The sacrament of baptism of a child is not only a tradition. This ceremony must be approached with all seriousness and responsibility. This new birth of man is spiritual. It happens once, like being born. Having accepted the rite of holy baptism, a person becomes closer to God. Now he is a member of the church, he can participate in the sacraments of the sacrament and confession. Faith in God is
defining requirement for parents, as well as godparents for the ceremony. Since children are necessarily baptized with faith in their souls and knowledge of God's Laws, before the sacrament, parents and godparents should talk with the priest or rector of the church, read special literature, learn some obligatory prayers and teach the baby this in the future. Many mothers who are expecting an addition to the family ask themselves the question: "Can pregnant women baptize children?" Some recall the advice of great-grandmothers based on signs and superstitions. But at the present time the church has a negative attitude towards such delusions. The opportunity to take part in the sacraments of the baptismal rite will benefit the expectant mother.
How children are baptized: age limits
Usually in Orthodoxchurches conduct baptism when the child reaches forty days. But this is not a strict requirement. Some children are baptized in the maternity hospital, usually such babies are very weak and in serious condition. This happens if the parents turn to the rector of the church with such a request. Baptism occurs in the same way, even if the parents are in a different faith or are not married. Sometimes the ceremony is performed on several children at once, perhaps this is not very convenient for parents, but, in general, there is nothing wrong.
How children are baptized: choosing a name
Many believe that the name of the child at baptism should be different from the name given at birth: this supposedly will protect him from the "evil eye". But these are just superstitions and delusions. There is no such thing as an "evil eye" for a believer. The only case when the name given at baptism will differ from the main one is the absence of the latter in the calendar. Then you should simply choose the name that is consonant with the main one, or the one that falls on the day of christening.
How children are baptized: choosing a temple
The rite of baptism is the same everywhere. But if you constantly visit the same temple, then it is better to baptize the child in it. You can perform the ceremony in the cathedral, you have every right to do so. Baby baptism is the same everywhere. Sometimes the priest comes to sick children at home.
How children are baptized: the choice of the day
The rite of baptism can be performed on any day. This does not depend on fasts and holidays. You should agree in advance with the priest on the time.
Other conditions
Your relatives, friends who are not married to each other can become godparents. After the rite passes, they will become spiritual relatives. For baptism, you need to have candles, a shirt and a towel. These things are sold in the store at the church. It is not allowed to be present at the ceremony. Now it has become fashionable to take photos and record on video. After the completion of the ceremony, you can celebrate the christening - invite relatives and friends and set the table.
