THE FOLLOWING ARE REQUIRED FOR THE ORTHODOX SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

You have chosen to have your child receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Chrismation and Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church.  The purpose of this document is to help guide you as you prepare for the excitement and joy that goes along with this very special and holy occasion.  Listed below are guidelines for your use and answers to questions you may have about the Orthodox Sacrament of Baptism.  Please feel free to call our office at 919-484-1600 if you have further questions or would like to make an appointment with Father Stavroforos.

SPONSOR OF SACRAMENT:  The Godparent (Koumbaro/Koumbara) must be an Orthodox Christian in “good ecclesiastical standing.”  “Good ecclesiastical standing” includes being baptized and receiving Holy Communion in an Orthodox Church and being current in his or her stewardship pledge. If married, the marriage must have been blessed in the Orthodox Church.  Non-Orthodox sponsors may stand with the Godparent in “Honorary” status. Godparents must each be Orthodox Christian in “good ecclesiastical standing.”  If the Godparents are members of another Orthodox parish other than St, Barbara, we will need a letter from their parish verifying their membership (and in the case of the koumbaro/kouombara the letter should state that they are also in good canonical standing and can serve as sponsors of the sacrament).  If not enrolled in any other Orthodox parish for the current year, they must become members of St. Barbara through the “Fair Share” stewardship system.   A minimum of $300.00 to contribute towards their “Fair Share” stewardship pledge.  An individual godparent/sponsor has a minimum of $250.00 to contribute; married couples serving as sponsors have a minimum of $300.00 to contribute.

FACILITIES FEE(S): A facility usage fees of $300 is charged  for parents who are non-members of St. Barbara

All fees collected by the office go directly to the Church.  Honorariums and/or gratuities for the priest and your invited guest clergy, chanter and custodian are separate and therefore not reflected in the above mentioned charges.

Items of Choice on Your Part – Offered as a Suggestion

1. HONORARIUM and gratuities for our Church priest and your invited clergy, chanter, and custodian are not reflected in these fees.
2. LANGUAGE USED:  This is up to the parents.  The priest will discuss and advise on this matter.
3. PHOTOGRAPHER:  One official photographer is permitted to keep the Sacrament dignified.  The photographer should speak with the priest and follow his guidance on position, shot, etc.  Make sure he/she knows the meaning of “discreet”and“appropriate dress.”  You can also have a video taken.  The same guidelines apply.
4. VISITING CLERGY:  If the couple wishes to extend an invitation to other Eastern Orthodox clergy, they are to be considered the family’s personal guest(s). The couple is asked to inform Father Stavroforos in regards to visiting clergy so that the necessary arrangements can be made to facilitate their participation in the sacrament.  This usually involves a letter from the visiting clergyman’s metropolis giving him canonical permission to leave his metropolis and to serve at ours.  This also involves a letter from our Metropolitan stating that the visiting clergyman has obtained his permission to serve at our Church. In the case of non-Orthodox clergy please consult with Fr. Stavroforos, also see GOA pastoral guidlines and "GOA Office of Interfaith Marriage".
5. FOLLOW UP:  For three (3) consecutive Sundays thereafter, the Godparent should accompany you and your child to the Altar for Holy Communion.  Your child should also attend church and receive Holy Communion regularly and participate actively in Sunday School and Youth activities.  Enrolling in Preschool is also a magnificent way to help you and the Godparent raise your child in the grace of Christ and with the richness of Orthodoxy.

REQUIRED ITEMS FOR BAPTISM

• White baptism clothing:  including outfit, shoes and socks
• White undershirt
• Gold cross with chain
• Baptism candle
• White flat sheet (“ladopano”)
• Large white bath towel
• Small white hand towel
• White receiving blanket (optional)
• Small bottle of pure olive oil
• Bar of soap

Traditionally, the godparents bring the items listed above but it is up to the families involved to work out who takes the responsibility for said items.
 

 
REQUIRED ITEMS FOR ADULT BAPTISM

• Bathing Suit (one piece)/swim trunks
• Beach sandals
• Solid-colored terry-cloth bath robe (preferably white)
• Hair dryer and outfit for after the Baptism
• Gold cross with chain
• Baptism candle
• 2 large white bath towels
• Small white hand towel
• Small bottle of pure olive oil
• Bar of soap