In order to properly prepare for the baptism of a child, you need to clearly know the answers to the following questions: how to sign up for the baptism of a child, how to dress a child for baptism, how to dress for a child's baptism by an adult, how the rite of baptism of a child goes, how the baptism of a child is celebrated. In this article, we will try to give answers to these questions that so worry parents and godparents of a baby before baptism.
How to register for baptism?
In some churches, the priest records the child for baptism at the time when he conducts a special interview with the baby's parents and godparents. There are Orthodox churches where a church person who has been given such obedience registers for baptism. The child's baptism ceremony involves the active participation of the godparents, so before signing up for a specific day and specific time in the church, you should think carefully so that it is convenient for both the baby's parents and his godparents. During the preparation for this great sacrament of the Church, one should try to pray more often to the Savior and His Blessed Mother. This should be done by both the baby's parents, and his godparents and, if possible, all close people. You need to sign up for baptism in advance, at least a week before the planned celebration of the sacrament.
How to dress a child for baptism?
In order to clearly know the answer to this question, you need to ask during the interview what the temperature is in the room where the holy sacrament will take place. If this is a well-heated room, then you can dress the child lighter. And if it’s pretty cool there, then it’s better to put on warmer clothes for the baby, and be sure to take a blanket with you. Usually, a child is brought to baptism in one dress, and after immersion in the font, he is dressed in a beautiful white baptismal outfit. However, this is not a strict rule.
How to dress for a child's baptism?
The clothing requirements for adults who prayerfully participate in the baptism of a baby are the same as for attending church. Women should be covered in a skirt or dress, clothing should be fairly closed. Even if the sacrament is performed in the summer, men should wear trousers, not shorts.
How is the baptism?
The process of baptism of a child takes place in several stages. The child is held in the arms of his godparents. Usually the boy is held in his arms by his godmother before immersion in the holy font, and after immersion - by his godfather. 
When a girl is baptized, everything happens exactly the opposite, although this is not a strict rule. The priest reads special prayers in which he calls on the grace of the Holy Spirit to descend on the baptized baby. Godparents read the Creed. This prayer presents the main doctrinal provisions of the Orthodox Church. Godparents on behalf of the baby make a promise to be faithful to God throughout their lives. There is such a moment during the sacrament when the godparents turn their faces to the west. They make a symbolic breath and spit in this direction, and also utter certain words in which they renounce all evil deeds and thoughts on behalf of the child. During immersion in the holy font, the priest pronounces the baptismal formula. This is the most important moment in the performance of the sacrament of baptism. After the baptism of the child, the sacrament of chrismation immediately takes place. The priest smears with myrrh - consecrated oil - parts of the baby's body, and says certain prayers. These prayers concern not only the spiritual well-being of the child, but also his bodily health. For this reason, there are a large number of cases when, at first glance, hopelessly ill children, after being baptized, recovered to the joy of their parents and loved ones.
When the parents of the child and his godparents ask in advance how the baptism of the child takes place and how to properly prepare for it, then they feel much calmer and more confident during the performance of the sacrament itself, and this is of great importance. It is in a peaceful state of mind that it is easier to pray and be attentive to everything that happens.
How is a child's christening celebrated?
The celebration of the baptism of a child is also called christening. It is customary that immediately after the christening, the baby's parents invite guests. Godparents bring their gifts to the baptism of a child, but not only godparents, but also all close people come with gifts. Someone gives clothes, someone - toys, and someone can bring books or dishes. During the festive feast, parents are congratulated on the joyful event of the baptism of their baby, and happy parents, in turn, thank for the congratulations and treat everyone with various dishes.
