An Orthodox Christening is essentially two elements. Baptism and Chrismation. Baptism is the immersion into the Holy water by the priest and Chrismation follows the baptism whereby the child is anointed with holy oil. This is made up of olive oil and sweet smelling ingredients. The priest anoints the child by placing the oil on several parts of the body - the head, chest and feet. The child is now a Christian and a part of God’s people.
Below is a list of all components of the day as they occur chronologically:
ALL IMAGES ARE BY: CHRISTINE CONSTANTINE PHOTOGRAPHY
The Exorcisms
The prayer is followed by three Exorcisms and yet another prayer, the prayer of acceptance. After the Priest, summing up, asks God to drive out and banish from the baby any evil spirit which may be hiding in its heart and make him a member of the holy flock of Christ, a member of the Church, and a child and heir of God’s kingdom.
The Godparent, holding the child, is asked to face west and renounce the devil and all his works in a question and answer form (three times). He will then be asked to blow on the devil. In this case ‘west’ represents a place of darkness where the devil himself lives.