Categories: Guidelines, The Faith

Baptisms

A child is generally baptized between the ages of three and ten months. Age, however, is not a barrier to baptism. Please call the church office to request a date for baptism.

A person who wishes to sponsor a candidate for Baptism or Chrismation must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing and a supporting member of an Orthodox parish. A person may not serve as a godparent if his or her marriage has not been blessed by the Church or, if civilly divorced, he or she has not been granted an ecclesiastical divorce or for any other reason he or she is not in communion with the Orthodox Church. Baptisms may not be performed from Christmas Day through the Feast of Theophany (December 25-January 6), during Holy Week, or on any of the Great Feast days of the Lord.

Requirements for Baptism at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church:
Please speak to the parish priest to set the date of the baptism. The secretary may “pencil in” desired dates but the date can not be finalized without speaking to the parish priest. Parents of the child must confirm the date with the parish priest. This may not be done by the Godparent or relatives. When speaking to the priest, please inform him of the child’s baptismal name. These names are the names of saints in the Orthodox Church.

The Godparent traditionally purchases a new white dress or suit to be worn by the child. In addition to this, the Godparent brings to the church:

  • A cross
  • One white sheet (to wrap the baby in)
  • One large white towel (to place on top of the sheet)
  • One small white hand towel
  • One bar white soap (i.e. Dove or Ivory)
  • One bottle of olive oil
  • White undergarment or equivalent
  • Three white or beeswax candles

Regarding the candles: please bring candles that are appropriate and reflect the dignity of a church service. Large three foot “lampades” decorated with excessive tulle, teddy bears or other infantile paraphernalia are not appropriate. They are expensive, detract from the service and are needless. Plain, nicely decorated tapers are best suited.