Baptism

A person who wishes to sponsor a candidate for Baptism or Chrismation must be an Orthodox Christian who is a member of an Orthodox parish and who is in good standing with the Orthodox Church.

A person may not serve as a godparent if his or her marriage has not been blessed by the church or, if civilly divorced, he or she has not been granted an ecclesiastical divorce, or for any other reason he or she is not in communion with the Orthodox Church.

Baptisms may not be conducted on the following days (unless it is absolutely necessary and permission has been obtained from the Metropolis):

Planning a Baptism in the Orthodox Church

Obligations of the Parents

Requirements to be a Godparent

The Godparent should pray about and consider that they are not simply an observer to the sacrament. Quite the contrary, the sponsor undertakes and assumes a great religious responsibility in the eyes of God. The Godparent promises to care for, and nourish, the child’s spiritual life, growth, and development within the Church. Since the Godparent is expected to provide the child a continuing example of Christian virtue, the Orthodox Church sees this as a life-long relationship.

In order to qualify ecclesiastically to serve as a Godparent (Nouna/Nouno) of a child or adult at the sacrament of Holy Baptism, the following requirements must be met:

Suggestions for What to Bring

The Godparent is requested to bring the following articles on the day of the Baptism. Minimum items are as indicated by an asterisk:

St. Nicholas Cathedral Pittsburgh – Baptism Packet

Receiving a Letter of Good Standing

For more information, please contact Father Eleftherios through the Church Office at (412) 682-3866.