1. At least one sponsor (preferably the same sex as the child) must be an Orthodox Christian in good spiritual standing with their church. The other sponsor must be a baptized Christian also in good spiritual standing with their church. You should present the pastor with copies of their baptismal certificates well in advance of the baptismal date, or a letter from their pastor stating their membership.
2. All Orthodox parties (parents and godparents) are strongly urged and encouraged to take Confession and Communion prior to the baptism.
3. Invitations to any clergy must be issued by the pastor.
4. Things needed for the baptism and to keep in mind:
   • A cross and chain (usually bought by the Godfather) for the child. It is best to put the cross on a safety pin while the child is an infant.
   • All clothes (inside and out) should be new and white (usually bought by the Godmother). The baby should come to the baptism in “regular” clothes not in their baptismal clothes.
   • A large bath towel and small hand towel.
   • One baptismal candle, which may be decorated if you would like, that can be taken home. (Plain candles are on hand at the Church).
   • A small bottle of pure virgin olive oil (a small 8.5 oz. Bottle of Filippo Berio olive oil would be perfect).
   • In thanksgiving to God, an offering to the Church should be made. A stipend to the priest can be made at your discretion.
   • A check for $10 made out to the "Antiochian Archdiocese." This covers the cost of the certificate that you will receive from the Archdiocese.
   • The godparents should be at the church at least 20 minutes prior to the baptism in order to review the service with the pastor.
   • Since another baptism may be held after yours or because the priest may have another commitment, we ask that you (and your guests) be ready to start the baptism on time.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Church Office.