Chrismation etiquette questions

[skoi]

Some nuts and bolts questions about chrismation here.

Do you give a gift to the priest? Sponsors? If so- what sort?

What about for a baptism (our youngest was never baptized at all, though the rest of us were)?

If anyone can think of anything else we should know- we'd greatly appreciate the input.

Thanks.

 

[MariaRegina]

For a Baptism, there is an offering that is usually given to the church because the church must be heated in the winter or air-conditioned in the summer and the water must be warmed in the baptismal font.

Not only that, usually the altar boys are asked to help and they must fill the baptismal fout with water and do other duties. Often it is their first job and an offering of at least $10.00 per boy is really appreciated by them.

With a Baptism, there is usually a party or dinner following which can be held at the church or at the home.

Favors include a small cross or icon attached to a blue or pink ribbon that is pinned on each guest.
Some people get the colored candied almonds and place these in bags made of nylon tulle and offer these to the guests.
Many of the guests will bring gifts to the newly illuminated child.
Baptismal parties often last all day and is a time for relatives and friends to welcome the new member.
In Greek families, a lamb is often roasted. So, it is best to celebrate a baptism outside of Great Lent.

 

[cassc]

I have a feeling that you will get a variety of answers, but from my experience many priests will not accept gifts though some will accept a donation for charity or that type of thing. If you are having a meal or gathering afterward you should definitely send him (and his wife) an invitation. But don't forget to invite in advance, he wont just assume he is invited and might not be able to make it at the last minute. As for sponsors and godparents, I am sure that they would enjoy a small token of your appreciate (giving a small gift is fairly common) what will depend on the person but I have noticed that jewelry is fairly common for women (I guess that holds true for anything) but you might be able to think of something more personal, another inexpensive idea is a nice frame and a picture from the Chrismation/Baptism.

 

[Photini]

Talk to the sponsor/godparents. At my Baptism it was my godmother who offered a gift of money to the church. This was also true when my children were baptised. It was also our godparents who arranged the meal afterwards. All I had to worry about was being baptised.

 

[skoi]

Thanks for the quick replies. Since the baptism will be during Lent- I don't know what we'll do about a party/meal. I was thinking of doing it the following week. Obviously we need to talk to our priest.

 

[cassc]

You could serve a lenten meal, just because certain foods are common does not mean that they must be served. In a way it would be nice to have a lenten meal, that way the focus stays where it should be celebrating the chrismation/baptism and not only planning and consuming food!

 

[gzt]

When a priest does a service for you, it's customary to give something (monetary) to the priest. This includes baptisms, house blessings, funerals, weddings, if you have a moleben said, etc. You should probably also give something to the sponsors (NOT monetary, like a bottle of wine or something), or at least take them out to dinner.

 

[ThePilgrim]

Skoi! Add yourself and your family to the Cathecumen thread list, so we can all be praying for you guys! :-D

 

[ProfChrysostomos]

Some nuts and bolts questions about chrismation here.

Do you give a gift to the priest? Sponsors? If so- what sort?

Hi Skoi,

I know every priest has different preferences. Some may kindly refuse a monetary honorarium, while others may humbly accept it. Use your discretion. Sometimes, a framed commemorative picture (after the blessed event) may make a nice gift that he will remember and cherish, as will you. For sponsors, an icon, a book, or again, something commemorative are all appropriate gifts.

What about for a baptism (our youngest was never baptized at all, though the rest of us were)?

Ditto for christenings. Really, the decision is yours. So long as it is given from the heart with love, it is appropriate.

If anyone can think of anything else we should know- we'd greatly appreciate the input.

Do not be afraid to be creative!

Thanks.

God's grace be with you!

+ Prof.

 

[skoi]

Thanks again to everyone.

 

[FlyFast]

Every jurisdiction and parish is different. You will have to ask your priest or someone "in the know" at the parish.
You really shouldn't have to worry about any of this. If you aren't told, you can't be expected to know!
Ignatios