Baptism of the boy: answers to the main questions

The Orthodox Church recommends that the boy be baptized on the fortieth day from birth. However, each parent can choose the date that is most convenient for them. This important event needs to be properly prepared not only for parents, but for the godparents as well. The boy's baptism is a bit different from the girl's christening. For example, it is believed that the boy must necessarily have a godfather, and the godmother may be absent. The girls are the opposite. But it is obvious that it will be better for a child if he has two spiritual mentors who will be with him not only on this day, but also for the rest of his life. How the boy's baptism takes place and what is needed for this, we'll tell in the article.

Here are the main questions that parents of a child usually ask:

1. Where to baptize? If the parents have a favorite church, which they regularly attend, then the boy's baptism can be held in it, having previously agreed with the priest. If there is no such place, then you can choose any spiritual institution that you like more and the clergyman of which will cause you the greatest confidence and respect. In order to enroll in baptism, you need to call the church's office and find out the dates in which it is possible to conduct this rite. You can be invited to a kind of interview where you personally can talk with the priest and ask him the questions that interest you.

2. Who should be chosen as the godparents? Very often on these important roles invite their friends. But this is absolutely wrong approach to such an event. The godchild of your baby should be those people who know a lot about spirituality and regularly visit the church themselves. After all, the godfather will be a spiritual guide for your child, who can always help and prompt the right way, and therefore the people you choose should correspond to this high rank. In addition, it is impossible for the godmother and father to be a married couple or to have intimate relations with each other.

3. What do you need to baptize a boy? The godmother gives the child a baptismal shirt and towel, and the godfather - a cross. All this needs to be bought in advance and given to parents before baptism, so as not to forget anything. You can also be asked to bring gifts to the temple: bread, sugar and other products.

4. How to prepare for the sacrament? The main training will fall on the shoulders of the godparents. A week before the baptism, they need to confess and take communion in the church. Three days before the event, they must observe a non-strict fast, and also learn or at least several times read the symbol of faith (the "I Believe" prayer).

5. How does the boy's baptism take place? The main role in the sacrament is played by the priest and godparents, who fulfill all instructions of the priest. The water temperature in the font is checked and the priest starts his ritual. Depending on whether you have chosen an individual or common baptism, it lasts from half an hour to an hour and a half.

Now your child has found a guardian angel and godparents, who will always be there. God bless you!