In Orthodox teaching there is a special rite - the sacrament of infant baptism, in which the child leaves a sinful life (“dies”) and is reborn from the Holy Spirit into a spiritual, bright world. This custom is performed only once, because the birth cannot be repeated. Many people do not understand its seriousness, they do it in order not to be different from others. Let's see what this ceremony is for, how it happens and how to prepare for it.
Why you need to be baptized
The sacrament of the baptism of an infant frees from ancestral sin, that is, from the guilt of Adam and Eve, who violated the prohibition of God, succumbed to the temptation of the Devil to eat the forbidden apple. Thus, a person becomes a member of the Temple and can receive help in prayers. A desire appears in him to live not for himself, but for God and other people. Becoming a Christian shouldkeep the commandments of the Lord. The main thing in the sacrament is that the believer is born for eternity, that is, after death he passes into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Preparation for the sacrament of baby baptism
First of all, it is necessary to determine who will be the godparents. If only one person is suitable, then this is acceptable. As a last resort, if there are no suitable people, the ministers of the Church conduct the ceremony without godparents. The elect must believe in God and go to church, especially before baptism. They need to pray, confess and take communion, know the Creed.
To carry out this solemn custom, you will need a baptismal set, which can be bought at the church. It includes a white shirt (possible with embroidery) and a cross. You should also purchase a towel or sheet to wrap the baby after bathing.
How does the sacrament of the baptism of a child take place
You can hold this celebration right after giving birth. However, many mothers would like to attend this holiday, but they are forbidden to enter the temple for 40 days. After that, they can attend the Church.
The sacrament of the baptism of an infant begins as follows: three candles are lit, and the priest reads prayers and goes around the temple. At this time, the godparents hold the child in their arms wrapped in ordinary diapers or a blanket. After reading, the recipients will be asked to turn towards the west, since symbolically there is Satan. The priest will make appeals to the godparents, to which they must sincerelyand confidently answer instead of the child. First he will ask: "Do you renounce Satan, his pride and his service?" Answer: I renounce. Then he will say: "blow and spit on him." This action is considered the true contempt of the devil. After that, he asks to turn to the east and asks the question: "Are you combined with Christ?" To which you should answer: "I am combined." This means that the godparents give the word to God about the baby's fidelity to God. Then the recipients recite by heart the learned prayer the Symbol of Faith. Then the priest reads a prayer petition, consecrating the oil and water in which the child will be bathed. Then he anoints the baby with Holy oil, then takes him away, baptizes him, bathes him, while saying a prayer speech.
Now, from the hands of the priest, the child is transferred to one of the godparents in a diaper with lace (baptismal kryzhma). It must be wiped from moisture, and then put on a baptismal shirt and a cross. After that, the sacrament of anointing takes place, where the priest anoints the child with the Holy Chrism, performs tonsure, while reading prayers. The sacrament of the baptism of an infant ends with a blessing to leave the Church with the need to kiss the cross.
