Rites of Passage

The rite of passage that welcomes a new person into the Christian community can be celebrated in different ways either by infant baptism, chrismation or dedication. Infant baptism is performed in Orthodox, Roman Catholic and some Protestant Churches e.g. Church of England and Methodist. These are all similar ceremonies welcoming the baby into Christian community but they are done in different ways according to the belief of the denomination.

Baptism in Eastern Orthodox Church is called a Chrismation and includes both baptism and confirmation. Babies are brought to be baptised when they are only eight days old. Each child has a sponsor to represent them in form of either one of their parents or even the priest himself. The priest turns the baby towards the West, the sponsor declares the rejection of Satan. In Orthodox belief the west is the origin of evil. The sponsor then says the child has turned to Christ and the baby is turned to the East, the source of light. The child is immersed in a large font 3 times, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Immediately after the baptism the child is then dressed in white and anointed with the Holy Chrism (which has been consecrated by the Patriarch or Primate of the local Church). The priest makes the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead, nostrils, ears, eyelids, lips, hands, chest and feet. As he does this the priest says, “The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit”. A small lock of hair is cut off to show that the child is committed to the Christian religion. This is the Confirmation. The child is also given a cross so that he/she can wear it for the rest of their life. The child is now considered to be a full member. The newly Baptised and Chrismated Christian (adult or infant) is admitted to Holy Communion.

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The Anglican service is sometimes called a Christening. It usually takes place during the Sunday service as the child is becoming a member of the church family and so it is important the family is present. Godparents are chosen by the family to help with the child's spiritual and religious upbringing. At the service the parents and godparents all gather around the font with the vicar. Usually the mother/father hold the baby. The water in the font is blessed by the vicar. The vicar prays for the child giving thanks for this new life. He reminds the parents and the godparents ...

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