Orthodox Baptism

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is the beginning of your child’s spiritual life in Christ. We are happy to help your family prepare for this important day.

How to Schedule a Baptism

1. Call Fr. Stephen: 727-777-4450
2. Choose a date with the priest (typically after Sunday Liturgy or at a separate time)
3. Schedule a meeting for parents and godparents to discuss preparation

What Parents Need to Know

Godparents (Sponsors)

Godparents accept responsibility for the child’s spiritual upbringing. Requirements:

• Orthodox Christian, baptized and chrismated
• Practicing believer (attends church regularly, confesses, receives Communion)
• Age: 16 or older
• Cannot be the child’s parent
• One godparent of the same sex as the child is required (a second is optional)

What to Bring

• Baptismal cross on a chain or cord (the priest will place it on the child)
• White baptismal garment, a symbol of purity
• Towel for drying after the immersion
• Candles for parents and godparents (usually available at church)

What Happens During Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism includes:

1. Prayers of exorcism, renouncing evil
2. Profession of faith, godparents recite the Creed on behalf of the child
3. Blessing of the water, the priest blesses the water in the font
4. Triple immersion, the child is immersed three times “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”
5. Chrismation, anointing with Holy Chrism (Sacrament of Chrismation)
6. Churching, the child is brought into the temple
7. First Communion, the child receives Communion for the first time

Duration: approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Adult Baptism and Conversion

If you are an adult wishing to be baptized or received into Orthodoxy:

• Catechesis, a period of study and preparation (typically several months)
• Conversations with the priest about the Orthodox faith
• If you are already baptized in another Christian tradition, Chrismation (anointing with Holy Chrism) may be sufficient

Contact Fr. Stephen for a personal meeting.

Donation

The amount of the donation for Baptism is discussed with the priest. Financial circumstances are never a barrier to receiving the Sacrament.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to baptize a child? Traditionally on the 40th day after birth, but baptism can be performed at any age.

Can godparents be from another Christian denomination? At least one godparent must be Orthodox. A second may be from another Christian tradition as a “witness.”

Do you issue a baptism certificate? Yes, the parish issues an official Certificate of Baptism.

Can baptisms be performed on Saturdays? Yes, by arrangement with the priest.

Contact Us

Fr. Stephen Siniari Phone: 727-777-4450

St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church 9201 60th St, Pinellas Park, FL 33782