness pins.You will need to provide the favors yourself. However, the restaurant may place them on the tables for you while things for your guests.

Another important consideration is whether or not you will serve cake. Some places won’t allow you to bring cake so if this is important to you, then you will want to find out in advance if they allow it before you book the venue.

Greek Christenings are special events and should be celebrated. If you are having a Christening reception at a restaurant, it is a good idea to chose a place that is affordable and also has wonderful food.

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However, Holy Communion does happen nearly every time. Why is this? What follows is some information that will hopefully give clarity as to why it occurs.

It’s Part of Tradition

In the early days of the Greek Orthodox Church, the Baptism would take place during the regular Divine Liturgy service just before communion. Converts would attend classes and learn about Christianity as a group. Once they were ready, they would all get baptized together. Since communion followed their Christening, they would all receive communion together as a group.

Today’s practice of administering Holy Communion directly after the Christening service is reminiscent of that. The Christening ceremony is now separated from the Divine Liturgy. However, the tradition of receiving communion afterwards still remains.

Participate in another Sacrament

Taking Holy Communion right after the Christening gives new Christians a chance to participate in this sacrament for the first time in front of their friends and family. As an Orthodox Christian, it is important to participate in the Sacraments on a regular basis because they help us build our relationship with Him. Note that the Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation are only done once during the life of a Christian. Holy Communion can be received often.

Encourages Church Participation

You may have heard that it is the tradition for the newly baptized Christian to participate in Holy Communion three times while someone holds the large candle from the Christening ceremony. Both the parents and Godparents usually accompany the infant to communion during this event. This is one of these traditions that is entirely optional. However, it is in place because it helps encourage the entire family to participate in church life.

Start Your Christian Walk Right Away

Being a faithful Christian takes work and includes scripture reading, church attendance, and constant prayer. Eucharist is also a big part of this. Orthodox Christians look at Communion as “the sacrament of sacraments” and is considered the center of our Christian lives. The word, “Eucharist” means “Thanksgiving” and helps remind us of all God has done for us all.

Since it takes place at every Divine Liturgy service, there is an opportunity to take communion at least once a week. Christians are encouraged to take communion as often as they are able. Participating in Holy Communion directly after getting baptized is an excellent way to begin having a relationship with God.

As you can see, taking communion is not actually a part of the Christening. However, the priest will often administer it right after the Baptism. Mostly, it is part of a tradition that began in the early days of the church. Even though the Christening is usually separated from the Divine Liturgy service, most still receive communion after their Baptism.

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Most of us think that a Christening is centered around the baptism itself. While it is true that the baptism is an important part, there is also more to the ceremony than that. There are two other sacraments, Holy Communion and Chrismation, that occur and each of these is an important step in the life of a new Christian.

Purpose of the Christening

According to Merriam-Webster, a christening is “the ceremony of baptizing and naming the child”. Also, Merriam-Webster defines the word “christening” in a general sense as “the official ceremony in which something (such as a ship) is named”.

Note that the word “Christening” is derived from Christ, which indicates that this is the ceremony that marks an initiation into God’s Kingdom. Therefore, everything that happens during an Orthodox Christian Christening is done for the purpose of entering an individual into a relationship with God, which is why there are three Sacraments present within the ceremony.

Sacrament of Baptism

Typically, Baptism in the Greek Orthodox Church happens at infancy and is looked at as an expression of how much God loves us. Jesus commissioned baptism in Matthew when he told the Apostles to, “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Baptism is an important sacrament in the life of a Christian. It symbolizes the death of a sinful way of life and a rebirth into a new life in Christ. Note that baptism is just the beginning of the journey. It doesn’t guarantee passage into Heaven. However, it is the first step to getting there.

Sacrament of Holy Chrismation

During the Christening, the Sacrament of Chrismation happens after the Baptism itself and like Baptism, it can only be administered once during a lifetime. The purpose of this sacrament is to receive the Holy Spirit. In doing so, the newly baptized infant receives guidance and spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit, which will allow for spiritual growth.

Various parts of the body are anointed during Chrismation. The forehead represents our thoughts. The chest signifies our heart and our desires. The eyes, ears, and lips represent the senses. The hands and feet represent good works and our spiritual walk.

Sacrament of Holy Eucharist

The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is optionally administered after the Christening itself is complete. This is the first communion for all Orthodox Christians and is administered at every Divine Liturgy service. All Orthodox Christians are welcome to receive communion at each Divine Liturgy service when the proper preparations are made.

The Christening is a new Christian’s opportunity to begin his or her spiritual walk. In the Greek Orthodox Church, the Christening is most often done in infancy. During this ceremony, three sacraments are administered. These are Baptism, Chrismation, and Holy Communion. Baptism and Chrismation are only performed once in a lifetime. Holy Communion is given at each Liturgy service. The Christening ceremony, in general, signifies the official beginning of the Christian life.

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General Information in the Program

An effective Christening program should accomplish two things. First, it will give all the essential information such as:

• The child’s name and birth date
• The names of the parents
• Who the godparents are
• Name of the church and the priest
• Information about the reception after the ceremony

Second, it will contain specific information about the ceremony so that the guests will gain a deeper understanding of what they are watching. Otherwise, they will only have a superficial viewpoint without understanding the significance.

How the Program Will Look

One of the first things you should do before selecting the information that will go into the program is determine how long it will be. If your space is limited, that will limit how much religious information you will be able to put in. If you are able to make the program into a pamphlet, you can go into a lot more detail about the ceremony itself. Check with your local print shop or look for templates online for ideas.

Ask Your Church

Sometimes, churches have information about the Christening ceremony that they can provide for you. If this is the case, all you will need to do is retype it or have copies printed out to add to your existing program. This can save a lot of time when preparing the program. So, before you design it, check with your Orthodox Church.

Important Elements of the Ceremony

Here is a list of the important elements of the baptism. If you choose to rewrite these items for your program, be sure to submit it to your priest for review in case he has anything to ad.

• Blessing of the Waters – The ceremony begins with a blessing and symbolizes the beginning of their spiritual journey.

• Blessing of the Olive Oil and Anointing – The olive oil is blessed which is followed by an anointing.

• Spiritual Warfare – The person being baptized is called to denounce Satin. If he isn’t old enough, the godparents do it on his behalf.

• Immersion – It’s time for immersion into the water. This is done three times.

• Chrismation – Orthodox Christenings contain another sacrament – Chrismation. This is performed after the immersion.

• Tonsuring – After Chrismation, the priest cuts a lock of hair from the person being Christened.

• Circling Around the Baptismal Font – Following a few scripture readings, the priest, candle bearers, and the newly baptized Christian all circle around the baptismal font.

• Holy Communion. The ceremony concludes with the third sacrament – Holy Communion. Then, the priest gives his official conclusion.

As you can see, you don’t necessarily need to write a complicated explanation about the ceremony. Even a simple summary can help your guests follow along and learn something about the Greek Orthodox Christian Church.

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The baptism typically takes place in infancy because it shows us how much God truly loves us. We begin our life as a Christian from a very young age. Getting baptized is a requirement for becoming an Orthodox Christian.

Preparing for Baptism

Before the ceremony can even happen, there are some preparations that need to be made. Here is an overview of some of the main points.

• Select the Godparent. The godparent needs to be an Orthodox Christian in good standing. Review your choices with your priest and he will help you select the right one.

• Christening items. In order for the priest to perform the baptism, he needs certain items. This includes candles, towels, a bar of soap, oil, and a new, white outfit to change into. The church has more information about exactly what is needed.

• Planning the reception. It is customary to have a reception of some kind after the baptism. This can be as simple as enjoying a slice of cake after the ceremony or treating the attendees to dinner.

Your priest will give you more detailed information about what needs to be done. However, this is the overview of what to expect.

The Christening Ceremony

Our Christening is an important day in our spiritual lives. This is when we officially become part of God’s family. He becomes our father and we become His children. Though we are typically too young to remember it, it is a joyful day. Here is a quick overview of what happens in the ceremony.

• Entrance. The person being baptized enters the church. It is a ceremonial moment because prior to the Christening, the individual is not yet part of the church family. The priest asks the person to be christened to renounce Satan. If the individual is an infant, the godparent does it for the child.

• Immersion. In the next major part of the ceremony, the person being baptized is immersed in the water three times, which is symbolic of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection. If baptized as an infant, after immersion the child is placed in the arms of the godparent with a white sheet, which symbolizes purity. Then, the child receives the sacrament of Chrismation.

• After immersion. The person being baptizes is changed into a white outfit. The candles are lit and the priest, godparent, individual being baptized, and the people who are holding the other two candles proceed around the baptismal font three times. The ceremony concludes with a scripture reading.

Most people attend baptisms without really thinking about them. This should give you an overview of not only how to prepare for the baptism, but what to expect during the ceremony. As you can see, this is an important moment during our spiritual life as Orthodox Christians.

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Here is a list of the top Christening essentials that are present at the ceremony and reception and simple ways to go about purchasing them. Consult with your priest for clarification.

Greek Christening Boxes

Christening boxes are a simple way to purchase some of the items that the priest needs. They usually contain a bar of soup, a bottle of oil, and a white hand towel. These items are used in the ceremony. Typically, it is the godparent who is responsible for buying these items.

When purchasing these boxes, you can buy a simple design or something a little more elaborate. You can even have them custom made. Once the Christening is over, the boxes can be used as a keepsake box.

The Miropania Set

Another key item for the Greek Orthodox Christening is the Miropania set. These typically contain a large white towel, a white hand towel, the Miropania sheet, and a new , white outfit for the baby girl or boy. The godparent is responsible for purchasing these items for the child.

Of course, all the items can be purchased separately. However, it makes things easier to buy them as a set. You can find these miropania sets online, in catalogs, or in local Greek shops.

Martyrika – Witness Pins

Witness pins are another traditional item present at Greek Christenings. However, note that even though the Martyrika are expected, they don’t actually have a place in the ceremony itself.

When you decide to purchase the pins, you’ll notice that you have some choices. Some are fairly elaborate and expensive. Others are much simpler and usually consist of a ribbon with a cross in the middle.

It’s up to you how much you want to spend. Not only that, but since this is a tradition and not a necessity, you can eliminate it completely if you are on a budget.

Candles for the Christening

The candles that are part of the Christening ceremony are essential items. Each Christening utilizes three candles – one large candle and two smaller ones. These are white and are often decorated with white toile and ribbons.

You can use plain candles, decorate them yourself, or buy them already decorated. Mostly, it will depend on how much you are able to spend. It is typically the responsibility of the godparent to purchase them.

As you can see, these items are either essential or expected. Yes, the church does need certain things for the ceremony such as the candles, towels, soap, and oil. However, the witness pins, for example, are simply traditions and not expected. Not only that, but the items for the ceremony don’t need to be elaborate; they can be simple. So, if you need to find a way to save money, you can cut corners by purchasing the bare minimum.

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Baptized in Water, In the Name of the Holy Trinity

The very first thing your priest will do before deciding on a course of action is to determine if you have been baptized in another Christian faith and if so, whether or not it was in the Name of the Holy Trinity and in water.

From there, he will help you determine if you will need to be baptized again. Since there are many different Christian groups, this is the best way to determine if it is necessary to get baptized again.

Getting Baptized for the First Time

One of the most straightforward reasons to be baptized as an adult in the Orthodox Christian Church is if you were never baptized in the first place. In order to become part of the Greek Orthodox faith you will need to have a Christening in order to fully participate.

Please consult with an Orthodox Christian priest to discuss your desire to become a practicing Orthodox Christian and he will help you determine your next steps. Possible scenarios include if you are becoming a Christian from another world religion such as Buddhism, realizing you were never baptized as a child, and becoming an Orthodox Christian after participating in another Christian faith, such as Protestantism.

Converting to Orthodox Christianity

If you want to convert to Orthodox Christianity, getting baptized is only a small part of it. Once you make the decision to convert, you should contact an Orthodox Christian priest in your area. He will have a conversation with you to get to know you and give you some information so you can learn about the Orthodox Church and the faith.

Plan to meet with your priest several times over the course of a few months. The goal is to learn as much as you can about Orthodox Christianity so that you can effectively participate. Once he determines you are ready to convert, he will map out a schedule where you will participate in the sacraments, including baptism.

Preparing for Baptism

Remember that preparation for getting baptized is the same for all ages. You’ll need a godparent who is an Orthodox Christian in good standing. The priest will need all the required items for the ceremony. Finally, the person being baptized will need to meet all the requirements. The priest will help determine what these requirements are.

Everyone has his own reasons for being baptized in the Orthodox Christian Church. Some people convert to Orthodoxy because their spouse or fiancé is Orthodox and they want their family to be unified in their faith. Other people join for personal reasons. Usually, they feel as if something is missing in their lives and feel that Orthodoxy is what they are looking for. No matter what your reason, consult with an Orthodox Priest to discuss your situation.

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