The ritual of initiation into the number of true believers (this is how the church - members of the Church of Christ position them) is performed by people, but the true sacrament takes place in the soul of a person and in heaven, so they often say that it is a deeply personal and intimate affair.
The rite of baptism - an introduction to the secret
The sacrament of baptism is one of the most ancient rites in the Christian religion. The establishment of the feast of Baptism dates back to the time of the life of the apostles, more than 2000 thousand years ago. In those days, the performance of the baptismal rite was punishable by death, in memory of John (John the Baptist), according to the church charter, the post is kept on January 19, since he was executed by King Herod for baptizing Jesus in the waters of the Jordan.
Baptism and following the Christian faith, for which they used to die, has long been a familiar and ordinary affair not only for the parishioners, but also for the church, which takes money for performing the rites, often rather big ones. If the church, which is so close to God, does not see anything sinful in trading, then if you break the petty conventions of baptism, the church will close its eyes to this.
Why baptize?
Another question, why do you have to perform the rite of baptism, if you are wondering what to do for baptism? Do you believe in God, do you accept his teachings, do you know him as faith requires? Why do you need to be baptized and deny the devil, become a servant of God? Ask yourself all these questions and honestly answer them. After that, you can prepare for the rite of baptism.
An aged person often does not know what to do for baptism. In any case, consult with the priest, there is spiritual literature that answers this question. But it is not a matter of observing external conventions, the work of the soul, the internal reappraisal of values, and the realization that you need faith are much more important. Preparation for baptism consists of the work of the soul, rethinking one’s life, reading prayers to God and preparing for the sacrament through spiritual rebirth.
Infants, young children and adults
Young children who do not yet know the answer to the question of what to do for baptism are assigned godparents who are not just present at baptism. The church imposes on them the duties of the spiritual guides of the growing baby, for whom they are responsible until his maturity. Godparents cannot be husband and wife, as their relationship is spiritual. Godparents can be a brother and a sister (or cousin) sister. Adults do not need to look for godparents, they need to answer the question of what to do before baptism and prayers. Since godparents bear the burden of spiritual education of infants, they must be true believers, and an adult consciously comes to be baptized, why do he need mentors? There is a priest who will be able to answer questions.
Baptism symbolizes the death of a past, sinful life and the transition to a new stage - a spiritual life, cultivating and developing in the faith, from this moment the church considers him a member of the Church of Christ.
Practical tips
What to do for baptism is basically clear, but immediately on the day of the ceremony, you need to know some simple rules.
- Before baptism, it is advisable to know the prayers “Symbol of Faith” and “Prayer of the Lord”.
- It is necessary to take documents with you.
- A sheet or towel will help your baby warm.
- Take a baptismal shirt, which you can easily put on.
- Cross.
Baptism: what cannot be done. Women should not be in trousers, you need to wear a dress or skirt, with a scarf on her head. You can’t come to church during a period of a woman’s illness, at this time a woman is not allowed to enter the church. Parents and godparents should have crosses on them.
After the baptismal rite, they usually arrange a feast where sweet cakes are prepared, wine and mulled wine are served. Previously, they prepared special porridge, baptismal, with cream and made sweet pastries.