Among Orthodox Christians, the sacrament of baptism is considered one of the most important events in life. Epiphany Day, without exaggeration, is the second birthday, but it only concerns not the physical life of an Orthodox person, but the spiritual one. On the day when the sacrament of baptism takes place, the child has his personal guardian angel, which protects him from adversity and troubles throughout his life.
Baptism time
It is worth noting that the issue over time for the sacrament of baptism has very blurred boundaries, since a person, in principle, can accept it at any age. Only here there is a small rule that the church recommends to adhere to: children under the age of 7 do not take part in the decision about their own baptism; children from 7 years old already have the right to agree to the sacrament of baptism or not to agree; those over the age of 14 make their own decision whether to be baptized or not.
It is curious, but once upon a time it was generally accepted to baptize children either on the 8th or 40th day of their life. It was believed that it was at this time that a woman cleansed herself after giving birth. Fortunately, today these strict prohibitions have sunk into oblivion. Today, it is possible to baptize a newborn, in principle, when it pleases his parents: in the first month of the baby's life, and in fasting, and a little later, when the baby gets a little stronger, etc. By the way, the sacrament of baptism can be carried out in a hospital if the child is sick or weak for some reason.
God-parents
Today godparents are chosen based on personal sympathy. They can be friends, relatives, and even good acquaintances. The mission to be godparents is a rather important step: to be godparents means to become significant for your future godson, to get closer to him and his family. It is the godmother and father who are responsible for the spiritual development and spiritual world of the baby, as well as introduce him to church, lead him to confess and receive communion.
It is believed that a child can turn to his godparents for help. They must support him in a given situation, help with advice. You cannot become godparents to both spouses, incapacitated and mentally ill people, as well as the true parents of the child. Moreover, godparents are obliged to profess the same faith as their future godson and his parents.
Rite rules
During the ceremony, the priest is obliged to read the prayer three times. It is believed that this drives away evil spirits from the child. Then the holy father blesses the water and dips the baby in it three times. This is necessary to wash the child from original sin. After that, the child is transferred into the hands of one of the godparents, an Orthodox cross is put on the baby and chrismation is carried out.
It is advisable that after the baptismal ceremony the cross remains on the baby's neck. The child is baptized in a special white baptismal gown, which after the ceremony remains with him as a keepsake. In addition, the child also has a baptismal towel, with which he was once perceived from the font.
The sacrament of baptism in Orthodoxy is the introduction of a person to the church, which, of course, is a rather important and responsible event in his life. That is why this event should be treated with full responsibility: choose the right godparents, church, clothes and the time of baptism.
