Hi, I have some practical questions

[Chelsea Bradham]

I'm a brand new Orthodox Catechumen and I was wondering if anybody knew where to find certain things I'll need for Baptism as well as answer a couple of questions.

where does one even find a white baptismal robe for an adult convert? (I've seen plenty for infants but not that many for adults)

Where does one find baptismal candles? What are the specifications of one can and cannot be used?

Also, I've known I wanted to be Orthodox for a while so I already have my patron saint narrowed down to a top 5, and my first choice is someone who isn't normally pictured in Icons solo, normally its the entire family, does our patron saint have to be alone in the Icon we bring to our baptism? Should I cross this saint off the list for that reason?

 

[Platina]

About Baptismal robes - your parish might very well have them. They were supplied by the church when I was baptized.

As for candles, I'm not aware of any specifications. You could go simple and humble or get one that's more fancy with decorations and stuff to represent the glory of the event. Can't hurt to ask your priest, but I've never heard of any kind of requirements.

Your patron saint doesn't have to be alone in the icon! Mine is the Holy Forefather Jesse, who is usually depicted with a whole tree of saints coming out of him. It can be tough to find icons of the Romanov children by themselves, for instance, but certainly they are still wonderful saints to be named after!

 

[rusmeister]

About Baptismal robes - your parish might very well have them. They were supplied by the church when I was baptized.

As for candles, I'm not aware of any specifications. You could go simple and humble or get one that's more fancy with decorations and stuff to represent the glory of the event. Can't hurt to ask your priest, but I've never heard of any kind of requirements.

Your patron saint doesn't have to be alone in the icon! Mine is the Holy Forefather Jesse, who is usually depicted with a whole tree of saints coming out of him. It can be tough to find icons of the Romanov children by themselves, for instance, but certainly they are still wonderful saints to be named after!

Yeah, us guys with Holy Forefathers for patrons have it tough with icons.

If you can't get something, don't sweat it. Everything will work out. Focus on what you are doing and saying, don't worry about the externals, and don't try to generate or experience any special feelings in yourself. It'll be whatever it'll be, and that'll be OK.

 

[ArmyMatt]

as stated, the parish should have robes and candles (if not, don’t worry about it).

and the icon just needs the saint, even if the saint is normally depicted with someone else (such as taking St Boris as a patron, when he is almost always depicted with his brother St Gleb). you can also at some point contact an iconographer to have a custom icon made.

 

[Andrei D]

I might be speaking out of turn because my experience is in a more traditional setting, if so forgive and ignore. USA parishes migh thave new traditions

First off, traditionally, these practical matters are to be handled by the godparents. Did you talk to them about it? They ought to then check things out with the priest. Candles and 'keepsakes' in particular (wedding or baptism) should be exclusively the godparents' task. It might even be perceived as rude of you try to do their job.

Anyway, the blank candles are traditionally sold by the church. If not you can buy such candle from any number of monasteries online. Do not buy from a regular store because it is a missed occasion to support a church or monastery. Traditionally, also, the decoration on the candle is made by hand by the godmother - flowers, tuille etc. If they don't know how, there might be one person who knows how in the parish and the priest might (should) be able to help them get help. If not, then you can get that done at a florist, just show them photos.

 

[~Anastasia~]

I was coming to say what Andrei said. My candle was provided by my godmother. And when I have had godchildren, I made the candles for them. It can be just a simple beeswax candle same as you light coming into the Church, but I used tulle and ribbons and little stones to form a cross or a little metal cross attached.

My godmother provided clothing too (to dress in afterwards. But I was actually baptized in very simple white clothes.

 

[Andrei D]

Do adults get a special little baptismal cross like babies? Genuinely curious. My wife didn't get one, but it was a bit chaotic at the time. (And adult baptisms are extremely rare in our church)

 

[ArmyMatt]

Do adults get a special little baptismal cross like babies? Genuinely curious. My wife didn't get one, but it was a bit chaotic at the time. (And adult baptisms are extremely rare in our church)

yes, that’s what I was taught

 

[~Anastasia~]

Do adults get a special little baptismal cross like babies? Genuinely curious. My wife didn't get one, but it was a bit chaotic at the time. (And adult baptisms are extremely rare in our church)

Like you wear on a necklace? Yes, all adults get them too in our Greek parish. I’m wearing my Godmother’s, that was given to me when she reposed.