Orthodox Christening

I was raised (baptized & confirmed) Roman Catholic but despite this we chose to baptize the girls Russian Orthodox which is the religion Dave was brought up in. It is quite the ceremony to see, even if you're not into the whole God/religion thing. Not sure if my pictures will do it much justice but they may help better understand what went on during the ceremony since my family left not understanding much. I talk pretty fast and even I have a hard time keeping up with Father David!

The baptism begins in the back of the church where, surprisingly - since I'm not a member of the church, I was "churched":

Once this is done the Godparents take over and we sit back and watch the baptism of our babies.

Colin & Mary (Harper's Godparents), Jen & Marcus (Vera's Godparents)

Being prayed over and blessed with oil:

In the Baptism each baby is immersed 3x into the water:

(the most exciting part - the only part I really wanted to see and as you can see in the background of both V & H's dunkings I completely missed! Harper's diaper was dirty so we had to change it and while we were doing that Father David was dunking Vera. Then when we finished cleaning up Harper I turned around and Jen and Marcus were there with Vera ready to be taken back to be changed into her gown. So as we were taking her back to be changed I looked back in time to quickly see a soaking wet Harper! I'm still really bummed I completely missed this entire part.)

Chrismation:
H & V being anointed with myrrh:


Taking their religious walk:
Tradition states this is when guardian angels are assigned to them.


Tonsure (cutting of hair):
[4 locks of hair are cut from their heads in the form of a cross. This is an expression of gratitude from the child, having nothing to give to God in return for the blessings of their sacraments they offer their hair.]


Being formally presented to God in the church:
[much like the Lion King!]





Our baptized babies:


Godparents:


Grandparents:


Cousins:


Cake:


3 Generations:


Uncle Joey stilllll won't hold a baby!


Sisters:


Family: