Greek Orthodox christening in Manchester’s Greek Orthodox church

I’ve photographed many christening’s in my time as a photographer but this was my first Greek Orthodox christening in Manchester’s Greek Orthodox church. What an impressive building. In fact this church is the oldest Greek Orthodox church in the country, built in 1861 for those who are interested in a little bit of history.

It was a good job I’d done my homework on this one as Greek Orthodox christenings are a little different to christian ceremonies. Joanna & Gareth had told me what to expect but a little research on the net paid dividends. For starters, the Priest took us all out of the church to re enter. The entrance of everybody is very important as prior to this the person being christened is not yet part of the church. The priest asks the person to be christened to renounce Satan. As little Sophia isn’t talking yet, the godparents are left with that duty. Talking of the God parents, they have a huge part to play in the ceremony and help perform most of the ceremonial duties with the priest.

A table is laid out with christening items supplied by the parents in order for the priest to perform the baptism. This includes candles, towels, a bar of soap, oil, and a new, white outfit for baby Sophia to change into.

The next part of the ceremony is the immersion, Sophia was immersed in the water three times, which is symbolic of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection. After the immersion Sophia was placed in the arms of the godparent with a white sheet, which symbolises purity. Finally after the immersion. Sophia was changed into a white outfit. The candles are lit and the priest, godparents and Sophia walk around the baptismal font three times holding candles.

So there you go, a little bit of knowledge for you. I hope you enjoy looking at the photos and if you are planning a Greek Orthodox christening in Manchester, Cheshire or anywhere else in the North West then not ask me to come along to document it for you.