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Discover the CollectionἈπεκρίθη ὁ Ἰησοῦς, Ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω σοι, ἐὰν μή τις γεννηθῇ ἐξ ὕδατος καὶ πνεύματος, οὐ δύναται εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ. – ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ 3:5
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. – John 3:5
Before they determine the day and time of the baptism, interested parties must definitely contact the priest of their parish. It is necessary, before proceeding with any other preparations, to make sure that the priest is available on that day and time, free from other obligations and duties, in order to be able to perform the Sacrament of Baptism.
The godparent, whether a godfather or godmother, is required to be at least 14 years old and must adhere to the Greek Orthodox Christian faith. It is imperative that the child’s godparent shares the same religious beliefs and is not affiliated with a different religion or a non-Orthodox Christian denomination. In the case of a married godparent, their union must be solemnized within the Orthodox Church; civil marriage or cohabitation agreements are not considered acceptable.
Furthermore, the godparent assumes the significant responsibility of imparting guidance and education to the newly baptized individual, encompassing all aspects of the Orthodox Christian faith. This role involves nurturing and fostering a deep understanding and commitment to the tenets of our Orthodox tradition.
Children born to parents who have only performed a civil marriage are baptized normally.
On the day of the baptism, the parents must provide the following documents to the priest.
- The Birth Certificate of the child.
- Certificate of the religious marriage of the godparent (if married).
- Certificate of baptism of the godparent.
- Copy of the passport or ID of the parents and the godparent
The child’s name should come from either the calendar of our Church or from the names of ancient Greek history.
After the Baptism ceremony, the Holy Metropolis issues and delivers to the parents a Baptismal Certificate with the signature of the priest and the seal of the Parish. Only this ‘Certificate’ is valid and accepted by the Church Authorities, Consular, and Municipal Authorities.
If the parents (or one of them) are Greek citizens, they must declare the baptism of their child (according to law 344/1976 ‘on civil status acts’) at the nearest Greek Consular Authority within 90 days. You can find more information about the Greek Consular Authority here.
Special Cases
- In case one parent has custody of the child by court decision, the performance of the Mystery (Sacrament) and the Naming requires the consent and signature of the other parent or a Responsible Declaration.
- In the event of disagreement between the parents, a court decision is required for Baptism or Naming.
- In the absence of one parent due to a legitimate impediment, the Priest may proceed with the Baptism if the absent parent provides either a certificate before a notary public or a sworn statement with the genuine signature, expressing consent for the Baptism of the child according to Orthodox doctrine and with the specific name.
- The registration in the Baptismal Book of one name is allowed, but the utterance of two names during the Catechism and the triple Immersion is not permitted.
Read carefully this brochure for your spiritual preparation and to solve any questions you may have.
An Approach to the Mystery of Baptism
Baptism is a significant sacrament in Christianity, symbolizing the initiation and purification of an individual into the faith. It is a sacred ritual where water is used to cleanse the soul and mark the beginning of a spiritual journey.
The mystery of baptism lies in its transformative power. Through baptism, the individual is not only washed of their sins, but also reborn spiritually. It is believed to be a moment of grace, where the Holy Spirit descends upon the person, connecting them to God and the community of believers.
Furthermore, baptism serves as a public declaration of one’s faith. It is an act of publicly affirming one’s commitment to follow Jesus Christ and live a life in accordance with His teachings. By participating in baptism, individuals join the larger family of believers and become part of the body of Christ.
As we delve into the mystery of baptism, we discover that it is more than just a ritual. It is a powerful symbol of new life, purification, and the unbreakable bond between God and His people. Through baptism, individuals embark on a lifelong journey of faith, marked by God’s love, forgiveness, and guidance.
In conclusion, the mystery of baptism invites us to explore the depths of our faith and embrace the transformative power of God’s grace. It is a profound sacrament that symbolizes the beginning of a new life in Christ and the unity of believers in the body of the Church.
Orthodox Disability Theology for Christian Communities
Dr. Petre Maican, Orthodox theologian, PhD, and author based in Brussels, is devoted to bridging theology and disability. His work confronts a pressing question: how can Orthodox communities truly welcome people with disabilities, autism, mental illness, and neurodiversity?
This mission is sustained through his Patreon, where supporters receive monthly theological reflections, ministry updates, extended essays, and early access to resources—all while joining a community committed to building a more welcoming Church.
Dr. Maican’s goal is to reach 50 patrons, enabling him to dedicate himself fully to this work.