christening photographers in cyprus

Becoming a Godparent in the Greek Orthodox Church | Christine Constantine Photography


BECOMING A GODPARENT IN THE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

Becoming a Godparent in the Greek Orthodox Church is both an honour AND a responsibility. The Godparent (or nounos for a godfather, nouná for a godmother) plays a crucial role in the child’s religious life. Firstly the Godparent is responsible for providing the priest with the items he will use during the baptism ceremony. These include the cross, the Christening gown/Christening outfit, the olive oil/soap, baptismal sheet and towel, and the lambada (Christening candle).

Christening Gowns/Outfits

Traditionally white/cream in colour, Christening dresses and outfits are the first outfit the baby will be dressed in following their baptism. There are a variety of shops and retailers that sell such outfits and they often come with the cutest matching shoes!

Christening Candle (Lambada) and Cross


Check out my guide to London-based Greek Orthodox Christening suppliers for all your Christening needs..


What happens during the Christening?

The priests generally guide you bu there are various steps to the Christening service. These are:

  1. Renouncing Satan and Declaring Faith – The Godparent stands at the entrance of the church with the baby and recites the Creed (Symbol of Faith) on behalf of the child.

  2. Anointing with Oil – The Godparent rubs the baby with the scented, blessed olive oil.

  3. Holding the Child During Baptism – The priest immerses the child three times in the baptismal font, symbolizing the Holy Trinity.

  4. Clothing the Child in White – After the baptism, the Godparent dresses the child in white, symbolizing purity and new life.

  5. Receiving Holy Communion – The newly baptized child receives their first Holy Communion, often assisted by the Godparent.

Following all of this the child is passed back to the parents, and traditionally the parents must give thanks and kiss the Godparent’s hand.

Moving forward from the actual baptism, the Godparents are responsible for overseeing the newly baptized child’s spiritual growth and development. This includes making sure he/she attends church, learns about the scripture and Greek Orthodoxy, and participates in sacraments such as Holy Communion on a regular basis.


Ayioi Anargiroi Church Wedding and Christening Photography | Cape Greco (Cavo Greco) | Protaras | Cyprus

Ayioi Anargiroi Church lies on the Eastern side of Cyprus in Cape Greco near Protaras. Ayioi Anargiroi church is a small chapel, in shades of blue and white, overlooking the sea. Many couples choose to have their wedding ceremony and wedding photography there and also have Christenings.

Click here to see more: Christine Constantine Photography

Ayioi Anargiroi Church, Cape Greco (Cavo Greco), Protaras

St John's Cathedral Nicosia Wedding Photographer | St John's Cathedral (Agios Ioannis) | Nicosia Old Town | Cyprus

The ancient St John’s Cathedral ( Agios Ioannis ) in the Nicosia Old Town remains a firm favourite for the local Nicosia community to marry or Christen their children. As Christine Constantine Photography and a Nicosia wedding photographer, I have shot there many times and I wanted to share some wedding photography (taken inside and outside) and some Christening photography too.

Dedicated to Agios Ioannis the Theologian, St John’s Cathedral is a small, single-aisled church built in the Franco-Byzantine style, and on the original site of the Benedictine Abbey of Agios Ioannis in the fourteenth century. It remains a popular choice for post-wedding photoshoots as well as the local area of the old town.

Click here to see more: Christine Constantine Photography

St John’s Cathedral (Agios Ioannis) Wedding Photography

See more Cyprus Wedding Photography here: https://www.christineconstantine.co.uk/cyprus-weddings

Grecian Park Hotel Weddings | Christine Constantine Photography | Protaras | Cyprus

The Grecian Park Hotel overlooking Cape Greco in Protaras is one of my favourite and oldest wedding venues on the island of Cyprus. I’ve been a wedding photographer at the Grecian Park Hotel since the very early days of landing in Cyprus way back in 2009. A warm reception and several glorious areas overlooking the Mediterranean sea, you can see just why this is a favourite amongst foreigners and locals alike. The Grecian Park Hotel can cater for smaller micro-weddings or large weddings of up to several hundred people They do weddings and Christenings and the idyllic natural beauty spot of Cape Greco is on your doorstep so you don’t need to go far for those all-important post-wedding photographs. Here is a selection of my favourite images taken here.

Click here to see more: Christine Constantine Photography

Grecian Park Hotel Wedding Photography

Archaggelou Michael Church Photography | Nicosia | Cyprus

Just adore this ancient and historic church in Nicosia which is also a popular choice amongst Nicosians looking to marry or Christen their baby. These are some of my favourite wedding photos and Christening photos taken at Archaggelou Michael Church (Archangel Michael Church).

Nicosia Wedding and Christening Photographer

Eleni's Christening Photography | Galu Seaside | Larnaca

Eleni’s Christening took place on a gloriously sunny day in the beachside town of Larnaca. After a beautiful ceremony witnessed by close friends and family the lunch celebrations took place at the stunning Galu. Check out the beautiful cake and candy table made by local company The Bake Shop L.A. and photography by Larnaca wedding and Christening photographer Christine Constantine.