Greek Traditions Community

How can I have a COVID safe baptism?

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dpappas87

dpappas87

Active member
I was asked to be a nona (godmother), and I'm helping my best friend plan the baptism for her firstborn son. We're so excited but we want a lot of her family members to be present. I know technically baptisms are supposed to be held inside the church, but has anyone heard of baptisms being outside? She's planning on having the baptism in Greece, and the weather will most likely be very nice. Does anyone know if this is possible?
 
I would say the following could help with a safe Greek baptism (although I am not a Dr.):

- Mandatory masks
- Limit amount of people
- Try to have good ventilation if indoors or outdoor reception after church
- Social distance tables and seat people with same households

Anyway, there are a few things that come to my mind, congrats on being the Nona, it is a huge lifelong honor! :)
 
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nickstamoulis said:
I would say the following could help with a safe Greek baptism (although I am not a Dr.):

- Mandatory masks
- Limit amount of people
- Try to have good ventilation if indoors or outdoor reception after church
- Social distance tables and seat people with same households

Anyway, there are a few things that come to my mind, congrats on being the Nona, it is a huge lifelong honor! :)
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I would say the same! Try and keep everything outdoors if possible and speak with the priest beforehand and see if they can put the kolibithra outside. If you explain that you want close family (especially elderly) at the baptism, I'm sure they will understand.
 
dpappas87 said:
I was asked to be a nona (godmother), and I'm helping my best friend plan the baptism for her firstborn son. We're so excited but we want a lot of her family members to be present. I know technically baptisms are supposed to be held inside the church, but has anyone heard of baptisms being outside? She's planning on having the baptism in Greece, and the weather will most likely be very nice. Does anyone know if this is possible?
Click to expand...
It is not possible to have a Greek wedding outdoors as the physical church is a symbol that is very much part of the service. Perhaps only family be allowed inside and others remain outside until the service is over.
 
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twogreekwomen said:
It is not possible to have a Greek wedding outdoors as the physical church is a symbol that is very much part of the service. Perhaps only family be allowed inside and others remain outside until the service is over.
Click to expand...
Does this apply to baptisms as well?
 
I would stick with adhering to the church's safety guidelines, and then try to make the celebration afterwards outdoors, with as much social distancing as possible. If that is not possible, maybe you should consider limiting the guest list, having people wear masks, and make sure the room is well ventilated?
 
twogreekwomen said:
It is not possible to have a Greek wedding outdoors as the physical church is a symbol that is very much part of the service. Perhaps only family be allowed inside and others remain outside until the service is over.
Click to expand...
Actually, I attended a Greek orthodox wedding outdoors in Rhode Island last year by the beach! Apparently it is possible but you have to find a priest willing to setup an altar outside. Not sure exactly what this involves but I know it's possible.
 
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MixaliPlagionakis said:
Actually, I attended a Greek orthodox wedding outdoors in Rhode Island last year by the beach! Apparently it is possible but you have to find a priest willing to setup an altar outside. Not sure exactly what this involves but I know it's possible.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice! I guess I just have to find a priest who's a bit more modern, and maybe help with the setup lol
 
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