Orthodox Baptisms

Baptism is the beginning of our new life in Christ. Through the Holy Mystery of Baptism, a person is united to Christ, participates in His death and Resurrection, and is received into the life of the Church.

The Orthodox Church baptises infants as well as adults. In the case of an infant, the parents and Godparent undertake the responsibility of bringing the child up in the Orthodox Christian faith and helping the child grow in the life of the Church.

As Saint Paul writes:

“Or are you ignorant that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
— Romans 6:3–4

If you are considering a Baptism at Saint Anne’s, please contact the parish priest well in advance of the proposed date.

Arranging a Baptism

The first step is to speak with the parish priest.

The priest will discuss the meaning of Baptism with the parents, explain the requirements of the Church and help the family prepare for the service.

Please do not make final arrangements for a reception or print invitations until the date and time of the Baptism have been confirmed by the priest.

Baptisms should be arranged in good time, preferably before the birth of the child where possible.

Requirements for Parents

For a child to be baptised at Saint Anne’s:

• At least one parent must be married in the Orthodox Church and be able to provide the appropriate marriage certificate; and

• At least one parent should be a subscribing member of Saint Anne’s parish.

If the family is new to Saint Anne’s, the parents should obtain a letter from their previous Orthodox parish confirming that they are active members of that parish and have the blessing of their priest for the Baptism.

The priest will discuss individual circumstances with the family.

Living the Life of the Church

Baptism is not simply a ceremony or family occasion. It is the beginning of a child's life in Christ and within the Church.

Parents are therefore encouraged to participate regularly in the life of the Church, particularly through:

• Regular attendance at the Sunday Divine Liturgy

• Prayer and the Christian life within the home

• Participation in the Sacraments of the Church

• Bringing the child regularly to Holy Communion

• Supporting the child's growth in the Orthodox faith

Parents who are not currently active in the life of the Church should speak openly with the priest. The purpose is not to discourage families, but to ensure that the Baptism is understood as the beginning of a genuine Christian life.

If the parents were not married in the Orthodox Church, they should speak with the priest about having their marriage blessed in the Church. This does not necessarily need to take place before the Baptism of their child, but arrangements should be discussed with the priest.

Naming the Child

The child should receive a Christian name associated with an Orthodox saint.

The name establishes a lifelong connection between the child and the saint whose name the child bears.

If you are unsure about the suitability of a particular name, please discuss it with the priest before the Baptism.

Choosing a Godparent

Every Orthodox Baptism has a Sponsor or Godparent.

The Godparent has an important spiritual responsibility. At the Baptism, the Godparent speaks on behalf of the child and confesses the Orthodox Christian faith. The Godparent then has the continuing responsibility of helping the child grow in the knowledge and practice of the Orthodox faith.

The choice of Godparent should therefore be made prayerfully and with care.

Requirements for a Godparent

The Godparent must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing and in communion with the Orthodox Church.

If the Godparent belongs to another Orthodox parish, a letter of good standing from their parish priest may be required.

A person whose marriage has not been blessed by the Orthodox Church, or who is otherwise not in good standing with the Church, may not serve as a Godparent.

The priest should be consulted before the Godparent is formally chosen.

The Godparent should be prepared to participate actively in the Baptism and to support the child afterwards in their life in Christ.

The Church encourages the Godparent to bring the newly baptised child to Holy Communion following the Baptism.

The 40-Day Churching

The Orthodox Church has a beautiful tradition of bringing the mother and child to church approximately forty days after the birth.

This service gives thanks to God for the birth of the child and marks the mother's return to the life of the Church after childbirth.

The child is brought before the Lord and presented within the Church community.

Parents should speak with the priest about arranging the Churching of the mother and child.

The Baptismal Service

The Orthodox Baptismal service includes prayers of preparation, renunciation of evil, confession of the Orthodox faith, Baptism in water and Chrismation with Holy Chrism.

The child is baptised by triple immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, according to the practice of the Orthodox Church.

Following Baptism and Chrismation, the newly baptised person is received into the Eucharistic life of the Church and may receive Holy Communion.

The Baptism service is approximately 45 minutes long, although the exact duration may vary.

Days When Baptisms Are Not Normally Celebrated

Baptisms are not normally celebrated:

• From Christmas Day through the Feast of Theophany (December 25–January 6)

• During Holy Week

• On the Great Feasts of the Lord

Exceptions may be possible in particular circumstances with the appropriate ecclesiastical blessing.

Because the Church calendar and circumstances vary, please confirm the proposed date with the parish priest before making arrangements.

Baptismal Candles and Martyrika

It is traditional for the newly baptised person to have a baptismal candle.

Some families also provide martyrika, or witness crosses, for those attending the Baptism. These may be personalised with the child's name and the date of the Baptism.

These are optional and should be discussed with the priest if you are unsure about what is appropriate.

Photography

Photographs may be taken during the Baptism provided that they do not interfere with the service or distract from prayer.

The dignity of the Sacrament should always be respected.

Photographers should follow the directions of the priest, particularly concerning where they may stand and when photographs may be taken.

Fees and Parish Contributions

There is no fee for the Sacrament of Baptism, and the parish priest does not receive payment for celebrating the sacrament.

Saint Anne’s does, however, have ongoing costs involved in maintaining and operating the church, including heating, lighting, candles, maintenance and other parish expenses.

If the parents are subscribing members of Saint Anne’s, no parish contribution is requested.

Families who are not subscribing members are asked either to become subscribing members of the parish or to make a gift of £250 towards the life and work of the parish.

This gift is not a charge for the Sacrament of Baptism.

Additional costs may apply for arrangements such as flowers or other optional items, and these should be discussed with the parish priest.

If you have any questions about these arrangements, or if you are unable to meet the suggested contribution, please speak with the parish priest. We would be happy to discuss your circumstances with you.

Baptismal Checklist

The following items should be prepared by the parents or Godparent, as agreed between them:

• Orthodox Cross and chain

• White clothing for the child to wear after the Baptism

• A small bottle of pure olive oil

• A bar of soap

• One white hand towel

• One large white bath towel

• One large baptismal candle

• Additional smaller candles, if desired

• A small container or keepsake for the child's cut hair, if desired

If there are twins or more than one child being baptised, please speak with the priest about any additional items required.

The child will be baptised by full immersion according to the practice of the Orthodox Church.

For young children, parents should speak with the priest about suitable clothing for the Baptism. Clothing should allow the child to be baptised safely and with dignity.

Baptism Information Form

Before the Baptism, the family will need to complete the parish's Baptism information form.

Please download the form below, complete it and return it to the parish priest.

If you have any questions about Baptism, the requirements, choosing a Godparent or preparing for the service, please contact the parish priest.

We will be happy to help you prepare for this important beginning in the life of your child and your family within the Orthodox Church.