Baptism - Christian holiday and is celebrated every year on January 6 by Catholics and January 19 by Orthodox believers, according to the official modern calendar. This holiday is associated with the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. During his earthly life, only adults were baptized, who fully felt the faith in the one God and realized in themselves this, at that time, a new religion, because then Christians were persecuted, monotheism was rejected. Therefore, it is not surprising that Jesus Christ was baptized at the age of 30.
The ultimate effect of sin is death, born from the knowledge that he will die, even if nothing has yet been done to merit that goal. As he grows, he learns to sin because of bad examples and false teachings about the world in which he was born and raised. He is a sacrifice of salvation, a slave is freed, even an adult. A slave to sin, a victim of death that would be eternal.
Note that repentance from their sins is a requirement that must exist prior to baptism. Obviously, the baptism done to a newborn does not take away any original sin from the little creature, because the baby is innocent, has no sin and therefore does not even need to repent. Whoever lost newborns will open them again! a dead young man reappears, like everyone else, the opportunity to resurrect and choose the path leading to immortality.
Churches bless the water on this day. Previously, it was taken from the nearest river or lake, drilling a hole in the ice in the shape of a large cross. The priest prayed over the water, lowered the church cross into the hole, the parishioners of the nearest church sang psalms. After all these actions, the water in the river was considered baptized. She was collected in various vessels and carried home. It was believed that such water heals various ailments, gives vigor and health, so the custom of dipping into the hole was widespread. At present, water is practically not taken from rivers and lakes - the ecology is not the same. It is poured immediately after the service near the church. Agree - it's very practical. The custom of dipping into the hole has survived to this day. But more often miracles of endurance are shown to the audience by walruses. The rest trample on the shore, and rounding their eyes, look at the marvelous people in swimming trunks and in the snow.
The tradition of infant baptism was absorbed into "Christianity" only a few centuries later. The populations were "transformed" by mass into "Christianity", but, not knowing about real repentance, they ignored the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles and imposed them on pagan origin. Therefore we are largely Christianity in name only and paganism in fact. This is the result of a baptism done for newborns: the absence of the Holy Spirit in adulthood, the illusion of being a Christian when it does not yet exist, because he does not have the Spirit of Christ.
Water, in addition to cooling mortal bodies, was also used in the active struggle against various evil spirits, which “besieged” the houses of poor Belarusians with whole armies. In order to drive out this very house evil spirits from the corners, they sprinkled all the rooms, the yard and outbuildings with baptized water. After such rituals, each person tried to drink plenty of holy water in order to be healthy, happy all year, and therefore carefree and cheerful. At least, drinking this water, many dreamed about it and hoped only for the best.
But let's now talk about the baptism of those adults who, with great sincerity, long ago decided to be baptized in the church, but who, unconsciously, were erroneously instructed by this Church to sin, that is, to systematically violate one or more of God's commandments. No one doubts the sincerity of believers, but sincerity alone is not enough to produce a conversion that is right. Sincerity and honesty are not enough. There must be "repentance for their sins." This is a big difference between false and true conversion.
For Catholics, Epiphany coincides with the feast of the Three Kings - the three wise men who were the first to bring the news of the birth of Christ to the whole world.
On this holiday, every Catholic brings chalk home from the church and writes three letters on the doors of the house: “K, M and B”, according to the names of the Three Kings - Kaspel, Melkhon and Baltozar, respectively. They believe that these letters drive away evil forces and evil thoughts from the house and from the well-being of the family living in it. The chalk is kept all year round, just like the water of the Orthodox. Only, in this case, chalk acts as a cure for abdominal pain. Why is that? In fact, no one really answers. Maybe faith plays a major role here?
But if we don't know it's a sin, how do we know exactly what to repent? To know this, we must turn to God, the only one who can give him a clear and absolute definition of what sin is. people have their own vague idea of what sin is. Anyone who says that sin "misses the mark" or "harms" without having "an accurate idea of what" is the second God. The Apostle Paul, one of the few true Christians of all time, knew well the sin for which all people are called to repent.
God, through the apostle John, further illuminates this truth: He who commits sin commits a violation of the law, and sin is a violation of the law. Of course, Scripture refers to the "law of God" and specifically to the Ten Commandments, because it mentions one of them, the tenth, the one that forbids the lust and desire of others. Some commandments are mentioned, but it is clear that God is referring to His Ten Commandments. This truth brings us to a wider light: whoever has the conviction that he loves to love only his neighbor, without even observing the first four commandments, you have never been baptized, but simply bathed in water!
Baptism was not celebrated with great festivities, except for the third kutya falling on it. But she was also called Lenten.
No songs, divination, round dances and special dances are associated with this holiday. It just so happened. In contrast to this, there are a lot of beliefs and signs associated with Baptism.
For example, the hosts after the service tried to come home very first. It was believed that they would be the first to harvest the crop. Hay, on which kutya stood during Kolyadas, was gradually given to domestic animals as a remedy for diseases and from the not very good influence of witches.
Since baptism is valid or worthwhile, it is necessary to "bring forth fruits worthy of repentance" by demonstrating good will in order to learn to keep all God's commandments, and not just the most convenient or simple. Human religions teach that "the only thing that counts" is to love your neighbor as yourself. God is left in oblivion. But repentance for erroneous faith makes an irrefutable baptism. Wars and dissensions among peoples who believe in God are proof that they do not even love God; because they deny that there are ten commandments.
According to the weather that stood on Epiphany, people tried to determine the weather of the next summer: if it was cold that day, then “the stubble will be sunny and green”. If Epiphany turned out to be clear, sunny and frosty, then they talked about the possibility of a hot and hot summer. They said (sitting on the stoves): “Trashchy frost, trashy, Vadokhryshchy (the second name of Baptism) has already passed” or “On Vodakhryshchy it’s zeply zen - budze bread tsemny.” Again, in all these sayings, proverbs and signs, the hope for a rich harvest is veiled. This is not surprising, because the life of the peasant completely depended on the harvest - whether he would starve after Kolyad, or not.
Therefore, one should not be baptized “again”, but “bear fruit worthy of repentance” and ask for true baptism the first time. Jesus is a Christian and a solar myth about the so-called "Gentiles". Catholics in Germany are turning their church around en masse. For the first time, the number of people leaving the bosom of Roman Catholicism is higher than that of baptism. Here are the main reasons for churn.
Last year alone, hundreds of thousands officially left the Catholic Church in Germany. The Church Church movement "We are the Church" put forward in this regard a request for a wider dialogue on the part of the church in response to the mass exodus. The subsequent public debate about the distant and not-so-distant past and the sexual abuse by Catholic clerics of children and other proxies of the church are among the undeniable reasons for the mass rejection of Catholicism in Germany.
“So go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit… Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mt 28:19; Mk 16:16) - with these words, Christ the Lord established the first of the seven sacraments: the sacrament of Baptism.
In the sacrament of baptism, Christ washes us from original sin, forgives all sins committed before baptism, bestows the supernatural gift of the sanctifying grace of God, regenerates the children of God to new life, and includes us in the community of the People of God - the Church, marking the soul with an indelible seal.
And demographics tell the word. Thus, their share in the total population of Germany is reduced by 0.3 percent and stands at 30.2 percent last year. The decline in baptism is also associated with demographic changes in recent decades.
To date, however, there is still no in-depth study of the motives of Catholics who leave the bosom of the church. The Germans turn their backs on the church. Last year, 180,000 Germans turned their backs on catholic church, and it looks like main reason of this dramatic development is the child sexual abuse scandal.
“And to those who received Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave power to become children of God, who were born neither of blood, nor of the desire of the flesh, nor of the desire of man, but of God” (Jn 1:12-13).
“All of you who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal 3:27). From the moment of baptism, Christians, sanctified by the grace of Christ, are called and obliged to confess the faith and live according to the teachings of Christ.
Today, many believers believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit has no external features, but only purifies the soul and gives sanctification. Taxes that speak in tongues and prophecy are considered past the time of the apostles. It is biblical and historical truth? What were the Pentecostal movements in New Testament times, and what did they fight for?
Let's go to the Bible first - according to the Bible, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is always combined with an outward mark - the gift of speaking in tongues. "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in foreign languages, because the Spirit gave them the opportunity to speak."
The performance of the rite of baptism of children is an expression of the faith of their parents, who undertake to raise their children in the Christian faith. As a person baptized as an infant matures, he consciously confesses his faith, confirms his baptism, and renews the promises made in the rite of baptism.
Baptism is performed by means of an external sign - three times pouring water on the head of the person being baptized, which symbolizes purification, and in the words: "I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." With the greatest care, the Church prepares candidates for baptism. In ancient times, such a period of preparation (catechumenate) sometimes lasted several years. Catholic parents, when asking the Church for baptism for their children, assume responsibility for the development of the supernatural life that their children received in the sacrament of holy baptism.
It was the day of Pentecost, so Christian movements that are baptized with the Holy Spirit with His sign in tongues are called Pentecostal movements. The sign of baptism accompanies the receiving of the Spirit by believers in Caesarea, Ephesus, and Corinth. "And the circumcised believers that came with Peter were smitten with a gift, the Holy Spirit, also poured out on the Gentiles, because they heard them speak in tongues and magnify God."
"And when Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Ghost fell on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied." The gift of tongues is a living relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. "For whoever speaks with the tongue does not speak with men, but before God, because no one understands, because with his spirit he speaks secrets."
When performing the rite of baptism, both for a child and an adult, the Church, according to ancient custom, requires the presence of godparents, of which one must be an exemplary Catholic. By their example, prayer and help, they are obliged to support the development of the religious life of their godson.
Liturgy of the Sacrament of the Baptism of Children
In the first three centuries after Christ, the gifts of the Spirit with the sign of tongues were widespread among the followers of Christ. Ignatius of Antioch wrote to Polycarp: "As for that which is invisible, pray that God will reveal it to you, that you will not miss anything, but will bestow on you all the spiritual gift in abundance." Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp.
Justin writes in his dialogue "Dialogue": "The prophetic gift remains with us to this day." "Now we have women and people among us who have the gifts of God's Spirit." Justin, Dialogue. These isolated testimonies emphasize the Pentecostal nature of the early Christian churches during the first two centuries. In the second and third centuries, with the desire to preserve a living faith in Christ, the reformist Pentecostal movement of the monarchists is especially noticeable. One of his followers, an ardent supporter of the revival of spiritual gifts and the purity of faith, is the talented Christian writer Tertullian.
The liturgy consists of four parts.
1 part. Rite of adoption of a child
Baptism is performed, as a rule, on Sunday, since on this day the Church celebrates the Paschal Mystery. Children born lately, it is advisable to baptize at the same time, in the presence of relatives and friends.
The primate or minister of the sacrament asks the parents of the child:
As an integral part of the nine gifts, the author confirms the gift of tongues, which the Marquis also attributes to another power. In connection with the words of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians: It is written in the law: “Surely, with bloody lips and in another tongue, speak with this people,” Tertullian notes.
"As already mentioned" the law is written "that the Creator will speak with other tongues and other mouths, this really confirms the gift of tongues, it is inconceivable that he says that this gift is given by God." Again. Tertullian testifies to the spread of spiritual gifts, including tongues, among the Christians of his time.
C. What name did you choose for your child?
Parents answer: N.
C. What are you asking the Church of God for N?
Parents answer: Baptism.
In the above dialogue, the primate may use other words. Parents can also answer the second question in other words, for example: “Grace of Christ”, or “Acceptance into the bosom of the Church”, or “Eternal life”. This answer is given by each of the families separately.
Let Marcion, to show him whether God gave the gifts of the prophets, who speak not the human mind, and the Spirit of God not only foreshadow things to come, but also express the secrets of the heart; signs, without any problems, exist on my side and are consistent with the rules, orders and orders established by the Creator.
Tertullian is deeply indignant at Roman Catholic leaders who preach that the Roman bishop had the right to forgive almost all sins, including fornicators and adulterers, and free them from their guilt. The Reformer defends biblical truth on these issues in his On Modesty, in which he opposes the emerging papacy. In chapter 21, Tertullian argues that the church is not an assembly of bishops, and that the right to forgive sins is only God. That is why many call him "the first Protestant."
The primate or minister of the sacrament addresses the parents:
C. Dear parents, by asking for baptism for your child, you accept the obligation to educate him in the Christian faith, to teach him to love God and neighbor. Are you aware of your responsibility?
Parents answer together: We realize.
Then the primate or minister of the sacrament addresses the recipients with the following words:
However, papism made extensive use of its writings before turning to engineers to justify Catholic teachings. Servant ministries - apostolic simplicity - reading and preaching the word, spiritual songs and prayers. "Reading the Bible, singing psalms, preaching the word, while praying - all these spiritual ministries see visions."
Portions of the assembler prophecy that are cited in the writings of Tertullian and others survive—for example, in which God calls upon His followers not to fear martyrdom. If you are scorned by people, this is for you: for whoever is not disobedient to people will be scorned before God: do not be ashamed that righteousness leads you out of sight, why are you ashamed that you receive glory?
C. Dear sponsors, are you ready to help the parents of this child in their Christian upbringing?
The recipients answer together: Ready.
C. N, the Christian community welcomes you with great joy. On behalf of this community, I overshadow you with the sign of the cross. After me, you, parents and godparents, imprint on your child the sign of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
"Don't you dare die in your beds in an accident or quench the sick with a fever, but die of martyrdom to glorify the one who suffers for you." Tertullian, Fleeing Persecution. The movement is spreading rapidly and is winning over many supporters. Irini, overseer of the Gaelic church in Lyon, has friendly relations with the engineers. Nowhere in his famous work Against Heresy does he blame the Assassins.
In 197, the Bishop of Rome accepts the prophecies of the assembled people and decides to give freedom to the spiritual gifts of the Roman Church, but the harmful confessor Praxaseis, who influenced him, dissuades him. At that time the Bishop of Rome was about to accept the prophecies of Montagna, Priscilla and Maximilil and as a result offered peace to the churches in Asia and Phrygia, but this man, resorting to fictitious statements about the prophets themselves and their churches, the decisions of the previous bishops forced him to return the letters of peace and give up your plans to receive spiritual gifts.
Then he silently imposes with his thumb the sign of the cross on the child's forehead, after which the parents and godparents do the same.
2 part. Liturgy of the Word
The priest reads passages from Holy Scripture and delivers a short sermon, urging parents and sponsors to willingly accept the responsibilities associated with accepting children into the Church. Then he calls everyone to a special, quiet prayer. Then follows the prayer of the faithful, to which those present respond: Hear us, Lord.
The prayer ends with appeals for the intercession of the Saints, to which we answer: Pray for us (or: Pray for us).
The fall of our first parents was caused by the temptation of Satan. Because of him, man has lost the life of God - the state of grace. Therefore, the priest then prays for the release of the child from evil spirit. At the end of the prayer, we answer: Amen.
Then those present go in procession to the font, where the child is baptized.
3 part. Liturgy of the sacrament
Upon coming to the font, the minister of the sacrament reminds those participating of the commandment of God, who desired to sanctify the soul and body of man with water. For example, says:
C. Let us pray to Almighty God to give this child new life from water and the Holy Spirit.
C. Dear parents and godparents, God loves your child and gives him (her) in the sacrament of baptism a new life from water and the Holy Spirit. Try to educate him (her) in faith in such a way as to preserve the Divine life in him (her) from the decay of sin and create conditions for its constant development. Therefore, if you, guided by your faith, are ready to take on this responsibility, then, remembering your own baptism, renounce sin and confess your faith in Jesus Christ, the faith of the Church in which your child will be baptized today.
Then he asks them:
C. Do you renounce sin to live in the freedom of the children of God?
Parents and recipients answer: I renounce.
Then the minister of the sacrament asks the parents and recipients about their faith:
Parents and recipients answer: I believe.
All answer: Amen.
The minister of the sacrament invites the family to come to the font and asks them to name the child. Then he asks parents and recipients:
C. Do you want N to be baptized into the Christian faith that we just professed together?
Parents and recipients: We wish.
After that, the minister of the sacrament performs baptism, saying:
N, I BAPTISM YOU IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER,
immerses the child in water or pours water on his head for the first time,
immerses the child or pours water on his head a second time,
AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
immerses the child or pours water on his head for the third time.
After that, the participants say or sing a short doxology:
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.
If baptism is performed by a libation of water, it is recommended that the child be held by the mother or father during the baptism.
However, where tradition so requires, the child may be kept by a godmother or godmother. They must also lift the child out of the water if the baptism is by immersion.
The rite is supplemented by the anointing with oil, which means the inclusion of the baptized into the royal priesthood and his introduction into the community of the People of God.
C. Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who regenerated you with water and the Holy Spirit and granted you the remission of all sins, Himself grants you the anointing of salvation, so that, numbered among His holy people, you would be in union with Christ - Priest, Prophet and King - for the sake of eternal life.
All answer: Amen.
The minister of the sacrament anoints the crown of the child with holy chrism.
The ceremony ends with the laying on of white clothes and the presentation of a lit candle brought by the godparents.
Mystery Minister says:
C. N, you have become (have become) a new creation and have put on (have put on) Christ. Accept white clothes and keep it spotless until the judgment of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you may gain eternal life.
All: Amen.
The child is put on white clothes (or something that symbolizes it), which the relatives of the child should have brought with them.
An Easter candle is lit and given to parents. The minister of the sacrament, addressing them, says:
C. Receive the light of Christ.
Then he says:
Dear parents and recipients, you are entrusted with keeping this light, so that your child, illumined by the light of Christ, always acts like a son (daughter) of light and, having maintained the firmness of faith, together with all the saints, could (could) meet the coming Lord in the Kingdom of Heaven.
If the recipients held the child during baptism, they hand it over to the mother.
4 part. Completion of the rite
If the baptism was performed outside the presbytery, a procession is made to the altar, during which the lighted candle of the baptized child is carried. You can sing the corresponding song.
The primate, standing in front of the altar, addresses the parents, godparents and all those present:
FROM. Dear brothers and sisters! This child, reborn in the sacrament of baptism, has been given a new life, for he has now become a child of God. In the sacrament of chrismation, he will acquire the fullness of the Holy Spirit, and in holy communion he will become a participant in the Lord's Meal and, together with all believers, will call God his Father. Therefore, let us pray on behalf of this child, as the Lord Jesus Christ taught us.
Everyone sings or says the Lord's Prayer together with the primate:
Our Father who art in heaven! May your name be hallowed; let your kingdom come; May Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us our daily bread for this day; and forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Amen.
The mother, holding the child in her arms, goes with the father to the primate, who first blesses the mother, then the father, and then all those present. If possible, after the blessing, everyone sings an appropriate song expressing Paschal joy and thanksgiving, or "My soul magnifies the Lord."
Baptism of a child under the threat of death, when there is no clergyman. In case of danger of death, any believer can baptize a child.
For baptism, you need to prepare water (maybe not even consecrated).
Near a sick child, his parents, godparents and, if possible, also relatives and friends gather.
One of the believers, having a certain preparation, begins to read the following prayer:
Let us ask Almighty God for mercy to this child, who is to receive the grace of holy baptism, to his parents and godparents, as well as to all the baptized.
We ask You about this child: through holy baptism accept him into the community of your Church.
We ask you to grant him, through holy baptism, the spirit of adoption.
All answer: Hear us, Lord.
We ask you to make him, through holy baptism, a participant in the death and resurrection of Christ, your Son.
All answer: Hear us, Lord.
We ask you to renew in all those present here the grace of holy baptism.
All answer: Hear us, Lord.
We ask You for all the disciples of Christ, united by holy baptism into one community: keep them in one faith and love.
All answer: Hear us, Lord.
The prayer ends with these words:
God, Source of life and love, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, You console parents in their anxieties and surround sick children with Your care. In Your love You resurrect them for eternal life. Please accept our prayers. Do not allow sin to take possession of this child, show Your mercy and accept him into the Kingdom of Your Son.
Make it so that this child, to whom we give the name N, being reborn from water and the Holy Spirit, become like Christ in the mystery of His death and resurrection and, numbered among Your chosen ones, receive the inheritance of Christ and find joy in fellowship with You, Who live and reign with Your Only Begotten Son and with the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
All answer: Amen.
A confession of faith follows. The performer of baptism addresses all those present:
Remembering our own baptism, we confess our faith in Jesus Christ. This is the faith of the Church in which this child is baptized.
After that he asks:
Do you believe in God, the Almighty Father, Creator of heaven and earth?
All answer: I believe.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, born of the Virgin Mary, who suffered and was buried, rose from the dead and sits at the right hand of the Father?
All answer: I believe.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, holy universal church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and eternal life?
All answer: I believe.
One can also confess faith by reading the Apostles' Creed.
The one who performs the sacrament, pouring water three times on the head of the child, baptizes him in the name of the Most Holy Trinity:
N, I BAPTISM YOU IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER,
pours water on the child's head for the first time,
pours water on the child's head a second time,
AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
pours water on the child's head for the third time.
Omitting all other rites, one can perform dressing in white clothes. The baptizer says:
N, you became (has become) a new creation and put on (put on) Christ. Take a white robe and keep it spotless until the judgment of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that you can gain eternal life.
All answer: Amen.
In conclusion, the Lord's Prayer is read.
Our Father…
In the case of impending death, it is sufficient that the performer of baptism, omitting other rites, pours water on the child, while pronouncing the usual formula of baptism. It is desirable that this happens in the presence of one or two witnesses.
If the child survives, it must be brought to the temple to replenish the rite.
Renewal of baptismal vows
On the day of First Communion, chrismation, acceptance of the sacrament of the sick, on the anniversary of baptism, and on other occasions, we renew our covenant with God.
C. I ask each of you: do you renounce sin in order to live in the freedom of the children of God?
B. I renounce.
C. Do you renounce the temptations of an unrighteous life so that sin will not have dominion over you?
B. I renounce.
C. Do you renounce Satan, the author and prince of sin?
B. I renounce.
C. Do you believe in God, the Almighty Father, Creator of heaven and earth?
C. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, born of the Virgin Mary, who suffered and was buried, rose from the dead, and sits at the right hand of the Father?
C. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and eternal life?
C. This is the faith of the Church. This is our faith, the confession of which is our glory in Jesus Christ our Lord.
C. Through baptism, you have become the temple of God, and as a token of gratitude for the blessings received, let us all say together:
C. In the name of the Most Holy Trinity, in the name of the Father who created us, and the Son who redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit who sanctified us, before Blessed Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God, before our Guardian Angels, our patron saints and all the Saints, before the believers gathered here, we renew the covenant accepted at baptism. We promise to live and die in the holy Christian faith. Let's be faithful to Jesus Christ and His gospel. Eternal Father, grant us Your help for this. We implore Thee through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Prayer for faithfulness to the grace of baptism
Lord, by the power of Your death and resurrection You revived me to a new life in the sacrament of holy baptism and accepted me into the community of Your Church, allowed me to become a child of God and an heir filled with the joy of eternal life.
Be glorified, God Holy Trinity alone, for the gift of Your calling. Renew in me the grace of holy baptism, so that by observing the teachings of Jesus Christ, I will forever abide in His love and boldly proclaim His Gospels.
Make sure that I always be a living member of the Church and, together with all Christians, abide in the unity of faith, testifying to it with my life. Amen.
When the first weeks after the birth of a child pass, and maybe even earlier, believing parents begin to think about the baptism of their baby. In this article we will talk about how baptism takes place in the Catholic denomination. Let's answer the questions that Catholic parents most often have when preparing for a child's baptism.
Why baptize a child?
Baptism is a religious ritual that has been followed in the Catholic denomination for many years. Its main purpose is to cleanse the child from original sin, as well as converting a child to Catholicism and association with the Church. It is believed that baptism not only washes away original sin from the child, but also gives the baby strength for life and protection, which he did not have at birth. If original sin, Catholics believe, is not cleansed by baptism, the child will not have the protection of the Holy Spirit, so often believing parents even try not to take the child out of the house before baptism, so as not to once again endanger the baby.
At what age should a child be baptized?
It is customary to baptize a baby 4-6 weeks after birth. However, it often happens that children go through this ritual later - this is not prohibited, but for the reasons mentioned above, believing parents try not to delay the baby's baptism. At an earlier age, a child is usually baptized only in extreme cases, for example, if the newborn is sick or weak, and parents believe that baptism can help him gain God's protection and, with it, better health.
From a formal point of view, it is not difficult to designate the day of a child's baptism. Most often, it is enough 2-3 weeks before the desired date to notify the priest (as Catholic priests are called) of the church where you are going to baptize the child, and discuss with him not only the time of the event, but also all the nuances of the future ritual. However, it is necessary to take into account the fact that sometimes the date of the baptism of the baby that you have chosen can be postponed by the priest to a later date, depending on how, in his opinion, the parents themselves and future godparents themselves are ready for the sacrament of Baptism.
How to choose a date taking into account religious fasts and holidays?
Catholic church law allows children to be baptized throughout the year, including during fasts and holidays. However, before baptism, it will still not be superfluous to find out what customs exist in your church. In some parishes (this is the name of the parish), for example, it is customary to organize the baptism of children once a month. However, this is more the exception than the rule.
Among Catholic parents, periods are popular for baptism Christmas and Easter holidays. Consider this fact, because the more babies, along with parents, godparents and guests, arrive for baptism, the longer and more crowded the procedure will be, which both you and your child will get tired of.
In what setting does the ceremony take place?
Whether your baby's baptism will be a crowded ceremony or will be intimate, it's up to you. Often children are baptized during the holy imshi(this is the name of the main liturgical action in Catholicism, similar to the service in Orthodox Church), for which many people from all over the parish gather in the church. However, it is possible to organize a baptism in a more modest and quiet atmosphere - conceived it takes place in the sacristy, a room next to the main hall of the church, where cult objects are usually kept. The only prerequisite for the ritual is the presence in the room crucifixion.
Photo from www.parzuchowscy.com
Who can be godparents?
Godparents can be those who:
- are believers and practitioners Catholics;
- already passed the rite running around(this is how Catholics call the ritual of chrismation, which, unlike Orthodoxy, takes place in adulthood and serves as confirmation that faith is accepted consciously);
- are not direct relatives of the baby, for example, a brother or sister;
- are mature conscious people who can cope with the role of godparents. Usually, though not necessarily, they are adults.
The requirements for godparents in different parishes can be more or less strict, for example, not every church requires that both godparents be Catholics or have passed the rite of flight.
Photo from www.parzuchowscy.com
About preparation, as well as documents and other formalities.
As we have already said, after you have chosen the date for the future baptism of your baby, you must go to the church where the ceremony will have to take place, namely to the church office or, which often happens, directly to priest. Here you must set the exact date of baptism, discuss the necessary organizational issues and make a payment (you set the amount yourself, since this is more a donation to the church than a mandatory service fee). Here you must register future godparents parents.
Take the following documents with you:
- birth certificate of the child;
- passports of both parents;
- an act of wedding in a church, if there is one (if the parents did not get married during marriage, but declare themselves as believing Catholics, church law does not forbid them to baptize a child);
- Evidence that God-parents meet the requirements of the church where the baby will be baptized. Future godparents take such certificates in their churches if they belong to another parish (these documents are often not required - you need to check with the parish where the baptism will take place).
Before the baptism takes place, the priest usually invites parents and godparents to visit several preparatory classes
at the church. These classes are useful not so much as informational preparation for the organization of baptism, but as a knowledge of the essence of the sacrament, learning the necessary prayers and preparing for further raising a baby according to the Catholic faith.
Depending on the preparedness of parents and godparents, as well as on church traditions, classes can take place either once or twice, or all seven. For example, if one of the parents or future godparents is Orthodox and does not know Catholic canons at all, you will have to attend more classes than if they were all practicing Catholics.
How to dress a child and dress yourself?
Traditionally, an outfit is chosen for a baby in light colors. White color and pastel colors are what you need, because they are associated with purity and purity, light and joy. However, there are no clear rules about clothing - it all depends on the traditions of your church. For example, in many parishes, it is customary to choose clothes that come into contact with the baby’s skin. clean white color
. One way or another, it is necessary to dress the child according to the weather, and also think about whether the baby will be comfortable not only on the street, but also in the church.
As for the clothes of adults on this day, there are even fewer wisdoms here than when choosing an outfit for a baby. Just match the event, time and place.
Photo from www.parzuchowscy.com
How to prepare the baby for the event?
The day of baptism is always not easy, but first of all, you need to think about ensuring that all the needs of the child are met, and the baby himself is as little involved in the festive fuss as possible.
It would not be superfluous to take with you to the church something that usually accompanies a child, for example, on a long walk: a disposable diaper, wet wipes, spare sliders or tights, quiet favorite toys, bottles of milk and water, and so on. By the way, no one will be against the fact that, for example, during imsha before baptism, a mother and baby will go to sacristy to change diapers or breastfeed the child.
After baptism, when guests, as is usually the case, gather at home to celebrate the event, it is not advisable to leave the child in the same room with adults. Still, for a baby, all this celebration is more stressful than a pleasant pastime.
How is the christening ceremony?
The godmother, according to tradition, buys and brings clean white shirt-shirt, a Godfather- bought at the church white candle. However, often parents themselves buy these items - here you can agree.
Before the rite of baptism, both parents and godparents must confess and take communion. It is good if all the guests present at the ritual do this.
Photo from www.foxo.com.ua
The rite of baptism outside imsha takes about half an hour, and if you decide that baptism will be during the liturgy, be ready for an hour. Since baptism during imsha is more common, let's consider it.
During baptism, the parents stand in front of the altar, behind them or next to them are the godparents. The mother usually holds the child, but there are no specific rules here. Parents and godparents pronounce prayer which testifies to their faith, and publicly commit themselves raise a child in the Catholic faith. Then there is a direct baptism ceremony, in which the priest reads a special prayer over the baby, after which the rite can develop, depending on the church (there are differences between the Eastern church and the Latin one), according to two scenarios.
1.
The forehead of the child is marked with the symbol of the cross and water is poured over his head three times, a holy cross is applied to the baby, after which they are covered with a new white shirt or undershirt, previously brought by the godmother. At this time, the godfather should light the candle he brought from the church candle.
2.
The forehead of the baby, his palms and chest are smeared with myrrh and holy water, and at this time they read a joint prayer and light the brought candle.
In the Belarusian church, you can often find the second version of the rite. In this version, by the way, there is also a white vest, but you just need to bring it with you to baptism for sprinkling with blessed water. After - Catholics believe - this vest can help with the illness of the baby. If a serious illness occurs, the child is dressed in a christening robe or covered with it. Also, often in a vest from the baptism of one child, if it has remained new, they put on the next baby born in this family. It is believed that children from this will certainly be friendly.
Photo from www.parzuchowscy.com
Baptismal rumors that are just rumors.
Since the time of its existence, the ritual of baptism has grown with an incredible amount of rumors and misconceptions. Here is some of them.
- The godmother cannot be pregnant during baptism, because the unborn child can take away the health of the mother's godson.
- Godparents cannot be spouses.
- The first godson of a woman can only be a boy, and men - only a girl. Otherwise, godparents may not wait for their offspring.
- Anyone who sees the baby at baptism for the first time should put money next to him so that the child is healthy.
- A candle must be lit at baptism right hand so that the child does not grow up left-handed.
- If the candle went out during baptism - long life the baby will not live.
There are a great many such beliefs, however, we recall that they are all delusions. Don't believe? Ask a priest!
The first gifts for the baby from the godparents. What to give?
A good solution in a situation with a gift would be a preliminary discussion of who and what will give, because obligatory gifts are cross or locket, as well as image(icon). The rest of the gifts can be chosen at your discretion, but it would be nice to give something memorable, something that the child can keep, if not for life, then for many years as a symbol of spiritual connection with his second parents.
Photo from www.storegift.ru
And finally.
When planning and organizing a child's baptism, remember that although this is an important and memorable event, it is not mandatory. You should not baptize a baby just because parents or friends insist on it. But if you decide that the baptism will take place, let this day be really special for you and your child. Good and peace to your family!
Olya Samardak
27.03.2015
website
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Epiphany is one of the main Christian holidays. Feast of Epiphany ends Christmas time, lasting from 7 to 19 January. The holiday begins on the evening of January 18, when all Orthodox celebrate Epiphany Eve.
The feast of Epiphany is celebrated every year on January 6 by Catholics and January 19 by Orthodox believers., according to the official modern calendar. This holiday is associated with the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. During his earthly life, only adults were baptized, who fully felt the faith in the one God and realized in themselves this, at that time, a new religion, because then Christians were persecuted, monotheism was rejected. Therefore, it is not surprising that Jesus Christ was baptized at the age of 30.
Churches bless the water on this day. Previously, it was taken from the nearest river or lake, drilling a hole in the ice in the shape of a large cross. The priest prayed over the water, lowered the church cross into the hole, the parishioners of the nearest church sang psalms. After all these actions, the water in the river was considered baptized. She was collected in various vessels and carried home. It was believed that such water heals various ailments, gives vigor and health, so the custom of dipping into the hole was widespread. At present, water is practically not taken from rivers and lakes - the ecology is not the same. It is poured immediately after the service near the church. Agree, it's very practical. The custom of dipping into the hole has survived to this day. But more often miracles of endurance are shown to the audience by “walruses”. The rest trample on the shore, and, rounding their eyes, look at marvelous people in swimming trunks and in the snow.
Water, in addition to cooling mortal bodies, was also used in an active struggle against various evil spirits, which "besieged" the houses of poor Belarusians with whole armies. In order to drive this very house evil spirits out of the corners, they sprinkled all the rooms, the yard and outbuildings with baptized water. After such rituals, each person tried to drink plenty of holy water in order to be healthy, happy all year, and therefore carefree and cheerful. At least, drinking this water, many dreamed about it and hoped only for the best.
Catholics Baptism coincides with the feast of the Three Kings - the three wise men who were the first to bring the news of the birth of Christ to the whole world.
On this holiday, every Catholic brings chalk home from the church and writes three letters on the doors of the house: “K, M and B”, according to the names of the Three Kings - Kaspel, Melkhon and Baltozar, respectively. They believe that these letters drive away evil forces and evil thoughts from the house and from the well-being of the family living in it. The chalk is kept all year round, just like the water of the Orthodox. Only, in this case, chalk acts as a cure for abdominal pain. Why is that? In fact, no one really answers. Maybe faith plays a major role here?
Baptism was not celebrated with great festivities, except for the third kutya falling on it. But she was also called Lenten.
No songs, divination, round dances and special dances are associated with this holiday. It just so happened. In contrast to this, there are a lot of beliefs and signs associated with Baptism.
For example, the hosts after the service tried to come home very first. It was believed that they would be the first to harvest the crop. Hay, on which kutya stood during Kolyadas, was gradually given to domestic animals as a remedy for diseases and from the not very good influence of witches.
In the courtyards of temples, long queues stretch for holy water. If a person, for some serious reason, cannot go to the service or lives a thousand kilometers from the nearest church, he can resort to healing power plain water taken from an ordinary reservoir in Epiphany night, although such water cannot be considered holy. On the Feast of the Epiphany water in churches is consecrated according to a special order - the great Jordanian consecration and is called baptismal. There is such a Greek word - "agiasma", it is translated as a shrine. And the attitude to it, to the great shrine, should be special.
Epiphany water. Properties of Epiphany water
She eats on an empty stomach, a spoonful, a little bit. A man got up, crossed himself, asked for a blessing from the Lord for the day that had begun, washed himself, prayed and took a great hagiasma. If the medicine is prescribed on an empty stomach, then first they take holy water, and then the medicine. And then breakfast and stuff. Ascetics of Christian piety call blessed water the best medicine for all spiritual and bodily ailments. Often confessors “prescribe” baptismal water to their sick children - every hour a spoonful, with faith, of course, but without faith, drink at least half a canister. She can wash the patient and sprinkle the bed. True, women in critical days accepting baptismal water is not blessed. But this is if the woman is otherwise healthy. And if she is sick, then even this circumstance does not play a role. Epiphany water will help her!
There is a pious tradition to sprinkle one's dwelling with Epiphany water on this day while singing the troparion of the Epiphany. Epiphany water is consumed all year on an empty stomach in small quantities, usually together with a piece of prosphora "so that we can receive power that strengthens health, heals diseases, drives away demons and averts all enemy slander, we could receive from God."
Holy water. Prayer
At the same time, a prayer is read: “Lord my God, may Your holy gift and Your holy water be for the remission of my sins, for the enlightenment of my mind, for the strengthening of my spiritual and bodily strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of my passions and weaknesses by Thy boundless mercy through the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother and all Thy Saints. Amen." In case of ailments or attacks by evil forces, you can and should drink water without hesitation at any time.
Signs for Baptism (Folk signs)
According to the weather that was on Baptism, people tried to determine the weather of the next summer: if it was cold that day, then “the stubble will be sunny and green”. If Epiphany turned out to be clear, sunny and frosty, then they talked about the possibility of a hot and hot summer. They said (sitting on the stoves): “Trashchy frost, trashy, Vadokhryshchy (the second name of Baptism) has already passed” or “On Vodakhryshchy it’s zeply zen - budze tsemna bread.” Again, in all these sayings, proverbs and signs, the hope for a rich harvest is veiled. This is not surprising, because the life of the peasant completely depended on the harvest - whether he would starve after Kolyad, or not.
Feast of the Epiphany, or Theophany, is also called the Day of Enlightenment and the Feast of Lights - from ancient custom to perform on the eve of it (on Eve) the baptism of the catechumens, which is, in essence, spiritual enlightenment. The description of the event of Baptism is given by all four Evangelists (Matt. 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-23; John 1:33-34), as well as in many stichera and troparia of the feast . “Today, Heaven and earth, the Creator comes in flesh to the Jordan, asking for baptism without sin ... and is baptized from the servant of the Master of all ...”. “To the voice of one crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord (i.e., to John), thou hast come, Lord, we accept the form of a slave, asking for baptism, knowing no sin.” The baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ is in the closest connection with all His Divine-human work of saving people; it constitutes the decisive and complete beginning of this ministry.
Christ the Savior in baptism bestows (with water) grace "resolute soul and bodily." Epiphany in the redemption of the human race had a great salvific ontological significance. Baptism on the Jordan exudes forsakenness, remission of sins, enlightenment, the restoration of human nature, light, renewal, healing, and, as it were, a new birth (resurrection) to mortals.
“Newly created earthly, New Adam was the Sodetel, by fire and Spirit and water, making a strange rebirth and a wonderful renewal ...”. The baptism of Christ in the waters of the Jordan had not only the meaning of a symbol of purification, but also a transforming, renewing effect on human nature. By plunging into the waters of the Jordan, the Lord sanctified “the whole nature of the waters” and the whole earth. The presence of Divine power in the watery nature transforms our corruptible nature (through Baptism) into incorruptible. Baptism had a beneficial effect on the whole dual human nature - on the body and soul of man. “With the spirit of the soul you create new things, with water you sanctify the body, built up, building up (recreating) the animal ... those who have eternal life in themselves.” The baptism of Christ the Savior was in fact a prefiguration and foundation given after His Resurrection and Ascension of the mysteriously grace-filled way of rebirth by water and the Spirit in the sacrament of Baptism. Here the Lord reveals Himself as the Founder of a new, gracious Kingdom, into which, according to His teaching, one cannot enter without Baptism (Matthew 28:19-20). “If anyone descends with me and is buried by baptism, he will enjoy glory and resurrection with me, Christ now proclaims.”
The threefold immersion (of each believer in Christ) in the sacrament of Baptism depicts the death of Christ, and the coming out of the water is the communion of His three-day Resurrection. Christ the Savior “from the water (by baptism) mysteriously made by the Spirit ... the many children of the Church, first (formerly) childless.”
At the Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan, true worship of God (religion) was revealed to people, the hitherto unknown mystery of the Trinity of the Godhead, the mystery of the One God in three Persons, was revealed, the worship of the Most Holy Trinity was revealed.
“The Trinity, our God, reveal to us today inseparably: for the Father, with the manifest (open, obvious) evidence of kinship (kinship), exclaim, the Spirit descend from Heaven in a dove-like manner, bend down the Most Pure Son of His Forerunner ... ".
The hymns comprehensively and touchingly describe the experiences that the Forerunner experiences when he sees Christ coming to be baptized by him. John the Baptist, to the people listening to him, points to the coming Jesus as the Christ expected by all Israel - the Messiah: "This, deliver Israel, free us from destruction." And when the Lord asked him to be baptized, “The Forerunner trembled and exclaimed loudly: how can a lamp shine light? How will a servant lay his hand on the Master? Savior, who took upon himself the sins of the whole world, You Yourself sanctify me and the waters. “Although You are the Child of Mary,” says the Forerunner, “but I know You, the Eternal God.” And then the Lord says to John:
“Prophet, come and baptize Me, who created you, and who enlightens with grace and purifies all. Touch My Divine top (head) and do not hesitate. Leave the rest now, for I have come to fulfill all righteousness.”
By being baptized by John, Christ fulfilled “righteousness,” that is, faithfulness and obedience to the commandments of God. Saint John the Baptist received from God the command to baptize the people as a sign of the cleansing of sins. As a man, Christ had to "fulfill" this commandment and therefore be baptized by John. By this He confirmed the holiness and greatness of John's actions, and gave Christians for eternity an example of obedience to the will of God and humility. The prophecy of St. Psalmist (ps. 113) that the Jordan will stop its flow "from the Face of the Lord." “Today, the Psalm prophecy is in a hurry to accept (fulfill) the end: the sea is more, speech, sight and flight, the Jordan returns back, from the Face of the Lord, from the Face of the God of Jacob, having come from the servant to receive Baptism.”
“Jordan, seeing the Lord being baptized, is divided and stops its course,” says the 1st stichera for the blessing of water. Return the Jordan river back, not daring to serve You. Even if you are ashamed of Joshua, how your Creator will not be afraid of your name ”The Church, through the lips of the creators of stichera, invites believers to be transported in thought and heart to that great event of the Theophany that once took place on the Jordan River in order to give thanks for the “unspeakable goodness” of Christ, in the “slave eye” who came into the world to save the human race.
The Church did not forget in the pre-holiday and holiday service and the great servant of Christ and participant in the event - "Forerunner and Baptist, and Prophet, and most honored is the prophet (of the prophets)" - John. Finishing the pre-holiday singing and beginning to sing the great event of the holiday itself, the Church turns to John the Baptist and asks him to raise up his hands in prayer to the One, whose most pure head he touched with these hands on the Jordan; The Church asks the Baptist to come and with his spirit to be present with us, to stand with us, "seal the singing and begin the celebration."
They offer to get acquainted with the history and traditions of this holiday.
In all churches, a festive liturgy is served for Epiphany, which ends with the blessing of water.
HISTORY OF THE HOLIDAY
The Bible says that at the moment of baptism, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove and at the same time a voice from heaven proclaimed that Jesus is the Son of God. That is why Epiphany is also called the feast of the Epiphany.
In addition, baptism is tied to the date of the ancient feast of the Epiphany, which was celebrated on January 6 (Baptism of the Lord, according to the old style, was also celebrated on January 6).
HOW TO CELEBRATE
In 2017, the Orthodox holiday falls on a Thursday. But the holiday itself begins on the evening of January 18, when Epiphany Christmas Eve is celebrated. At this time, it is customary to observe a strict fast.
On the eve of January 19, they bless the water in churches in memory of the fact that the Savior blessed the water with his baptism. On the feast of the Epiphany itself, water is blessed in rivers and other reservoirs where water is taken. It is believed that consecrated water should be stored for a whole year. It is drunk during illness, as well as during life's adversities to maintain the spirit.
In addition, on January 19, it is customary for believers to plunge headlong into the icy water. Before diving into the hole, you need to cross yourself three times and plunge with the words: "In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
TRADITIONS
One of the most popular and well-known traditions is the preparation of festive kutya from rice or wheat with the addition of raisins, poppy seeds, honey, dried apricots and prunes. All family members sat down for a large festive table on which stood kutya, uzvar, dumplings, pancakes, muffins, fish dishes, porridge, and together they were waiting for the first star to appear in the sky. Only after that it was possible to break the fast.
Epiphany is a Christian holiday and is celebrated every year on January 6 by Catholics and January 19 by Orthodox believers, according to the official modern calendar. This holiday is associated with the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. During his earthly life, only adults were baptized, who fully felt the faith in the one God and realized in themselves this, at that time, a new religion, because then Christians were persecuted, monotheism was rejected. Therefore, it is not surprising that Jesus Christ was baptized at the age of 30.
Churches bless the water on this day. Previously, it was taken from the nearest river or lake, drilling a hole in the ice in the shape of a large cross. The priest prayed over the water, lowered the church cross into the hole, the parishioners of the nearest church sang psalms. After all these actions, the water in the river was considered baptized. She was collected in various vessels and carried home. It was believed that such water heals various ailments, gives vigor and health, so the custom of dipping into the hole was widespread. At present, water is practically not taken from rivers and lakes - the ecology is not the same. It is poured immediately after the service near the church. Agree - it's very practical. The custom of dipping into the hole has survived to this day. But more often miracles of endurance are shown to the audience by walruses. The rest trample on the shore, and rounding their eyes, look at the marvelous people in swimming trunks and in the snow.
Water, in addition to cooling mortal bodies, was also used in an active struggle against various evil spirits, which “besieged” the houses of poor Belarusians with whole armies. After such rituals, each person tried to drink plenty of holy water in order to be healthy, happy all year, and therefore carefree and cheerful. At least, drinking this water, many dreamed about it and hoped only for the best.
For Catholics, Epiphany coincides with the feast of the Three Kings - the three wise men who were the first to bring the news of the birth of Christ to the whole world.
On this holiday, every Catholic brings chalk home from the church and writes three letters on the doors of the house: “K, M and B”, according to the names of the Three Kings - Kaspel, Melkhon and Baltozar, respectively. They believe that these letters drive away evil forces and evil thoughts from the house and from the well-being of the family living in it. The chalk is kept all year round, just like the water of the Orthodox. Only, in this case, chalk acts as a cure for abdominal pain. Why is that? In fact, no one really answers. Maybe faith plays a major role here?
Baptism was not celebrated with great festivities, except for the third kutya falling on it. But she was also called Lenten.
No songs, divination, round dances and special dances are associated with this holiday. It just so happened. In contrast to this, there are a lot of beliefs and signs associated with Baptism.
For example, the hosts after the service tried to come home very first. It was believed that they would be the first to harvest the crop. Hay, on which kutya stood during Kolyadas, was gradually given to domestic animals as a remedy for diseases and from the not very good influence of witches.
According to the weather that stood on Epiphany, people tried to determine the weather of the next summer: if it was cold that day, then “the stubble will be sunny and green”. If Epiphany turned out to be clear, sunny and frosty, then they talked about the possibility of a hot and hot summer. They said (sitting on the stoves): “Trashchy frost, trashy, Vadokhryshchy (the second name of Baptism) has already passed” or “On Vodakhryshchy it’s zeply zen - budze bread tsemny.” Again, in all these sayings, proverbs and signs, the hope for a rich harvest is veiled. This is not surprising, because the life of the peasant completely depended on the harvest - whether he would starve after Kolyad, or not.
