baby baptism
Parents always try to protect their child from any trouble, using a variety of options for this, depending on their own beliefs. One of these ways is to conduct the rite of baptism of an infant. It is believed that it is necessary to conduct it as early as possible so that the baby is under the protection of higher heavenly powers.
In Orthodoxy, baptism has a special meaning. It consists mainly in the forgiveness of all sins (original sin), the giving of a new life, the assignment of a guardian angel to the baby. In addition, after performing this sacrament, the child can gain the joy of being and the ability to serve God.
Features of infant baptism
According to the rules of the church rite, baptism should occur on the fortieth day after the birth of the baby. The ceremony consists of reading prayers and immersing the child three times in holy water. It is she who symbolizes the deliverance of the baby from sins. Reading a prayer drives out unclean thoughts and an evil spirit from the baby.
Before the ceremony, parents need to carefully prepare: choose a baptismal set, godparents and a name. Godparents will become spiritual mentors for the child, so they must be close people, pure in spirit and young enough. The sacred name may coincide with the worldly one and is chosen according to the Saints.
Before the baptism of a baby, it is advisable to buy a baptismal kit for a boy or girl to take a special training course at the church, during which parents will be able to understand the true purpose and meaning of this rite, as well as learn prayers. The sacrament itself does not last long.
All the attributes necessary for the ceremony must be prepared in advance. As a rule, parents only need to buy clothes (a christening set for a girl or a boy), which will be put on the baby after immersion in holy water, as well as a cross and a towel. At the end of the rite of baptism of the baby, clothes and towels are not washed and are preserved for life. After death, they are placed in the coffin of the deceased.
Modern parents strive to preserve the memory of this great event for the family and capture it on a video camera or camera. Filming permission must be agreed with the clergyman in advance.
It is worth noting that the Orthodox Church does not welcome the holding of magnificent celebrations on this occasion. You can celebrate this day by organizing a small festive table for your loved ones. Baptism is by no means accompanied by the drinking of alcoholic beverages.
Baptism of a child is best done at a very early age, when the baby will not yet be able to be distracted by strangers and the ritual will go smoothly. At an older age, children often begin to act up during the ceremony, especially after dipping in holy water.
The final stage of the baptism of an infant is communion - it is advisable to carry out the ceremony no later than three days after the christening. This ritual includes participation in the morning service, drinking church wine (the blood of the Lord) and bread (his flesh) at its conclusion. Without the communion of the baby, he cannot be considered baptized.
