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

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

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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.

3 Tips for Choosing a Photographer for your Greek Christening | Christine Constantine Photography

CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR BABY’S CHRISTENING

In the life of a Greek Orthodox Christian, the Christening is a very important milestone. It not only brings family and friends together in celebration, but it also marks the official beginning of the child’s lifelong spiritual journey.

Obviously most people don’t remember their Christening because they were too young. Photographing the event ensures these memories can be preserved, not only for the Christened child, but for future generations to come.

As a Greek Christening Photographer in London I can share some tips that will help you find the best professionals for your baby’s Baptism and some questions that are worth asking. As a Greek Cypriot myself I have lots of experience with Greek and Greek Cypriot families and baptism traditions!

ALL IMAGES BY: CHRISTINE CONSTANTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Greek Christening Photography

Does you Photographer have Greek Orthodox Christening Experience? 


Does your Christening photographer have experience with Greek Orthodox Christenings? The ceremony is fairly unique and it takes knowledge of all the crucial parts to understand the important moments that require a photo or a close-up. Not only that, but without prior knowledge they may get in the way of the priest during crucial moments of the Christening. They should also have respect not just for their clients but for the priest and other members of the church. They shouldn’t interfere with the service, but just quietly observe taking natural pictures along the way.

If you want a photographer who has never worked a Greek Christening before they should be briefed in detail about what is expected of them to photograph. For example, they may not realize that after the baby is submerged in the water and dressed in their Christening outfit, or when they have their hair cut that this part actually has significance and should be photographed. Make sure they know what is important well before the actual day so you don’t need to worry about them missing those moments when they happen!

Do I need a Videographer too?

Most people who hire both are very pleased because they not only have beautiful photographs to capture the moment but they also have a video to watch again and again. Having a video is especially nice because you can show it to your child as he/she gets older, although it can increase the cost substantially. Videographers also have several packages so make sure you discuss this with your chosen videographer before the event so you know exactly what to expect for your investment.

Another major decision you need to make is whether or not you would like to hire the videographer and photographer as a package deal. Some larger companies have teams that work together and this can save you some money. However, you may compromise a bit of quality if you choose this route. Some parents like to choose them individually as a way to control the quality.

Hiring both a videographer and photographer for your child’s Greek Christening offers a great way to preserve the occasion for the future. Since the child likely won’t remember the Christening, this is also a great way to share the moment with them as they get older.

Do I feel comfortable with my Christening Photographer?

Lastly, your photographer is present in a very special and intimate part of the Christening day and it is essential that you feel comfortable with having them around. Choose a photographer you feel at ease with! One you trust and can communicate well with. And also one who respects the nature of the day and its significance.

ALL IMAGES ABOVE ARE BY: CHRISTINE CONSTANTINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Alex Christening Day | St Mary's Greek Orthodox Church | The Penridge Suite | London

Baby Alex accompanied by his Godparents, older brother and Mum and Dad was christened at the beautiful St Mary’s Orthodox Church on Trinity Road in North London. As it was also his Dad’s 40th birthday a double celebration was in order - and the family partied the night away with their friends and family at popular North London venue The Penridge Suite. Thank you so much for choosing Christine Constantine Photography to capture Alex’s special day! Check out the pics..

Awesome suppliers list:

Christening outfit/accessories - @sofiacouturebabyboutique

Lights/Plinth/Cake Stand - @roxys_lights

Cake - @mariawestuk1

Balloons/Teddies/Decor - @blownawayeventsuk

Soft Play - @hoppartyhire

DJ/Music - @djfunksy

Inside St Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church

Check out more of my work here:

Greek Christening Photographer

Amalia Christening Photography | St Panteleimon Church | Harrow | London

Proud parents Marilena and Zac could not keep the smiles off their faces as they christened their third gorgeous daughter Amalia in a traditional Greek Orthodox Christening ceremony.

And I was thrilled to be their Greek Christening Photographer for such a significant day for their family at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Panteleimon in Harrow.

Little Amalia looked utterly adorable in her cute little outfit by Maria Bambino (@bambinocoutureltd) and the Lambada Christening candle was decorated by the talented ladies at Alexandria Couture (@alexandria.couture.uk) Jordana and Anna.

Greek Orthodox Christening Photography

As a Greek Christening photographer with over 14 years experience I always take photographs of all the details, such as the lambada (Christening candle), the Christening outfit and the Christening Cross etc.

The service was followed by a lovely celebration back in Marilena and Zac’s garden, complete with delicious private catering ensuring all the guests were well fed and watered.

The stunning Christening cake and candy treats were courtesy of Sophie (@sophiekcakes) and displayed on a cart which had been beautifully decorated by Despina from Jamboree Carts (@jamboreecarts).

Amalia’s Christening Cake and Candy Table

Oh my!!! And HOW adorable are these images?!!!

The following weekend I went back to their house for a much more intimate photo shoot of just Amalia and her immediate family.

With less people and distractions around it meant we could focus on recreating some absolutely adorable portraits using the props they had kept from the previous week’s party. And we came up with these!!

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See more Greek Christening photography here..

Christine Constantine Photography

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St Mary's Greek Orthodox Church Christening Photography | Camberwell | South London

St Mary’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral is one of the oldest Greek Orthodox Church in South London. It was originally built for the Catholic Church in 1876, and the original structure was much larger than it is today. Sadly much of it was destroyed in the Second World War. In 1963 it was taken over by the Greek Orthodox Church and as a Greek Orthodox Christening Photographer based in nearby Clapham, I was delighted to be asked to capture baby Tommy’s Christening there. Here are my favourite images from the day..

Christening Details

Christening photographers LOVE details and I’m no exception..

Greek Christening Photography in St Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church

I was also delighted to be asked to be baby number 2’s Christening Photographer too!!

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See more Greek Christening photography here..

Christine Constantine Photography

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Theo's Greek Orthodox Christening Photography | Greek Orthodox Church St Barnabas | North London

The very first Christening I shot when I was back in London was for adorable little Theo and his family. Due to Covid restrictions numbers were limited so only close family and friends were present. We initially met at the parents house for some pre-Christening family photographs. After a relaxed baptism at St Barnabas Greek Orthodox Church in Wood Green, I managed to get some nice shots afterwards outside the church and our small group made our way to Theo’s Yiayia’s house for food and an absolutely awesome Christening cake!

Check out more of my work here: www.christineconstantine.co.uk

Pre-Christening Family Photography

St Barnabas Greek Orthodox Church Christening

Saint Barnabas Greek Orthodox Church is a Greek Orthodox church in Finsbury Road, Wood Green, London.

The Christening Cake

To see more Christenings click here: www.christineconstantine.co.uk/christenings