We were welcomed into a neighbourly Greek family as soon as we arrived into the village of Haradiatica. We have shared many family gatherings and meals together for various occasions but imagine our delight when requested to attend a baptism. A Greek Orthodox Baptism is a very special and mementos Holy celebration; one we feel so fortunate to be invite to and absolutely not to be missed.
Preparations by the family began a week in advance by making the baptism favours to give to guests. This is a common expression of affirming and extending your faith and thanksgiving to family and friends. This was very much a family affair as three generations of women, Yiayia, aunties and nieces, including myself got involved. Many favours are now bought, but I feel traditional homemade ones are more personal and made with love.
We made a carrot preserve, spooned into jars and labeled with the name of the child being baptized.
Next task was wrapping the kourabiedes cookies. Traditional Greek cookies made with the aromas of roasted almonds, rose water and butter with a luscious layer of icing sugar. Eaten on special occasions and at Christmas. These were presented on each place setting at the reception.
https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/kourabiedes-greek-christmas-butter-cookies/
The event itself took much planning and organization. Original arrangements were to take a ferry boat over to Agia Kiriaki opposite Nidri but the weather forecast was so dismal it was rearranged to Agia Ekklisa in Nidri town.
On arrival the child was wearing a pretty navy velvet dress. Parents, grandparents and extended family were dressed in their best attire and photographers were busy recording the occasion.
As usual candles are lit on entering the church and spot lights enhanced lighting for video recording and photography.
In the Greek Orthodox Church the day of baptism is looked at as the most important, as it signifies the day that you truly become a Christian. Baptism usually takes place in infancy.
The Godparent is the official Christening sponsor, the responsibility falls on them for any expenses associated with the ceremony itself. This includes the white baptismal outfit, white towels and sheet (complete in a decorated suitcase), the witness pins and the cross, known as the Miropania Set.
Martyrika - witness pins are a traditional item but not essential to the ceremony itself. Some can be elaborate, others consist simply of a ribbon and cross. As we witnessed the service each guest was gifted a homemade bracelet each with a ribbon and cross.
Greek Christening boxes - these contain soap, oil, hand towel. The boxes are often used as keepsake boxes afterwards. The candles, oil, and soap can be purchased separately and decorated yourself to save money. I feel this gives a much more personal touch.
Candles - Lambathes are traditionally used in the Greek Orthodox baptism ceremonies. Three candles are generally used; one large for the child and two smaller matching candles for the witness's to circle the font.
Immersion - the child is undressed and immersed in the water three times; which is symbolic of Christ's birth, death and resurrection. The child is placed in the arms of the Godparent in a white sheet which symbolizes purity. The child's hair is cut in the form of a cross. This is a traditional symbolic offering of ourselves back to God for his loving kindness. Then the child receives the sacrament of Chrismation.
After immersion - the child changes into the white outfit. This was the most vocal part of the ceremony when the child continued crying not knowing what had just happened.
The Priest, godparent, child and people holding the two candles then proceed around the font three times. The ceremony concludes with a scripture reading.
The mother must not clean the child from the oil that the Godparent has poured over the child for three days to protect the child from bad energy. For the next three Sundays the baptised child must be accompanied to the church by the Godparent to receive the communion.
On exiting the church everyone marveled at a beautiful display of favours and refreshments, the theme being centered around dream catchers.
After more photographs and relief of no rain, family and guests departed to the reception venue.
The venue was a Greek taverna owned by a family friend. On arrival guests were encouraged to help themselves to more favours beautifully displayed alongside a photograph of the baptised child. Older children guided us to our tables and even took photographs throughout the celebrations.
Food - was plentiful in the best traditional Greek fashion. It consisted of tzatziki, bread, garlic roast potatoes, fresh Greek salad, ham cheese/spinach feta filo pastries, meatballs, pasticcio, and the finale being roast lamb (the family rear their own sheep). With an endless flow of local wine and beer and chocolate cake for dessert we were full to bursting. Did I try the sheeps b*****ks? it would have been rude not to..... it tasted like a very mild creamy liver.
Passed like a parcel to every family member (that's very many) the little cherub finally fell asleep amongst the hubbub of laughter and celebration.
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