The Sacrement of Holy Baptism in the Orthodox Church

Requirements Prior to the Baptism

• The parents must be active members of the Orthodox Church.

• The Godparents also must be members of the Orthodox Church. It is their responsibility to guide, teach, and counsel their godchildren in the Orthodox faith.

• Parents need to approach the parish priest to decide on the day of the baptism for their child.

• The child should receive a Christian name, a saint's name, who would become his/her patron saint.

• The parents will bring a copy of the birth certificate to the priest prior to the baptism.

The Godparents need to bring the following items

• Little cross and chain for the child to be baptised

• Two white towels

• A little bottle of olive oil

• One large candle

• An icon

• White outfit for the child

Useful links

• The holy sacrement of baptism