The Sacrament of Baptism is the first and most important sacrament when a person enters the church and becomes an Orthodox Christian. Perhaps that is why fears, unrest, and even superstition most often appear around this ritual. What is possible and impossible when it is better to baptize a child, how to choose godmothers - these and other questions arise from parents in the preparation process, because everyone wants everything to go right and according to the laws of the church. But the main question on the eve of Easter is the question "Can I baptize a child in fasting?"
The fact that during Great Fast you cannot baptize children is one of the persistent misconceptions. In fact, the Sacrament of Baptism is performed at any time of the year when the parents have the desire and opportunity. Probably the majority draws an analogy with the wedding - in Lent, the truth can not be married. Since this is a time of abstinence and spiritual development. Throwing a wedding with music, a lush table and festivities until the morning is considered a sin. Baptism, on the other hand, has nothing to do with walking and feasting, although many people mistakenly think so. Baptism means the birth of a new blessed life in God, and this is his main purpose.
When is it better to baptize children?
Baptism is an ancient tradition that dates back to the first centuries of Christianity. And once fasting was even a time of preparation for baptism, and people were baptized on great holidays, as it was convenient. Today, you can agree with the priest and godparents and come to baptize the child at any time, including during Lent.
Usually children are baptized after the fortieth day from birth. To baptize a child in infancy or at a more conscious age - choose the parents. There is no sin in baptizing later. But the holy fathers reminded us that the sooner a child is baptized, the better. By the sacrament of baptism, the gates of the church and other sacraments open to man. The child must be baptized earlier, so that he becomes a full member of the church and can participate in her life, take communion and partake in religion.
When asked whether to baptize a child or wait until he chooses a religion, the church clearly answers that it is necessary to baptize. Baptism is the foundation of faith, and we must boldly talk about it. Baptism is proof that you are a Christian. A child is born by the will of God and parents, he does not choose himself whether to be born to him or not. Baptism is also a birth, only spiritual. If we understand biological care: that the child needs to be fed and dressed, then we can also take care spiritually and baptize of our own free will. Without baptizing the child, we deprive him of the church community. Moreover, in gospel stories, miracles were often performed by the faith of others, and not by choice. The petition of some people acted for the benefit of others. Infant baptism is also a long-standing good practice. To baptize a child, waiting until the post is also not necessary.
Who can baptize a child? How to choose godmothers?
For many, the sacrament of baptism becomes commonplace. Everyone knows that it is necessary to baptize a born child, but they do not know why. We feel that this is good, but some misunderstand the meaning of the sacrament, perceiving it as protection from the evil eye, disease, and misfortune. Baptism is a spiritual birth that occurs once as well as biological. Godparents need to be aware that they bring the baby in their arms to the church and dedicate it to God, introducing the church and the faithful into a single body. Therefore, choosing godparents, it is necessary first of all to pay attention to moral moments, not to choose according to political views or material condition. The godfather should be Orthodox, love the child and be able to educate him spiritually. The godparents cannot be the child’s parents themselves, a couple of spouses or a future couple, since spiritual kinship is higher than blood, uncles, aunts, grandmothers. As for gifts, there are no rules in the church that the godfather is obliged to buy a cross or some obligatory gift. But most often, godparents themselves want to give their godmother a gift from a pure heart. Not only a cross and a chain will be good gifts, but godparents can also give icons, church books and other souvenirs.
How to prepare for baptism in fasting?
The rite of Baptism itself does not differ in any way, whether it is performed in fasting or not, but there are still rules for celebration. In any case, the main condition is that the parents and godparents themselves be Orthodox Christians and be able to teach Christianity to the child. Before baptizing, you need to get rid of false ideas about Christianity, it will be good to go to church, conduct conversations, study prayers and the Law of God. After all, parents teach children to be believers and pious people by their own example. Everything you need for the baptismal rite can be purchased in the clothing section for christening.
Tips for baptizing your baby in fasting
If it turns out that you need to baptize your child in fasting, here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Celebrate the baptism of the child in a narrow circle of those closest to you. Remember that fasting is not a time for a noisy feast.
- You can celebrate in the restaurant, asking to prepare a lean menu. The priest may also permit red wine.
- It may be that the church does not want to baptize, because they worry about a feast and a noisy celebration. Then explain to the priest, then you know the laws of the church, keep fasting and give up a big feast and alcohol.
- It happens that priests do not undertake to baptize a child in fasting, simply because they are very busy in worship these days. Therefore, if you want to perform the Sacrament of Baptism in the church that you go to constantly, it is better to postpone the date. If your child is weak, and you really want to baptize him right now, you can always talk about it with the priest, and he will not refuse to be baptized.
