Parting

Announcements before baptism for godparents to read. We want to baptize a child without an interview

According to the Decree of the Patriarch and with the blessing
clergy of the Northern Vicariate, in our Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “The Sign” in Khovrino, public conversations are held with adults who wish to receive Holy Baptism, as well as with parents and future godparents who have babies and children under 15 years of age to be baptized. The purpose of the conversations conducted by the full-time catechist of the parish is to check and possibly increase the level of conscious readiness both to receive the Sacrament on the part of those being baptized, and to participate in it as godparents. In the absence of circumstances that threaten the life and health of those wishing to be baptized, interviews are considered mandatory. In our Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "The Sign" in Khovrino, the decision to set the date of Baptism is made by the rector of the temple or the serving priest replacing him, based on the results of the interview. Attendance at least two interviews is required.

For baptized adults, the following requirements are recognized as mandatory :

2. Awareness of the need for every Orthodox Christian to participate regularly and constantly in the sacramental life of the Church.

3. Acquiring the basic skills of attending Orthodox services (presence at the Divine Liturgy).

4. Knowledge of fundamental Christian prayers, such as "Our Father ..." and "The Creed."

5. Preliminary acquaintance with the text of the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament (at least, reading from the beginning to the end of the Gospel of Mark).

The baptism of adults should also be preceded by a conversation with a priest of a repentant (confessional) nature.

In the case of the baptism of infants, as well as children under the age of 15, it is recognized that it is mandatory to have at least one godfather (godfather) of the same sex with the baptized child. If the specified person is a permanent parishioner of any other parish of the Russian Orthodox Church, then he may be exempted from the interview upon presentation of the relevant supporting document (certificate signed by the rector or confessor with the seal of the specified church). Also, godparents have the right to take advantage of the opportunity to have an categorical conversation in any church of subordination of the Moscow Patriarchate, subject to the subsequent provision of a properly executed supporting document (see above).

For godparents (grandparents) of a baptized child, it is obligatory :

1. Understanding and acceptance of the Commandments of God, agreement with the main provisions of Christian doctrine and church ethics.

2. Conscious and regular participation in the Church Sacraments (primarily in the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion), as well as in the prayer life of the Church.

3. In addition to a satisfactory reading aloud of such prayers as “Our Father ...” and the Song of the Most Holy Theotokos (“Our Lady, Virgin, Rejoice ...”), during the interview, special attention is paid to teaching godparents to read clearly and properly comprehend the dogmatically important prayer “Symbol of Faith”.

4. Sufficient familiarity with the text of the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament (at a minimum, reading from beginning to end of the Gospel of Mark).

5. Shortly before Baptism, godparents need to confess and Communion of the holy Mysteries of Christ.

6. The absence of unlifted church prohibitions (excommunication from Communion, as a rule, also means a ban on reception).

When choosing godparents, some statutory restrictions should be taken into account, namely :

Parents of those being baptized, as well as siblings and half-brothers and sisters, cannot be godparents.

Spouses do not have to be godparents of the same child; young people who have become godfather and godfather cannot be married to each other.

Monastics cannot become godparents.

Persons suffering from mental illness are not allowed to participate in the Sacrament as godparents.

For baptized (except infants), parents and godparents (godparents) mandatory participation in at least two categorical conversations. At the first conversation, the catechist must fill out a questionnaire for the baptized and the recipients, and also give individual recommendations and instructions for implementation. , which all need to be done before the second conversation starts.

Interviews in our Znamensky parish are held:
every Thursday at 18:20,
every Saturday at 15:00
in the Nikolsky (lower) church.

For those wishing to attend these Announcements, please arrive early without delay.

Attention! On the appointed days, interviews may be canceled if they are on the eve or on the day of the Twelfth and Great Feasts.

If you have been interviewed in another church, then you need to bring to the beginning of our interviews on Saturday at 15:00 the original Certificate (certificate) of the passage of catechumensal conversations with the signature of the person in charge and necessarily with the seal of the temple where you had these conversations.

Baptisms in our church take place only on Sundays in the first half of the day. Registration for baptism is carried out only one day in advance on Saturdays at 15:00 in the premises of the lower church. For registration, it is necessary to have an identity document of the person being baptized (birth certificate or passport).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question: We have already scheduled the Sacrament of Baptism in another church the very next day. Can I go through one interview in your temple and immediately get a certificate?
Answer : No, It is Immpossible; since this is a direct violation of the patriarchal order. Be sure to adequately prepare for the Sacrament and go through at least two categorical conversations. At the first conversation, after the lecture, the catechist must fill out a questionnaire for the baptized and the recipients, and also give individual recommendations and instructions for implementation. At the second conversation, these instructions you followed are checked and, based on the results, a decision is made on admission. In your case, it is better to transfer the Sacrament of Baptism.

Question: How long does it take to go through all the conversations and prepare to become a godfather at the Sacrament of Baptism?
Answer : It is necessary to pass at least two interviews at which lectures are given on the basics of the Christian life; as well as to follow the individual recommendations and instructions that will be given to you. As a rule, it takes 2-4 weeks to fully prepare to become a godfather.

Question: I am a busy person. Is it possible to have an interview in absentia or at another time?
Answer : No, It is Immpossible. You must be present in person at all interviews, and only at the specified time.

Question: We want to baptize a baby in your church, the godfather was interviewed in another church. He was given a certificate of the passage of catechetical conversations, it bears the signature of the catechist, but it does not have the seal of the temple. Can you accept such a certificate?
Answer : No we can not. We cannot accept a certificate that does not have the seal of the church where the talks were held. Since the seal confirms the authenticity of the signature of the catechist who issued the certificate, and without the seal, the certificate cannot be considered a properly executed document. In addition to this, the Patriarchal Order clearly states that the document is certified by the seal of the church. In your case, you need to go to the parish administration of the church where the interviews took place and ask them to put a stamp on your certificate.

Question: Our godfather lives in another city, and he was interviewed at the temple in his place of residence. We currently only have a copy of this certificate. Is it possible to bring a copy of the interview certificate instead of the original to apply for Baptism in your church?
Answer : No you can not. For registration, we need to bring one day before the Sacrament of Baptism, namely on Saturday at 15:00, only the original certificate, which remains with us. Moreover, any of the persons trusted by you can bring this certificate.

Question: I passed an interview in another church, but they didn’t give me a certificate of passing catechumens. What should I do?
Answer : If, after successfully passing the categorical conversations in another church, you were not issued a certificate, then this is the basis for filing a complaint with the local diocese or patriarchy. Since this is a direct violation of the Patriarchal Decree No. R-01/12 of April 3, 2013 No.

Question: We have already successfully passed the interview. How do we set the day of baptism?
Answer : Baptisms in our church take place only on Sundays in the first half of the day (the exact time is appointed by the catechist). Registration for baptism is carried out only one day in advance on Saturdays at 15:00 in the premises of the lower church. For registration, it is necessary to have an identity document of the person being baptized (birth certificate or passport).

How is the rite of baptism of the baby

in the Russian Orthodox Church

It is customary to baptize a child on the 40th day after birth. Parents go to the temple, sign up about a month in advance (or a couple of days if the confessor knows you and the future godparents of the baby well) and prepare for Baptism. The obligation to prepare the baby for baptism is assumed by the future godparents. decisions of parents to baptize a child, responsible Orthodox people at least 14 years old are invited to be godparents.

Baptism is the sacrament of spiritual birth into Eternal Life, it is a combination with the Lord and the denial of Satan. The sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation occur once in a person's life. Baptism takes place in an Orthodox church. Sometimes, with rare exceptions, in the hospital or at home. Before the baptism of the child, godparents must pass an interview with a priest, confess and take communion. On the day of christening, parents bring their child to the temple, but they do not take part in the Sacrament of Baptism. The mother of the child should confess on the fortieth day after the birth of the child and a special fortieth prayer is read over her. On average, the service lasts about 40 minutes, but it can be longer if several people are baptized at the same time. Children are usually baptized after the Liturgy. The announcement of children takes place before the service, the announcement of adults before baptism can take place a month in advance, so that the person being baptized can adequately prepare for the Sacrament. Baptism begins in a solemn atmosphere - the priest in snow-white clothes and smart guests get to know or continue to communicate with those who have come. Sometimes a priest can talk a little about the significance of baptism in a baby's life.

The service begins and the laying on of hands on the person being baptized and says the following prayers: “In Your Name, Lord God of Truth and Your Only Begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit, I lay my hand on Your servant (Your servant) (name), who has been honored to turn to Your Holy Name and find protection under your protection. Remove his (her) former delusions, fill him (her) with Your faith, hope and love, let him (she) understand that You and Your Only Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit: the Only True God. Let this servant (this servant) follow the paths of Your commandments, may he (she) do good deeds pleasing to You, for if a person does this, he will live. Write the name of Your servant (Your servant) in the book of Your life, introduce him (her) into Your sheep flock, the flock of Your heirs, may Your Holy Name and the Name of Your Beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, be glorified in him (in her), and Your life-giving Spirit. Look always at Your servant (Your servant) with mercy, listen to the voice of his (her) prayers. Send him joy in his (her) labors and in his (her) children, so that he, worshiping, confesses You and glorifies Your great and high Name and thanks You always, all the days of his life.

Exclamation: For all the heavenly powers sing to You, and Yours is the glory of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen".

Next comes the rite of renunciation of Satan and all his deeds. For a small child, the godparents keep their word, adults themselves answer the question of the priest. The priest addresses the devil with an order to leave the person being baptized. The godparents stand with their backs to the altar and face to the west (the side of the dark forces, in the east, according to legend, there was paradise), they spit on the evil one three times and blow on him.

“Do you renounce Satan, and all his works, all his angels, all his ministry, and all his pride?” - the priest asks his question three times.

“I renounce” - the person being baptized (or godparents for him) also resolutely answers three times

“The Holy, Marvelous and Glorious God in all His deeds and victories, the Incomprehensible and Mysterious, Who has predetermined for you, the devil, the languor of eternal torment, through us, His unworthy servants, commands you and all your servants and angels to depart from this servant (this servants ) In the name of the True God, our Lord Jesus Christ.

I conjure you, the spirit of the cunning, unclean, filthy, disgusting and alien, by the power of Jesus Christ, the sovereign Lord of the earth and heaven, Who commanded the deaf-mute demon: “come out of the man and enter no more” - step back, understand your powerlessness, not even over pigs . Remember the One Who Himself sent you, at your request, into the swine herd.

Be afraid of God, by whose command the earth was established, the sky arose, the One who raised the mountains like a plumb line; He paved the valleys like a measuring stick, Who fenced the borders of the oceans with sands and cleared the way for seafarers in the seas and rivers.

From the touch of God the mountains smoke, His robe is daylight; He stretches the dome of heaven like a tent, the whole earth is unshakably established by the Lord on solid foundations and will not be shaken forever ... Come out, Satan, get away from those who are preparing (preparing) for Holy Enlightenment. I conjure you by the saving suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ, by His True Body and Blood, by His wondrous Second Coming, for He will not be slow to come and judge the whole universe and plunge you, with your evil army, into hellfire, into outer darkness, where the fire does not go out and the worm of torment does not sleep.”

After that, the priest, praying, blesses the water in the font (it is prepared the day before). “Great are You, O Lord, and marvelous are Your works, and words are not enough to worthily sing of Your wonders.

You, Lord, from non-existence into existence created the entire universe and support and provide for each creation. You combined the whole world from the four elements, You wove the four seasons with a ribbon of cycle. The angelic world trembles from You, the sun sings to You, the moon praises You, the stars greet You, the light listens to You, the abysses and rivers bow before You. You spread out the heavens like a tent, placed the limits of the seas, You filled the heavenly sphere with the air necessary for our breathing. The hosts of angels bow to You, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim, standing and flying around Your heavenly throne, tremble with fear in the brilliance of Your impregnable radiance.

You are the God of the Boundless, Eternal, Inexpressible, Unknowable. You came to earth, taking the form of a slave, being in everything, like a man. You could not look at the torment with which the human race was oppressed by the devil, and you came down to earth to save us. We proclaim grace, we proclaim mercy, we cannot remain silent about the abyss of Your good deeds: You freed the weak human nature by Your Birth, sanctified the bosom of the Virgin, who became Your Mother. All creation sings of Your appearance.

You are our God, you came to earth and lived among people, You sanctified the waters of the Jordan, sending Your Holy Spirit from Heaven, You delivered the water from the evil demons that filled it.

Lover of mankind, O King, come and sanctify this water with the Descent of Your Holy Spirit!

Give her the grace of salvation, a blessing like that given to the waters of the Jordan; make this water a source of incorruption, a gift of sanctification, remission of sins, healing of diseases, extermination of demons, a stronghold impregnable for hostile forces. Let those who plot deceit against Your creation, this servant (this servant), flee from this water, for I have called upon Your Name, Lord, a wonderful, glorious and terrible Name for enemies. The priest blows crosswise on the water. “Let all hostile forces be crushed under the sign of Your Cross!

We pray to You, Lord: let all the airy and invisible ghosts depart from us, drive out this lurking dark demon from the water, and deliver the baptized (baptized) from the cunning and crafty spirit, leading him (her) obscuration to thoughts and feelings.

But You, Lord of all, show this water to be the water of salvation, the water of sanctification, purifying the body and spirit, the water that loosens the bonds of sin, leaves transgressions, enlightens the soul, the font of rebirth, the gift of adoption, the garment of incorruption, the source of life.

You Yourself said: “Wash and you will be clean; remove wickedness from your souls." And You give us the new birth of water and the Holy Spirit.

Appear, Lord, on this water and change the one who is baptized in it, so that he throws off the former old man, decaying in sins, and put on the new one, in the image of God who created him. May, having united with You and having accepted Your suffering and death, this person will also become a participant in Your Resurrection. Help him to keep the gift of Your Holy Spirit and increase the pledge of grace and accept the honor of the highest rank and be numbered among those who have already reached the heavenly inheritance.

After this, the baby is undressed in full immersion completely (up to 1 year old) or put on a baptismal shirt for older children and adults.

Before immersion in the holy font, oil is anointed to strengthen the future Christian to fight the devil. Like a cross, the forehead, ears, chest, back (if the child is undressed), arms and legs, the priest will anoint with a brush.

Then the godparents give the baby to the priest and he dips it three times in holy water with the words:

THE SERVANT OF GOD (THE SERVANT OF GOD) IS BAPTIZED: name

IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AMEN!

And SON, AMEN!

AND HOLY SPIRIT, AMEN!

Immersion symbolizes the three-day stay of Jesus Christ in the tomb, after which He resurrected. Also, the one who was baptized will be resurrected during the Last Judgment, where the Guardian Angel will be his guarantee and intercessor, who goes with him from the font into the world.

“We were buried with Him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we are united to Him in the likeness of His death, we must also be united in the likeness of His resurrection…” (Rom. 6:4-5). It is better for adults to be baptized in churches where there are baptisteries - small special fonts or on a lake or river.

The father gives the wet baby to the godfather (if a boy is baptized) or to the godmother (when a girl is baptized). The recipient from the font - the godparent takes the baby to the roof. The color can be any, but it is better if it is a white or sunny baptismal swaddle. In it they will anoint with myrrh with the words “The Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit!” for the adoption or adoption by the Lord of a child. The Holy Spirit is found in a person, and the Heavenly Father is now with us and we are with him until the end of time. After chrismation, the godparents with the baby go around the lectern with the Gospel, as a symbol of the procession.

Reading the words of the Gospel: “... Eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus commanded them, and when they saw Him, they worshiped Him, while others doubted. And Jesus drew near and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you all the days to the end of the age. Amen, a Christian is likened to a missionary, who witnesses with his life the acceptance of God and the Resurrection of Christ!

The Savior sends disciples to preach - and we will go to testify to the world about God, grace, salvation, God's commandments. Then the priest performs some rituals, passes the newly baptized into the hands of God, and then tonsures him. Hair is cut symbolically, to fulfill what has been said: “Even the hairs on your head are all numbered” (Matt. 10:30; Luke 12:7 and “but even the hair from your head will not be lost” (Luke 21:18).

During the tonsure, the priest says: “Our Master and Lord! You, who honored man in Your image and created him from a rational soul and a beautiful body, so that the body serves the soul; who crowned a person with a head in which many feelings coexist in harmony.

You, Lord, have covered the human head with hair, keeping it from changes in the weather, and all the members of the body with their comfort glorify You, the great Artist. You yourself, Master, your chosen vessel, the apostle Paul commanding us to do everything for your glory, accept and bless this servant (this servant) (name), laying the foundation [serving you and offering sacrifice] by cutting the hair of his head. Bless him and the recipient and grant them all to learn Your law and do good deeds pleasing to You.

“Our Lord and God! From the action of the font, Sanctified by Your goodness to those who believe in You, bless the real baby, and may Your blessing descend on his head. Just as you once blessed King David with Samuel, bless the head of this servant (this servant) (name) with the hand of me, a sinner. Accompany this servant (this servant) with Your Holy Spirit, so that, growing up and growing old, this servant (this servant) sends (sends) glory to You and sees (sees) the triumph of Jerusalem all the days of her life.

The priest rolls the hair from the baby's head into wax and lowers it into the font. Then they are taken out and buried or stored in a hair envelope.

After that, the boy is brought to the altar, from where he comes out with the icon of the Guardian Angel or the patron saint, and the girls are only brought to the Royal Doors and brought out to meet a measured, nominal icon.

Then the omission is pronounced - the final prayer of the rite of Baptism and the invocation of the Lord, the Mother of God and all the saints are all attached to the cross of the priest, that is, they are blessed in worldly life, where trials await him and which he will worthily endure, being now a child of God.

After the baptism of the baby, relatives and friends celebrate a bright holiday - Baptism. From that day on, the child can be commemorated in notes, receive communion and pray for him as a member of the Church.

Interesting articles about celebrating a child's baptism:

Baptism is the great Church Sacrament for a supernatural birth. Not every person clearly understands its meaning, therefore, public discussions are held in the church before baptism.

What is the conversation for?

Currently, according to the Decree of the Patriarch of All Russia Kirill, a mandatory interview in the church before christening has been established in Orthodox churches.

The interview is with:

Parents.
Recipients.
By those who are baptized over the age of 15.

Many visitors to the temples do not understand the meaning of innovation, because before everything was much simpler.

The conversations are conducted by a catechist, their purpose is to increase the level of conscious readiness to receive the Sacrament of both the baptized themselves and their godparents.

Rules of the Sacrament of Baptism

During the Sacrament, a person is immersed in baptismal water, thereby symbolically dying to live in sin and resurrecting to a new, holy, sinless life. Just as Jesus died on the Cross and rose three days later to a new, glorified life, so, being baptized after a threefold immersion, comes out of the font different.

For adults wishing to receive Holy Baptism, the following requirements are mandatory:

acceptance and fulfillment of the Commandments of God;
agreement with the dogmas of the Orthodox dogma;
awareness of the need for constant participation in parish life;
acquisition of basic skills of attending worship services;
knowledge of basic prayers;
familiarity with the text of the Gospel.

Before performing Baptism, an adult must necessarily confess, and the next day take communion at the Liturgy.

When Baptizing infants and youths (up to 15 years old), at least one godfather is required:

boys have a man;
girls have a woman.

Preparatory conversations with godparents

For godparents, the ROC puts forward the same requirements as for those who are baptized. But shortly before the celebration of the Sacrament, they should confess their sins and take communion.

There are a number of restrictions for receivers:

they should not be the biological parents of the baptized, their siblings and half-brothers and sisters;
it is forbidden to choose monastics as godparents;
people with mental illnesses as sponsors are not allowed.

If the godfather is a permanent parishioner of any of the churches of the Russian Orthodox Church, then it is not necessary for him to undergo an announcement. But the very fact of belonging to the Faith of Christ must be confirmed by a document signed by the rector of the temple or confessor, with an imprint of the seal of the specified temple.

Preparatory conversation with parents

Before baptism, the clergyman must discuss the following points with parents:

Set a date and time for the sacrament.
What clothes do parents and the person being baptized need to have for baptism.
They choose a church name, the one who is baptized.

Responsibilities of parents:

there must be believers themselves;
attend a service
take communion.

Responsibilities of parents after the baptism of a child:

Attend worship services.
Take to communion.
To live and raise a child according to Orthodox canons.

An example of an open conversation

In the Orthodox Church, it is customary to baptize children according to the religion of their parents. The latter bring an obligation before God to teach children faith, to educate them in the spirit of Orthodoxy.

Baptism is the very first sacrament that was established for entry into the Church.

Announcements before baptism, interview before baptism

In this Sacrament, the believer dies for the worldly life of the flesh and is born into a spiritual life. An important turning point is taking place in human life for the sake of salvation into eternal life.

Why do we need salvation?

All people descended from Adam, who sinned against God. Therefore, all people are sinners from birth, spiritual life is alien to them.

And in Baptism a person:

dies;
renounces passions and sins;
resurrects in a new life leading to eternity;
cleansed from original sin.

The Creator gave Adam and Eve a commandment to establish the soul in obedience, but they violated it and departed from Him. Then they tasted the forbidden fruit and they were overtaken by a feeling of loss of the Grace of God. Their descendants became slaves of passions, and the devil subdued them. For the sake of union with the Heavenly Father, we accept Baptism.

Spiritual ties arise between him and the newly baptized, no less strong than those of blood.

The Sacrament of Baptism introduces a person into the Church, and now one can offer prayers to Heaven for him and partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. The Lord gives the newly baptized Guardian Angel, who will:

protect a person;
pray for him;
upon death will help his soul ascend to Heaven to his Creator.

Being godparents is a great responsibility for a newborn member of the Church.

The reasons why people decide to baptize their children are sometimes very original in the sense that they have nothing to do with the Church.

Baptism can be seen as following a family pattern:

« Our family has a tradition of baptizing children. And I don't want to back down from her", - says one of the users.

Sometimes baptism is perceived as a national tradition:

« I won’t call myself a church person, for me it’s more a matter of continuity and some kind of identification: a Russian person is an Orthodox Christian».

This statement is accompanied by a lengthy justification:

« People (for the most part) profess (feel belonging to) the religion that has historically developed on the territory of their state. Hindus do not convert to Christianity, the Japanese do not aspire to Judaism, and the Iranians are indifferent to Zen. Everyone minds their own business».

Such non-church people, "Orthodox in culture", sociological surveys reveal in Russian society from two-thirds to 80%. We even like to appeal to this number on occasion. But it seems that it is with these people, when they turn to the church, wanting to baptize their children, that the greatest number of misunderstandings, sad and comical situations occur, the essence of which is the same: they do not really know what they are asking for, but they demand that they fulfill their requests without fail.

Godparents without "fanatical piety"

« I baptized two of my children and an older relative, and everything was easy, sincere and festive ...

Now the priest sternly asked me when I went to confession and took communion for the last time, how often I go to church and which one, what prayers I know. I do not differ from many compatriots in excessively fanatical piety, so I honestly answered that I do all this at the behest of my soul, not rarely, but not every day. I received an answer: “I am tired of baptizing atheists!»

The commentator was offended. But how can she explain that baptism is not just a “holiday”, and Christianity is not only “God in the soul”?

Another case:

« Our godfather was the brother of a relative. In general, he is a hard-working guy, from the village, where all the aunts go to him for help, and he does not take a penny from anyone, he is always happy to help. Also unworthy».

Is a godfather and a “good man” the same thing?

« A friend asked me to be a godmother to her baby. I prepared thoroughly - I bought everything I needed in the Epiphany store, mentally tuned in, and now I read about the interview and got upset. I do not particularly observe Orthodox customs, what if the priest will not allow me to this sacrament».

Obviously, in the view of such people, baptism is just a beautiful rite. So the complaints about the refusal to “carry out the ritual” are rushing over the Web. Or the fact that for some reason the “ritual” was carried out not individually or not in the main church (which was chosen by the applicants for being beautiful and old), but in a small baptismal church (or in general in a separate baptismal room), where not the photographer and the operator with the camera could normally turn around.

Is the church simply beautiful?

Baptize ... without an interview

However, the main wave of indignation is caused by the requirement for parents and godparents to undergo public discussions. As the main argument against them, participants in online discussions cite the practice that existed in the Church in the 1990s, when all those who came were baptized at the first conversion.

However, let's look at what general conversations are and why they arose.

The introduction into church practice of preparatory conversations for the baptized themselves (in the case of adults being baptized), as well as for parents and godparents (in the case of the baptism of an infant) is regulated by the document “On Religious Educational and Catechistic Service in the Russian Orthodox Church”, which entered into effective as of December 28, 2011.

It says in particular:

« It is unacceptable to perform the Sacrament of Baptism on adults who, not knowing the basics of faith, refuse to prepare for participation in the Sacrament.

“The Sacrament of Baptism cannot be performed on a person who denies the fundamental truths of the Orthodox faith and Christian morality. People who wish to be baptized for superstitious reasons cannot be allowed to participate in the Sacrament of Baptism.

That is, the main goal of the conversations preceding the baptism is not to conduct a “test for a good person” at all, as the authors of some of the above entries considered. Their goal is to explain to a person the basics of the religion to which he converts himself or converts a child.

At our request, the cleric of the Church of St. Nicholas at the Straw Gatehouse, Priest Dimitry Turkin, comments on the situation:

For many years the priests had to baptize almost everyone who asked for it. A very small number of the baptized became parishioners. At times, people were accepted as members of the Church who were very far from the true faith and did not seek to know this faith. There is hope that this situation has passed forever.

So, you need to accustom yourself to the idea that you need to prepare for baptism, and if there is no such readiness objectively, then there will be no baptism.

Currently, preparation for baptism consists of listening to lectures mainly by future godparents. Of course, like any new business, it is not without flaws. In fact, we are trying to revive the practice of catechumens before baptism. This is an obvious good for the Church, so the world does not want to accept it.

The mistake of those who critically assess our attempts to oppose the formal attitude towards the Sacrament lies in the fact that it seems to them that we are trying to force someone to teach something. In fact, we are still trying, sorry for being rude, just to filter out those who do not want to learn anything themselves. They, believe me, do not need either Christ or His Church.

It is very good that someone declares: “the baptism of a child is the reason to start going to the temple.” Attending preparatory lectures is precisely the beginning of going to the temple. In addition, it is also a way to begin to understand something in church life. But we can no longer count on “suddenly start”.

Imagine the feelings of a priest forced for years to baptize everyone who comes. Believe me, it is very difficult and painful for the soul to pray with and for those who themselves do not want anything and simply indifferently defend the time of the Sacrament.

In fact, we do not refuse anyone. If a person has been trained, then he is allowed to be baptized. It’s just that those who have decided for themselves that they don’t need anything from the Church other than the fact of baptism do not come to our talks and therefore do not come to be baptized and baptize their children.

There were many and different cases of baptism, but I don’t remember a single one when a person who at first showed indifference became a parishioner.

In general, in the time that has passed since the introduction of catechetical conversations into church practice, the attitude towards them has become calmer. However, the phrase placed in the title of this section still occupies a leading position in the list of search queries.

Interview stumbling blocks

In addition to the very fact of their holding, the public discussions raise a number of other questions.

Firstly, at the very beginning of the conversation, apparently, they conducted, as they say, "with zeal beyond reason." The correspondent knows of a case when, several years ago, in the summer, an Orthodox couple from Moscow tried to baptize their third child in Vologda with their parents.

After serving a two-hour lecture with three children from zero to four years old in her arms, the mother then tried to talk with the priest about "softening the procedure." To which she received the answer: Either sit out two more meetings, or go to be baptized at the place of residence».

In Moscow, after asking the same couple a few questions, the priest told the parents to prepare for communion. The child was baptized on the next convenient day for them.

Priest Dimitry Turkin comments:

Participation (NB, not presence) of godparents and (or) parents is mandatory in cases where they are not churched or are not parishioners of this temple. If parishioners who confess and receive communion in the church ask for baptism, they receive permission without preparation.

If these are people from another parish, then in a short conversation they should show their degree of churching and, then, according to the results, they will either receive permission for baptism, or they will be offered to undergo preparatory conversations.

Cases of a diligent attitude towards catechesis (both on the part of the participants and the organizers) were also noted in the online recordings:

« It's just like a lecture. Went for three Saturdays. Dad was sitting with the baby. I don't regret it. Even though I took a nap».

In other cases, the very content of the conversation raised questions. The regulation "On religious, educational and catechetical service" provides:

“The announcement of adults involves several conversations, including the study of the Creed, selected passages of Holy Scripture, the foundations of Christian morality, including ideas about sins and virtues, an introduction to the liturgical life of the Church.”

The official document prescribes: when they are necessary, there should be at least two conversations, but their content and duration is determined by the catechist "with love and discretion." However, life practice can often differ significantly:

« I went last year, so they gave me videos on my laptop to watch the speeches of the clergy about the benefits of the very conversation that I came to».

Sometimes the meaning of the conversation, according to the testimonies of those who were announced, was reduced to maintaining the superstitions associated with baptism:

« The interview was more like a conversation about life. The main thing that worried them was whether we were meeting with the godfather, whether we were living together as a man and a woman, or whether we were married ...»

In other cases, the content of the conversation itself is generally difficult to understand:

« The inadequate lady who conducted this interview took the liberty of telling why children die young, but there was no logic in this».

Sometimes those who came were clearly not ready for the fact that the teaching would go "into a practical plane." Although, perhaps, the tone of the conversation was chosen not quite right:

« The abbess of the church (I could be wrong) conducted a monologue about how irresponsible, sinful, low people we are all.

There were many godparents and parents, some tried to ask questions, to which they received short answers in the style: “There is a book, everything is written there, why is it unclear?»

True, our godfather, convicted of fornication to the whole crowd (he had already lived with a girl for a long time), got married. Perhaps we are wrong Orthodox and should not be baptized, but this is not the way to convey it.”

The Sacrament of Baptism in the Orthodox Church is very important and has a deep meaning. The bodily birth of a person is a miracle of God. We know that before a baby is born, it spends nine months in the womb. During this time, it grows, forms, prepares for life in airspace. A small child cannot consciously prepare himself for the Sacrament of Baptism, therefore, instead of him, this should be done by his parents and godparents, who will be responsible before God for the correct upbringing of the baby. Just as a child in the womb was preparing for its bodily birth, so its parents and godparents must prepare their consciousness for the spiritual birth of this baby. The image of a child in the womb can be compared to our temporary life. When we live here on earth, we obviously do not see our Creator with our bodily eyes, but we can feel His care for us through everything that surrounds us. The Lord created for us the earth, plants, animals, natural conditions. A child in the womb also cannot see her with his own eyes, he only feels her care, love, affection and warmth. When a baby is born, he experiences great stress: for a small creature, this is a jump into the unknown. The moment of the birth of a child is compared with the death of a person. When the human soul separates from the body, various images appear before its spiritual eyes, various feelings visit it. For her, especially at first, it is not known where she will go. As it is important for a small child after his birth to cling to the body of his own mother as soon as possible, so it is important for the soul of a person to fall into the arms of the Lord himself after parting with the body. The Creator foresaw this, He gave a person the opportunity to save his soul, and the first step to salvation and leading a Christian lifestyle is participation in the Sacrament of Baptism in the Orthodox Church. Therefore, the interview before Baptism is an integral part of the preparation for this great Sacrament.

Interview of godparents before the baptism of a child

The interview with the godparents before the baptism of the child is usually conducted by the priest himself. He tells during the interview about what prayers you need to know, what to bring with you, how to prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism.
Many priests, during an interview with godparents before the Baptism of a child, not only touch on those points that are directly related to the performance of the Sacrament, but also go deep into how to properly raise a baby in the Christian faith. In our time, thanks to modern technologies, great opportunities have opened up for a modern person. This is an opportunity to exchange information in the shortest possible time. Unfortunately, most information - both visual and otherwise - can be harmful to the salvation of a person's soul. During the upbringing of the godchild, you need to try, together with your parents, to protect him from the harmful influence of the media. To do this, you need to offer the child a worthy alternative. This alternative can be Orthodox books, films and holy icons.

How is the interview with the priest before Baptism in the church

For an interview before the Baptism of a child, you need to be ready to come at the time that you will be told in the church. During the interview, the priest may ask for specific information about the child's parents, about the baby himself and about his godparents. This data includes full names, addresses, date of birth of the child. When preparing to go to a church interview with a priest, you need to think in advance what questions you have for him. You can take a pen and paper with you just in case, to write down some moments that you may forget. In different dioceses of the Orthodox Church, the requirements for godparents may vary slightly. In most dioceses, before the Sacrament of Baptism, godparents are required to know by memory such Christian prayers as “King of Heaven”, “Virgin Mother of God, rejoice” and “Our Father”. Usually, the priest reminds the godparents during the interview before Baptism that before the Sacrament, you need to prepare a pectoral cross, baptismal clothes, a soft towel, and possibly a blanket for the baby.

Is an interview required?

An interview before Baptism is one of the mandatory requirements for the parents of the child and his godparents. Such are the Mystery of Baptism, which is the first step towards the ascent of a child up the spiritual ladder. This ladder must lead to the salvation of the soul through right conduct and Christian upbringing. Christian upbringing of the child should be given by his parents and godparents.
To do this correctly, you need to constantly check your views on the principles of education with the teachings of the Orthodox Church. During the interview before the Baptism of an infant, you can ask the priest for advice on what spiritual literature and films you can watch about raising children in the Orthodox faith.

Information about the interview.

There are cases when the godparents and parents of the baby on the eve of the Sacrament of Baptism are in different cities. Since an interview before the Baptism of a child is a mandatory requirement of the Orthodox Church, the godparents must be interviewed in the city in which they are located. After passing the interview, the priest who conducted it must write out a special certificate of passage before Baptism. With this certificate, godparents come to the city where Baptism will be performed. It will need to be given to the priest who will baptize the baby. A certificate of an interview before Baptism may not be issued on the day you passed the interview, but during your next meeting with the priest, because during the interview the priest may tell you to memorize and learn to read some Orthodox prayers well. During the next meeting, you will have to demonstrate your knowledge to the priest. After he makes sure that you have completed his task, he will be able to issue you this certificate. So that there are no difficulties during the performance of the Sacrament, try to carefully remember where you put it, and do not forget to take it with you during the Sacrament.