Greek Traditions Community

How can I have a COVID safe baptism?

1 - 8 of 8 Posts
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! :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: mastichas09
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! :)
Click to expand...
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.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cf_fraiser
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.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dpappas87 and d_kakavouli
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
 
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

How did your family spend summers in Greece?

I’m curious how many of you spent summers in Greece growing up.

My experience was a little different. My parents both worked full time, so we never packed up and spent entire summers in Greece the way some Greek families did. But I had friends and cousins who seemed to disappear every June and come back just before school started, full of stories about village life, island beaches, family gatherings, and adventures with cousins.

I always found those stories fascinating and sometimes wished I had experienced that myself.

For those of you who did spend summers in Greece, what was it like? Did you stay in a village, a city, or on an island? What did your typical days look like? Are there any traditions, memories, or experiences that still stand out to you today? I'd love to hear your stories!

Why do Greeks celebrate name days?

I grew up with name days being a big deal, and I’ve always wondered why they feel more important than birthdays for so many of us. I know they’re tied to the Greek Orthodox Church feast days and the saints we’re named after, but it feels like there’s something deeper going on culturally.

In my family, name days were always open-house style, people calling, stopping by, bringing sweets, and it felt very communal. Birthdays, on the other hand, were more low-key.

Do you feel like name days still carry that same weight today? Or has it changed depending on the generation or where you live?

Do younger generations still follow traditional Greek customs?

Lately I’ve been wondering how much traditional Greek culture is still being carried forward by younger generations, both in Greece and in the diaspora.

I’m not talking only about the big holidays or major family events, but the smaller everyday things too — name days, church traditions, hospitality, family meals, fasting periods, village festivals, coffee rituals, respect for elders, even certain sayings and customs. Do younger Greeks still actively participate in these traditions, or do they mostly happen because parents and grandparents keep them going?

I imagine the answer probably depends a lot on location, family, and lifestyle. Someone growing up in a village might have a different experience than someone in Athens or abroad. I’d love to hear from people of different ages, which traditions have stayed strong, which ones are fading, and are there any that younger generations are bringing back in new ways?

Greek Tsiknopempti Traditions?

I realized Tsiknopempti is coming up soon, and it made me curious how everyone celebrates it, especially outside of Greece. Growing up, I always associated it with grilled meat, lots of smoke in the air, and a general feeling of celebration before Lent started, but we never had a really structured tradition at home. Now I’m wondering if I should start one.

Do you usually grill at home, go out to a Greek restaurant, or gather with friends and family? Are there certain foods you always make, or is it more about the atmosphere and being together? I’ve seen photos from Greece where entire neighborhoods are grilling outside, which looks amazing.

I’d love to hear what Tsiknopempti looks like for you, whether it’s something big and festive or just a simple meal that still feels meaningful.

What Does Philotimo Mean to You?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the word, or really, the concept, of philotimo. It’s one of those Greek words that just doesn’t translate neatly into English. I was recently trying to explain it to a non-Greek friend, and I realized how difficult it is to put into words!

I ended up talking about ideas like honor, dignity, courage, generosity, and doing the right thing because it’s simply the right thing to do. I even used some historical examples, including the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae and the spirit of Ochi Day, to try to explain the sense of duty and selflessness that I associate with philotimo.

But I know the concept can also show up in much smaller, everyday ways. How would you explain philotimo to someone unfamiliar with Greek culture? What does the word mean to you personally?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top