We begin preparing for the mystery of Baptism as soon as we learn that the birth of a child is imminent. Many priests like to spend time with expectant parents reflecting on the mystery of co-creation in which they are taking part. Anne Gallagher's booklet, Blessed is the Fruit of Your Womb, available from the Office of Educational Services, reflects on this mystery as well as explains the rites of our Church associated with the birth of a child. Many priests use this book as they reflect with new parents on the blessed event.
When a couple learns that a child is on the way, they should notify the priest so he can sit with them and explain the Church's prayers connected with childbirth: the blessing of a newborn child, usually conferred in the hospital, the naming of a child on the eighth day, usually done at home, and the churching or presentation, done the first time the child is brought to church. Call on your priest to perform these services well in advance of the time.
By the same token there is a special service which is intended to be used when a couple adopts a child. In it the priest prays for the Lord's blessings on the family as the parents publicly proclaim their love for the child in the words of the psalmist, You are my son: today I have begotten you.
Formation - It has become customary for parents presenting a child for baptism take part in a catechetical program, usually of two sessions, to reflect on this mystery with their priest and sometimes with other new parents. In many dioceses, including the eparchy of Newton, such programs are mandatory in the case of infant baptisms. Material for these programs is contained in booklets Washed and Annointed and Christened: Newborn in Christ, available from Office of Educational Services.
An adult seeking baptism is usual inducted into the catechumenate, a formational period in which exposure to Church teaching and practice is combined with involvement in the life of the actual community.
Choosing Sponsors - In Byzantine tradition, one sponsor of the same sex as the candidate is mandatory; others of either sex are optional. It is necessary that the sponsor be a practicing member of the Church, as noone can propose a person for membership in a group to which he himself does not belong! People striving to live in the heavenly realm will presumably try to see that their children's sponsors are living the same way. In that way the sponsors will themselves become an adjunct to your domestic church and support its way of life.
The same holds true in the case of an adult baptism. When believers sponsor an adult for entry into the Church, they are often asked to participate in the formational program along with the candidate, so that they can help, advise, and be present to their friend during this important period in the Christian life.
Baptismal Needs - At the Christening service, after the child is baptized and dried, he or she is dressed in a baptismal garment, a long white robe which is actually the origin of the robes clergy wear when serving at the altar. When you procure a baptismal outfit, you should know - with that connection in mind that a white suit is not completely appropriate as it obscures the relationship with the liturgical robes mentioned above. Unlike the loose baptismal robe, these outfits also prevent the priest from annointing the child's body at the chrismation. It is also customary to put a baptismal cross on the child along with the white robe. One particular design of a cross suggests the baptismal font at the base of the cross which makes it particularly appropriate for the occasion.
In the case of an adult baptism, it is customary in many places to use a white sticharion as the baptismal garment, and to wear a baptismal cross. Adult style crosses can be obtained from the usual sources.
After the candidate is baptized and chrismated, he or she is led in a procession while lighted candles are carried. Many people obtain specially decorated candles for this purpose, candles which are saved and kept in the icon corner. Some light them on holy-days, name-days or the anniversary of baptism. Some keep them for use on the occasion of their child's marriage and even in memorial services after their repose, when candles are also carried as part of the Church's rite. These candles are generally available through the parish church.
Some people have the custom of distributing small favors to guests at a family baptismal rite. A few sugared almonds wrapped in netting and tied with a ribbon and an inexpensive cross are given as a sign that we are rejoicing in the sweetness of the new life to which the baptized has been admitted. The almonds, an ancient symbol of fertility, point to our expectation that the seed of Godlife planted in the child through these holy Mysteries may bear fruit daily to the glory of God.
Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church · 8501
Lewinsville Road · McLean, Va. 22102 · 703 734-
9566
For questions or comments
about our site, contact the
Webmaster