Orthodox Christening Checklist

The following checklist can assist with planning for your baby's very special day:

  • Ceremony location
  • Priest
  • Date and Time
  • Select Godparents
  • Reserve reception venue for celebration/or home
  • Make accommodation arrangements for guests coming from out of town
  • Guest list
  • Invitations
  • Menu
  • Decorations
  • Flowers for church (sometimes required)
  • Bonbonniere
  • Photographs
  • Order Christening cake or cupcakes - It is a nice idea to have a special Christening knife, maybe the one used for family celebrations
  • ‘Lambatha’ – Baptismal candles, beautifully decorated
  • ‘Ladopana’ – 1 small white towel – used by Priest to wipe oil from baby’s head after the ceremony
    • 1 large white towel – used with sheet to wrap baby
    • 1 large white sheet & cap (used with towel to wrap the baby and protect godparents)
    • 1 set of baptismal undergarments (all white) (bought by the Godparents to dress baby immediately after the immersion in Baptism)
    • Bar of soap
    • Small bottle of olive Oil
    • Hairbrush
    • Baptismal Box (decorated box to put all items inside to carry to Church)
    • Baptismal cross & chain
    • Martyrika (witness pins) – small lapel crosses handed to witnesses at end of ceremony
  • Baby's clothing for the day
    • Christening gown or robe
    • Matching shoes and bonnet/cap
    • Socks or stockings, singlet
    • Bib – an important accessory as this helps to protect the bodice of the gown from stains if you are wanting to treasure your baby’s gown as a family heirloom
    • Wrap or blanket – A baby’s body is more susceptible to temperate change and a lightweight blanket or shawl is ideal
    • Change of clothing for baby later in day - to allow your baby to feel comfortable for the rest of the celebration after formalities have been completed
  • Special keepsakes
    • Memory book or photo album - a special place for pictures of your baby’s special day
    • Special bible
    • Picture frame – with photo of the special event
    • Christening bracelet – which can then become a part of the Wedding bouquet
    • Bonnet/hankie – turns into a hankie for baby’s Wedding day
    • Christening headband

Please contact Janice on +61 2 9969 6074 or via the contact' page should you require any assistance arranging your baby's Christening. We are very happy to supply or assist with any or all of the above.