Preparation to Baptism
One should be prepared for baptism. First of all
you have to find out if the church has a special class for the
"catechumens" (those preparing to be baptized and studying the basics
of the Orthodox Faith). If there is such class, one should attend it regularly.
During the days before baptism one should read the Gospel and other books on
Christian teachings, such as the the law of God. You should bear in mind that
those days are special, so your attention should not be distracted by other
things, no matter how important they might be. Devote that time to spiritual
and moral meditation, concentrate on the inner life of
your soul. Avoid the fuss and fret, idle talk and TV watching. Shun
entertainment, as what you are about to receive is great and holy, and all holy
things granted by God are to be received with great awe and reverence. On the
baptism day you must not eat, drink or smoke since morning. Spouses should
abstain from matrimonial interaction at night on the eve of baptism.
Anyone approaching God’s sacred things must be
especially clean. To be baptized you should come to church extremely clean and
neat. Women with a monthly flow of blood cannot approach the baptism font until
those days are over. Besides, women should not wear ornaments or have cosmetics
applied. You must be on time (before the baptism begins) for the baptism. If
the great mystery of baptism is performed in your church on weekdays, it is not
necessary to arrange it specifically for Sundays.
Go to the home page
