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You are here: Experts > Homework Help > Christianity - General > Eastern Orthodox > Baptisms in Greece
Expert: Herman - 10/31/2009
Question
Hi there, I have a two part question regarding baptisms in Greece. First do the parents have to be married. My girlfriend and I are expecting our first child. She is not Greek Orthodox but is baptized pentecostal. We are not married but common law. Second is it possible to get this child baptized in Greece, as we are planning a summer trip to my parents ancestral home. If so what documentation is required. Thank you.
Answer
First of all congratulations! Becoming a parent is a holy thing, you are being entrusted with a new life to raise to the glory of God! I share your joy and excitement over this blessed event.
As to baptism of the child, baptism is not magic, but it is the visible sign of initiation into the People of God, a member of the Holy Church. When you baptize a child, you make a promise to God that you will raise that child to be a follower of Christ, a Christian obedient to the will of God. For a child to be baptized in the Church, at least one of the parents must be a member in good standing in the Church. By not asking for God's blessing through the sacrament of marriage, you have placed yourself outside the Church and you are no longer a member in good standing. You will need to check with a priest, but you must become a regular member of the Church once again. This will probably involve, at the very least, confession and having your marriage blessed (you may not be allowed to have a full Orthodox marriage ceremony because of your situation). And I hope the priest at least requires the penance that you attend Church on a regular basis. How can you raise your child in the Church if you are not in it yourself? The only other option would be for your child to decide for himself/herself to become Orthodox when he/she is of age.
So. unless your current situation is corrected, it is quite impossible to properly baptize your child in the Church anywhere, much less in Greece. The documents you will need are a legal marriage license, and a certificate that your marriage has been blessed in the Church, and a letter from a priest that you are a regularly attending member of the Church. Talk to your priest, that is the very first step.
I pray that God open your heart, and help you do the right and proper things, for yourself, your wife, and your child.
Your servant,
Herman
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