What is an appropriate gift for a Greek Orthodox Baptism?
One of the most popular is to give money. Families often start a savings account and use the Christening gifts as a way to start the savings. Other appropriate gifts include baby related gifts like clothes and toys (if the person getting Christened is an infant) and religious gifts such as icons and crosses.
What do you need for a Greek christening?
These items traditionally include the following:
- 1 Gold Cross & Chain.
- 1 Set of New White Clothing for After the Service.
- 1 Small Bottle of Olive Oil.
- 1 Bar of Soap.
- White Hand Towels.
- 1 Large White Bath Towel.
- 1 White Sheet.
- 1 Large Baptismal Candle.
Who pays for Greek baptism?
In general, the godparent handles any expenses that happen concerning the church and the parents handle the reception. However, there are some things that either the parents or the godparents will pay for, such as the Koufeta, baptismal candles, and any gratuities.
How many Koufetas are needed for baptism?
The types of Bombonieres These five wishes are also suitable for a baptism, whose bombonieres also contain five. But there the similarities end. In fact, each bomboniera is unique.
How much do you give at a Greek Christening?
The bottom line is to give what you can comfortably afford. $50 is a very nice gift for a Baptism. So use that as your benchmark. If you can afford to make ends meet while giving $50 or more, go for it.
Why do Greek Orthodox cut hair at baptism?
Following the Baptism and Chrism, the Priest will tonsure the child by cutting some of his hair crosswise to signify: that Christ will be the head of the child from now on, that he will reject other allegiances.
What goes in a Greek christening box?
Greek Christening Boxes They usually contain a bar of soup, a bottle of oil, and a white hand towel. These items are used in the ceremony. Typically, it is the godparent who is responsible for buying these items. When purchasing these boxes, you can buy a simple design or something a little more elaborate.
What do you say in Greek when a baby is baptized?
Baptisms/new baby Na sas zisei (να σας ζήσει): this means “May he/she live (a happy life)” and is said to the family of a newborn baby, either the first time you see the infant or at its baptism. Panta axia (Πάντα άξια): meaning “always worthy,” this is said to the godmother at a baptism.
What do godparents buy for a Greek Orthodox baptism?
The Godparents purchase the box with all of the baptism essentials that go inside it; including outfit, shoes, holy sheets, oil set, Lambada (candle), martirika (witness pins) and also the cross. In Greece, many Godparents also purchase a second set of clothes, which is for when the baby is bathed.
What do godparents pay for baptism?
Because the Godparent is the official Christening sponsor, the responsibility falls on them to pay for any expenses associated with the ceremony itself. This includes the white baptismal outfit, white towels, bottle of oil and the oil sheet, the witness pins, and the cross.
What is Koufeta in Greek?
In traditional Greek weddings, sugar coated almonds are called koufeta. They are placed in little bags in odd numbers and are served on a silver tray. Because odd numbers are indivisible, this symbolizes that the newlyweds will share everything and remain undivided.