Baptism - the oldest church sacrament, came to us with the adoption of the Orthodox faith.Each couple will sooner or later confronted with the question of whether to carry out the rite of baptism of the child, what exactly is it, whom to choose as godparents.Let us try to look into all these matters in order.
In our time among historians still debate about the appearance of the rite in Orthodoxy.Some attributed the origin of the sacraments with the name of John the Baptist, others believe that baptism came much earlier and has its roots in the days of paganism.Many church ministers argue that the tradition of baptism a person has borrowed from the Jews.In the Soviet Union, as you know, faith in God was not given much importance.Today, on the contrary, many new parents tend to baptize their child by all the canons of the Orthodox Church.What is the reason?With the spiritual rebirth of our country, or the appearance of fashion is to be a believer?Each person decides for himself, for whatever reason, it was decided to baptize their child.The Orthodox Church, as a rule, can not refuse to conduct the sacraments.
baby baptism rite is considered his spiritual birth, held on the fortieth day of his life.In fact, baptize the child in the church at any time, regardless of age.Immediately after the ordinances of the little man becomes attached to the Orthodox Church, it is believed that at this point he has a guardian angel.In accordance with church rules unbaptized person is not entitled to his funeral after his death.By the way, to baptize the newborn are allowed at any time of year, any day, even in the feast of the Epiphany (January 19).
Prepare for baby christening should advance.This applies to both the parents and godparents future.Firstly, each of them must be an Orthodox Christian, baptized and carry a crucifix.By the way, if the baptism is performed in the first five weeks after the birth of a child, his mother has no right to enter into an Orthodox church.The woman in the first forty days after the birth of a baby is considered unclean because of her presence in the church is highly undesirable.All adults before going to the temple should consider your wardrobe.A woman is unacceptable to wear trousers, short skirt, blouse, opening the shoulders.Her hair must be covered with a handkerchief.Special rules of dress for men Orthodox Church does not.However, it is not recommended to appear at the temple wearing shorts and a T-shirt, even if the outside weather is hot.
baptism is a required attribute pectoral cross.For girls it becomes future godmother to the boy - the future godfather.Godparents also bought: a small icon of the saint, whose name is an infant baptismal shirt, two towels, diapers and candles (the number should be specified in the Temple).Godparents are chosen mother and father.They are Orthodox Christians, always passed the sacrament of baptism.In the future, the recipients of the same baby, as a rule, can not marry each other (to go wedding ceremony).
himself baptism involves immersion of the baby in the font.Next to the altar boy ascends through ponomarskie door (girls offer up on the altar of the Orthodox religion forbids).Father bows to the throne with the child, and then applies it to the icon of the Savior and the Mother of God, then the baby is transferred to parents.At the carrying out of the sacrament is considered ended.This is followed usually festive meal in the family circle, the giving baby gifts, christening considered as the day of his second birthday.
