To perform the sacrament of baptism (christening), it is required to observe several rules and acquire some ritual objects that are inherent in the Orthodox Church in general. In addition, in recent years, the reviving tradition of acquiring special sets of clothes for christenings has become more and more popular and keep them for the rest of their lives.
There are no special requirements for the age of godparents (recipients from the font), but the canons of the Church indicate that the blood parents of a child, people of other faiths, atheists, and minors cannot be godparents. It is also strictly forbidden to choose spouses or couples who intend to marry as godmothers and fathers. It is desirable that the godparents, together with one of the child's blood parents (most often the father, since the mother is not allowed into the temple after giving birth until the 40th day), visit the chosen temple in advance and agree on the sacrament.
The baptismal expenses are usually borne by the child's godparents, who pay the cost of the ceremony itself and the baptismal cross for their godson. In some cases, future godparents can present their spiritual child with special sets of clothes, in which the baby will be dressed before a visit to the temple and after the sacrament.
In addition, in any case, for baptism, two towels are needed, laid in the form of a cross, candles that will hold in their hands all those present invited to the sacrament to the church.
During baptism, all those present must necessarily wear consecrated pectoral crosses (even the simplest ones made of wood can be worn). Women must wear dresses or skirts of sufficient length (no higher than the knee), and their heads must be covered with headscarves or scarves when entering the temple and in the sacrament room. An exception can only be made for little girls.
For the ceremony, the godparents must purchase a consecrated pectoral cross with a chain of sufficient length in the church in advance, which will allow it to be freely worn over the head during baptism.
There is no specific indication of the day on which a child can be baptized - this can be done at any time, even in adulthood, but in Orthodoxy, a baby is usually baptized between 7 and 40 days from the moment of birth. In this case, the temple for the performance of the sacrament, the day and time should be previously agreed with the priest, who will perform the ceremony.
