When to baptize a child

When a baby is born, parents think about his baptism. Some believe that as a child grows up, he will make his own choice. Others choose to baptize a child in infancy. Parents need to decide at what age to conduct the ceremony, whom to take as godparents. In this article, we will touch on the topic of the rite of baptism.

Why baptize a child

A small child is defenseless in front of the outside world. It is believed that after baptism, a guardian angel appears in a child. It is in his name that the baby is baptized. After this ceremony, the child is under the protection of God. He gains faith and is cleansed from original sin.

There is an opinion among mothers that a baptized child cannot be jinxed. Godparents are chosen for the kid, who are assigned the role of a spiritual mentor. They must educate the child according to all Christian traditions. Godfathers cannot be married people. Indeed, in Orthodoxy it is believed that godparents are brother and sister among themselves.

Parents of different religions have to decide whose faith the child will accept. When choosing the Orthodox faith, the other parent should not be present at the baptism. And in the future, the child must be brought up in Orthodox traditions.

Where to baptize a child

Parents can choose any temple to baptize their child. It is worth discussing the date and time of the ceremony in advance. Photo and video permissions should also be discussed in advance. In some churches this is allowed for a fee.

Usually the sacrament of baptism is performed with several children at once. Godfathers buy a cross for the ceremony. It is not necessary to purchase a cross made of gold or silver. A cross made of ordinary metal is also suitable for the ceremony. It is advisable if it is not too large and without sharp ends. If the cross was purchased in a store, then it must be consecrated in advance.

In some churches, godparents are invited to talk in advance. There they are explained about the Orthodox faith, about the baptismal procedure. The number of such conversations in each temple is different.

The godparents should give gifts. This is usually a silver spoon or icon. But you can also give something else.

Some parents suggest that baptism at home is safer. In fact, this ceremony should take place in the temple. The whole ceremony takes place in a solemn atmosphere. If baptism is carried out in the morning, then communion takes place after that. This is also a very important process.

Sometimes, however, the priest agrees to conduct the sacrament at home. This happens when an adult or child get sick. If parents just want to avoid prying eyes, then you can agree on an individual baptism.

What days are children baptized

Since ancient times, according to church traditions, baptism babies was carried out on the eighth or fortieth day of life. It is believed that on the eighth day the child is given a name, and on the fortieth day his mother can re-enter the church. On these days, babies were baptized.

In our time, baptism takes place on any day. But still, you should first find out about this in the chosen temple, because the rules are different everywhere.

Parents 'and godparents' clothing must comply with church rules. Women wear long skirts and cover their heads and shoulders. Men should be bareheaded. Special christening sets are bought for small children. They include a bonnet and shirt, as well as a diaper.

For the sacrament, you must take a towel with you to dry the baby. Better to take a large towel. It will be convenient to wrap the child in it. Candles are purchased in the church. The number of candles required can be obtained from the clergyman.

In the beginning, the priest explains to whom to stand behind whom. Then he begins to read prayers, gives each child his Christian name. If the child's name is not in the calendar, he is given a different name. The rite of baptism itself goes through three immersion in water. In some cases, children are simply sprayed with water. Then a cross and a shirt are put on.

After that, the sacrament of Confirmation is performed. It gives the Gifts of the Holy Spirit for the spiritual life according to Christian customs. This is a very important sacrament. Like baptism, the sacrament of Confirmation is performed once in a lifetime. The oil that is applied to the body parts is made from olive oil with the addition of white wine and aromas.

The rite ends with cutting off a small amount hair on the head in the form of a cross. Then prayers are read.

After the sacrament, a baptismal certificate is issued. Sometimes it is not available in the church. In this case, you can purchase it yourself. After filling in, it is necessary to check all the entered data.

Is it possible to baptize a child in fasting

The church does not prohibit baptism during fasting. The only thing that is required is a lean table. On the table there should be lean dishes of mushrooms, fish and vegetables. It is not allowed to eat meat, dairy products, eggs, or drink wine or other alcohol.

There may be limitations on the great days when many people come to church. Then the priests recommend choosing a different day for baptism. It happens that on the days of Great Lent, the sacraments are held only on Saturday or Sunday.

If it is possible to choose another day for baptism, then it is better to avoid the fasting period. This is the time for repentance. At other times there are no restrictions, you can cook different dishes and allow you to drink some wine.

The mother of the child has monthly, is it possible to baptize the child

According to church rules, a woman should not enter church during her menstrual cycle. During this period, she is considered "unclean". This refers to cleanliness in the physical, not the spiritual sense. In our world, there are hygiene products that solve this problem. For example, tampons... A woman can enter the temple, but it is still not recommended to take part in the ordinances. This will be a violation of long established traditions.

Priests warn about this when they talk with their parents before the ordinance is performed. If mom or godmother has her period, and the date has already been set, it is worth telling the priest. He will make a decision. Perhaps the priest will allow you to attend the baptism or propose to postpone the ceremony to another day. The main thing is not to hide this fact from the clergyman.

Also, the godmother should not be pregnant on the day of baptism. If she recently found out about pregnancy, then she must admit this in confession.

Is it possible to baptize a baby with menstruation

If the child is not christened at an early age, then it is never too late to do so. The teenager himself can determine the significance of this event for himself. He will already consciously give consent or refuse to conduct the sacrament.

When a family is a believer, children are usually taught from early childhood to attend church and read prayers. Then there will be no problems with the baptism ceremony.

When baptizing teenage girls, consider their menstrual cycle. After all, as for all women, there is a ban on entering the church during menstruation for them. If the day has already been planned, then you will have to postpone the ceremony to another day.