Guidelines for Baptism

We congratulate you on the joyous occasion of your child’s upcoming baptism and welcome you to celebrate this sacred moment with us. The baptism of your child is a profound step in their spiritual journey, and we are honored to walk alongside you in this beautiful sacrament.

We also encourage you to present your child to the church on the 40th day after birth, following the Biblical tradition of Jesus being brought to the Temple by His parents (Luke 2:22). This ancient custom blesses your child and formally introduces them to the church community, asking for God’s protection and grace as they grow in faith.

Scheduling Your Child’s Baptism

To reserve your baptism date, please contact our church office at 215-482-9200 as soon as possible. We recommend having an alternate date in mind in case of scheduling conflicts, although it may be possible to adjust the time of other events to accommodate both parties.

Preparing For The Baptism

1. All baptisms are to be conducted in accordance with the canons of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
2. The church office will provide a Baptism Request Form that should be completed and returned promptly. Please ensure all details, especially the correct spelling of names, are accurate.
3. The Godfather should preferably be a member of the Armenian Apostolic Church. If a suitable Godfather is unavailable, a baptized and confirmed Christian would be accepted for the role. If the Godfather comes from the Protestant Denomination, confirmation by Holy Muron (Holy Chrism) might be required. The Parish Priest will also provide instructions to the Godfather regarding the sacrament before the baptism.
4. While the Armenian Apostolic Church does not require a Godmother, she may assist by tending to the child during the ceremony—holding, dressing, and undressing the child at appropriate times.
5. Fees and honorariums should follow the Schedule of Church Fees and Customary Donations, available at the church office. If you invite other clergymen, the same fees apply.

Items Needed:

For infant baptisms:

• One or two large white towels
• A white outfit for after the baptism
• A chain and cross for the newly baptized (optional but recommended)

For adult baptisms:

• Prior instruction by the officiating clergy on baptism and confirmation
• One or two large white towels
• A chain and cross for the newly baptized (optional but recommended)

Photography and Videography

Photographers and videographers are welcome to capture your ceremony, but they must be respectful of the sanctity of the service and the House of God. They should avoid obstructing the priest or any part of the ceremony. We highly recommend that you advice the media group to see the Pastor for instructions and limitations on the day of the wedding. After the ceremony, photographs in front of the Altar should be limited to 30 minutes.

According to tradition, the baby should not be kissed until bathed three days after baptism. Since Holy Muron (Holy Chrism) is used during the ceremony, the bath water should be respectfully poured into the soil rather or under house plants/flowers rather than the waste system/bathtub.

Once again, we celebrate with you as you prepare to baptize your child, welcoming them into the body of Christ. May this sacred occasion be filled with blessings, grace, and joy for you and your family.

Please contact the Church office to schedule a date, and fill out the Baptism Request Form.

Scriptural Readings During Baptism

A. Passages read during the ceremony

Gospel of St. Matthew 28:16-20

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted.18 And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Gospel of St. John 3:1-8

1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.3Jesus answered him, Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.4Nicodemus said to him, How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?5Jesus answered, Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.7Do not be astonished that I said to you, You must be born from above.8The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.

B. Other Passages about Baptism

Gospel of St. Matthew 3:13-17

Gospel of St. Mark 1:4-8

Gospel of St. Mark 1:35-40

Epistle of St. Paul to Romans 6:1-11

The Epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians 2:8-15

The First General Epistle of St. Peter 3:13-22