Child/Adult Baptism
Congratulations on your upcoming baptism. Along with the excitement and joy that goes with having the sacrament of baptism, many questions arise as to what is required for baptismal preparation. Listed below are all the steps, with pertinent information, which must be carefully reviewed and completed in preparation for your Orthodox baptism.
The Clergy and Cathedral staff are here to welcome you and provide everything you will need to celebrate your baptism in the Church.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Cathedral Office at any time.
Please read everything carefully as all items must be completed no later than one month before the baptism.
Member in Spiritual and Financial Good Standing
In order to reserve the date for your baptism and have it officially entered into the parish calendar, you must be a member in good standing.
How do you know if you are in good standing with the Cathedral? If you are already attending church on a regular basis, participating in the sacramental life and have demonstrated ongoing financial support by being a current pledged steward of the church, then you are a member in spiritual and financial good standing and there is no fee for the use of the Cathedral.
If you meet the criteria above but have not yet pledged and given for the current year click button below.
If you do not meet the criteria above, which means you are not already a current supporting member of the Cathedral, offering financial donations on a regular basis, then there is a usage fee. In order to reserve your baptism date, the usage fee is $750 for the Cathedral
If the parents are a member of a parish other than the Annunciation Cathedral, their parish Priest must be asked to furnish a letter confirming their spiritual and financial good standing. The usage fee for an Orthodox Christian in spiritual and financial good standing of another Orthodox Parish in canonical good standing will be $500.
50% of the usage fee will be paid at the time the baptism is reserved and officially entered into the parish calendar, with the balance to be paid no later than 30 days before the baptism.
FOR ADULT BAPTISM ONLY
Being in good standing with the Church is made up of two parts: Spiritual and Financial. By the very nature of baptism, one becomes a member in spiritual good standing with the Church. This can change over time as a person must continue to attend services and receive sacraments often. Following baptism, a person should become financially in good standing as outlined above. It is also true that over time a person must contribute on a regular basis their time, talent and treasure to remain in good standing. These two parts - spiritual and financial - go hand in hand and move us closer to Christ and His holy Church.
Adult baptisms will take place in the Metropolis Chapel since the adult size font is located there. As such, the Cathedral will contact the Metropolis to reserve the date and time. The Metropolis requires a $350 usage fee to be paid for the use of the Chapel. This fee goes directly to the Metropolis and will be collected by the Cathedral and given to them on your behalf. Please make sure to pay all fees no later than one month before the baptism.
ORTHODOX FROM ANOTHER JURISDICTION
If you are an Orthodox Christian from another jurisdiction and would like to rent the Cathedral for your baptism there will be a rental fee of $1000.
Before the baptism may be reserved and officially entered into the parish calendar, the Cathedral clergy must seek permission from the Metropolis of Atlanta for the baptism to take place.
Please fill out the Request for Sacrament Form below.
Visiting Clergy
We welcome Orthodox Clergy to participate in the Sacrament of Baptism, and we ask that they follow protocol by notifying the Cathedral Clergy in advance. It is the responsibility of the parents to also inform the Cathedral Clergy if they wish to invite any guest clergy. If they are Orthodox Christian clergy in communion with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, there are no obstacles for them to serve alongside the Cathedral Clergy. The Cathedral Clergy will assign the different parts of the service to each clergyman.
THE ORTHODOX Godparent (KOUMBARO/KOUMBARA)
The Godparent(s) must be a least 12 years of age and of the Orthodox faith.
The Godparent(s) is (are) covered under family stewardship until the age of 21 at which time he or she is expected to assume his or her individual financial obligation.
Members of the Cathedral must have a current-year stewardship pledge and donations towards the amount pledged.
If the Godparent(s) is (are) married, he or she is covered under the spouse's stewardship.
If the Godparent(s) is (are) married, his or her marriage must have been blessed in the Orthodox Church.
If the Godparent(s) is (are) divorced, he or she must have an Ecclesiastical divorce. Click HERE for more details.
If the Godparent(s) is (are) a member of another parish, he or she must furnish a letter from their parish Priest confirming their spiritual and financial good standing and their eligibility to be a sponsor.
Non-Orthodox may not be the official Godparent(s) but may serve as a witness.
STEPS TO COMPLETE beFORe baptism may tAKE PLACE
Step 1: Filling out the Request for Sacrament Form
This form is essential in preparing for your baptism along with requesting a date.
Step 2: Godparent Seminar
This seminar will focus on the role that Godparents play in the life of the child and how they assist the parents in the spiritual upbringing of that child.
Step 3: Cathedral Baptismal Information
The information from this form is used to create the baptismal certificate that comes from the Metropolis of Atlanta along with the official records of the baptism that remain part of the Cathedral archives.
Step 4: Media Consent and Release Form
This form is a consent to live-stream the baptism taking place and to archive it on YouTube. It is completely optional and free of charge. (PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT AVALABLE FOR ADULT BAPTISMS)
Step 5: Reviewing the Following Important Information:
General Baptismal Information
ITEMS YOU WILL NEED: Please discuss with the Godparent(s):
Gold or Silver cross
White undershirt or onesie
Large white bath towel
White blanket or robe while they are undressed
Twin size flat white sheet
Two medium size white hand towels
Small bottle of olive oil
Bar of white soap
A new outfit of clothing, (white), which will be worn by the child/adult after the Baptism and Chrismation
Decorated white candle for each Godparent
Extra candles if you would like to have children participate in the procession around the Baptismal Font
Extra diapers
Please arrive at one half hour before the Sacrament.
Please remind the Godparent(s) to come up to the Solea after the sacrament to sign the Baptismal Certificate. The Clergy will give you the original to take home.
At the conclusion of the sacrament, parents, baby and Godparent(s) should exit to the Narthex where guests may offer their good wishes and congratulations.
If you have someone designated to take pictures, please have them see one of the Clergy for directions and guidelines before beginning the sacrament. If they have never photographed in the Cathedral, please have them read the letter for photographers.
On site reception venue may be reserved through Proof of the Pudding.
Please remind your guests that this is a formal, religious ceremony, and appropriate dress should be worn. Sleeveless tops and short pants should be avoided.
If you are planning to hand out any kind of pamphlet or brochure, please let the Clergy review it to check its accuracy prior to printing.
If you are looking for an explanation of the service, here is a brief example.
Step 6: Coming to Church and Receiving Sacraments:
For three (3) consecutive Sundays following the Baptism, the Godparent(s) should accompany you and your child to church so that you may all receive Holy Communion. Your child should also attend church, receive Holy Communion regularly, and participate in the youth ministries of the church.
Enrolling in the Annunciation Day School, beginning at the age of two, is also a magnificent way to help you and the Godparent(s) raise your child in the grace of Christ and with the richness of Orthodoxy.
Invitations and Honorariums
If you wish for the clergy to attend the baptism reception, you may do so by inviting them as you would any other guest. Due to time constraints the clergy may not be able to attend the baptism reception.
An honorarium to the Clergy, Chanter and Sexton is traditional for the baptism and may be offered at your discretion.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Cathedral Office at any time.
May God's blessing be upon you as you plan for your baptism! Congratulations!