Baptism Checklist for Godparents and Baptismal Candidate
Before the Baptism:
-
- ☐ Complete paperwork (see Parish Priest)
- ☐ Choose an Orthodox name
- ☐ Choose an Orthodox Godparent
- ☐ Confirm a time / day for the Baptism with the Priest and invite people you wish to come.
On the day (for the Sponsor and Candidate to discuss):
- ☐ Cross necklace
- ☐ A baptismal outfit (for babies, it may be handy to have an extra singlet & nappy)
- ☐ Optional: Bonnet / “Oil Cap” (for babies)
- ☐ Small Candles (for adults being baptised to hold) / Lambatha (large candle, sometimes decorated, for the child being baptised, held by the Godparent or other young children)
- ☐ Bottle of olive oil
- ☐ Bar of soap
- ☐ Small white hand towel (for priest’s and Godparent’s hands)
- ☐ Large white bath towel
- ☐ White sheet
- ☐ Optional: You can bring all the items to Church in a large box or bag. Some people like to use this as a keepsake box for the Baptismal items.
After the Baptism:
- Where possible, do not wash or bathe until 3 days after the Baptism. If possible, for babies it is traditional for Godparent to attend and bathe the child for their first bath after the Baptism. Adults sometimes choose to have their first “bath” 3 days after their Baptism in the ocean.
- Wash the towels, clothes and other items with oil on them from the Baptism in a large tub or bucket and pour the water into the garden where no one will step on it or wash them in the ocean.
- The Godparent takes the Godchild for their first 3 Holy Communions. The candle from the Baptism is lit and taken up with them at this time.
Ongoing responsibilities of being a Godparent:
- Guide them in the Orthodox faith. Pray for your Godchild and be a good example; attend Church and participate in the sacraments.
- Remember their name day. (You may also choose to remember their birthday or give a gift for Easter / Christmas.)