Orthodox baptism as a guest

01 Before the day

An Orthodox baptism is a combined rite of baptism, chrismation (analogous to confirmation in the West), and first Communion. The rite runs close to an hour. Orthodox baptismal practice is more elaborate than its Western counterparts: the child is fully immersed three times in the baptismal font, chrismated with consecrated oil on multiple parts of the body, and receives first Communion in the same service.

02 Attire

Smart-casual to church-formal is typical. Many Orthodox parishes ask guests to cover shoulders and to dress modestly; some Russian Orthodox parishes maintain a tradition of head coverings for women. The family is the source for the specific dress expectations.

03 The gift

A small gift is conventional. Orthodox families typically appreciate gifts with religious meaning: an icon (particularly of the child's patron saint, where the child has been named for a specific saint), a baptismal cross, a children's prayer book, a religious medal. Godparents and close family typically give more substantial gifts including the baptismal items (robe, cross, candle) in many traditions.

04 At the ceremony

Guests typically arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the rite begins. The parents, godparent, and child stand at the front near the baptismal font; the gathered family and guests stand or sit in the front pews or chairs.

The rite includes the prayers of exorcism and the renunciation of Satan (the godparent answers on the child's behalf), the blessing of the baptismal water and the oil of catechumens, the baptism itself (the priest fully immerses the child three times in the font), the clothing with the white baptismal robe, chrismation (the anointing of forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, breast, hands, and feet with chrism), the procession around the font, the cutting of a few hairs of the child's head as a small offering, and the first reception of Communion.

Guests stand for most of the rite, sitting briefly during the priest's prayers. Many US Orthodox parishes provide a printed program in English when parts of the rite are in another language.

05 Communion

The first Communion of the newly baptized child is part of the rite. Communion for other Orthodox Christians may also be offered at the same service. Non-Orthodox guests are not invited to receive Communion; there is no come-forward-for-a-blessing alternative in Orthodox practice. Guests simply remain in their seats during this part of the rite.

06 The reception

Many Orthodox families host a meal following the rite. The reception is often hosted by the godparent in some cultural traditions; in others the parents host. Specific customs vary by ethnic tradition: Greek families may include traditional dances and food; Russian families their own customs; Antiochian families their own. The family is the source for what guests are invited to participate in.