The rite of baptism of children is a church Sacrament through which every child of believing parents must pass. This is, of course, the most important rite in the life of every Orthodox Christian. It is believed that during baptism a person dies for his sinful life and rebirth for eternal, pure life. Let's talk about that.
Many new parents think about the baptism of their child immediately after birth. But how to organize everything correctly? Dear fathers and mothers, know that the rite of baptism of children is a special Sacrament for which you need to prepare in a certain way. What? Now we will tell you everything step by step.
How should a baby be baptized
The rules according to which this Sacrament of God takes place have long been determined. The main thing is to have a sincere desire. If you, for example, do not really want to baptize your child in infancy, then you do not need to. Wait. Your parental instinct itself will tell you at what age you need to do this. So, how does a baby's baptism go?
First, you need to find godparents for your baby. It must bebelieving people. If it is not possible to find two, then the rite of baptism allows only one godfather: for a girl - a woman, for a boy - a man. Godparents must know the Creed by heart. In the future, they will pray for their young godchildren, tell them about the Lord, about the Church. If the search for future godparents was unsuccessful, the rite of baptism of children can take place without them. In any case, the priest should not refuse you this.
Secondly, you can baptize a baby immediately after birth. But in this case, the mother will not be able to be present in the temple, since she is considered unclean before the Lord for 40 days. If she still wants to be present at the baptism of her child, then she must wait 40 days, after which the priest must read a special prayer over her.
Thirdly, you need to take care of the things in which the child will be in the temple. The fact is that the rite of baptism of children requires that they wear white baptismal shirts (necessarily new ones). They can be purchased directly at the temple (future godparents usually do this). Why is it necessary? Old clothes symbolize sins that need to be washed away, appearing before the eyes of the Lord in everything new, clean, white … The baptismal shirt is kept throughout the life of the child.
Fourthly, it should be understood that this Church Sacrament is the first holy holiday for a child. That is why you need to prepare in advance, taking care of how to celebrate this event. Houses need to be coveredfestive table and invite the closest and most faithful to you people. Please note that this is not a holiday for adults, so no alcohol is allowed.
Who does the child become after the sacrament of baptism?
He becomes a new Christian. Receives a Christian name (name), acquires a heavenly patron and intercessor who can ask God to show mercy to his ward, to forgive him for this or that sin.
