Photography Advice

One of the most significant days in a person's life is their baptism. This sacrament is the first of the seven sacraments recognized by the Orthodox Church (baptism, chrismation (confirmation), repentance, Eucharist (communion), marriage (wedding), priesthood (ordination), and anointing of the sick). It introduces individuals into the world of the Church and symbolizes spiritual birth. After baptism and chrismation, one can participate in all other sacraments of the Church.

Photos from the baptism are a treasured joy for families, preserving memories for years to come. While there is usually no prohibition on taking photos and videos, it’s wise to confirm this in advance. If photography is not permitted in the church, consider finding a church where it is allowed.

Preparing for Baptism

Here are several tips to help you prepare for the baptism:

• For the baptism of children under 7 years old, consent is required only from their parents. For children up to 14 years old, both parents and the child’s consent are needed. Those over 14 do not require parental permission for baptism.
• Requirements for Godparents: The godparent must be an Orthodox and church-going person (responsible for guiding the child in faith), not the child's parent (godparents should step in for parents if necessary), and a husband and wife cannot be godparents for the same child. Importantly, one godparent is sufficient: a woman for a girl and a man for a boy. A monk cannot serve as a godparent.
• For baptism, the child needs a new baptismal shirt, a cross, and a towel. These can be purchased at any church shop, and it's typically the responsibility of the godparents. The baptismal shirt is a cherished keepsake to be stored with other memorable items from the baby.
• Find out in advance what name the child will be baptized with. If the child's name does not appear in the saints' calendar, choose a similar-sounding name (e.g., Alina - Elena, Zhanna - Anna, Alisa - Alexandra) and inform the priest, as this will help determine the child's name day and their heavenly patron.

The Sequence of the Sacrament of Baptism

The baptism ceremony begins with the person being baptized (or their godparent, in the case of a child) renouncing Satan and all his works three times, expressing their desire to unite with Christ, and reciting the Creed, which should be familiar to them.

The priest then recites the Great Litany, consecrates the water in the font, anoints the water and the person being baptized with oil, and performs the baptism (immersion). During the reading of the 31st Psalm, a cross and white clothing are placed on the baptized person. After the anointing with holy oil, the priest and the baptized person walk around the font three times. The Apostle’s letters (Romans 6:3-11) and the Gospel (Matthew 28:16-20) are read, and the priest completes the ceremony with a final litany and dismissal.

This sacrament involves several elements, each with symbolic spiritual significance:

• Turning to the west (symbol of darkness) to renounce Satan, representing spiritual darkness.
• Anointing with oil before immersion for strength in the struggle against Satan.
• Immersion in water symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s descent, cleansing the baptized person of sins.
• Placing a cross on the chest signifies the desire to remember the cross – the symbol of salvation – and to bear it throughout life.
• White clothing indicates the baptized person’s cleansing from sins and commitment to a pure life, embodying joy in uniting with Christ.
• Walking around the font symbolizes eternity.
• Hair cutting dedicates the newly baptized person to the will of God.

After baptism, anointing with holy oil is performed, and the newly baptized Christian may participate in the Eucharist. When boys are initiated into the church, they are carried into the altar through the southern deacon doors, bowing to the throne, then they are brought through the upper place and out through the northern doors (girls are not carried into the altar). Both boys and girls are then placed near the icons of the Savior and the Mother of God on the iconostasis.