We rejoice together with the rest of the Church, both in heaven and on earth, at the birth and approaching baptism of your child. It is both a rich blessing and a heavy responsibility to initiate a child into the life in Christ which we all enjoy as members of the Body of Christ, which is the Church. As the Scripture says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). As you begin this journey, please know that you may always count on the Church and her clergy for encouragement, counsel, and support in this great undertaking.

Needed Items:

  1. Linked from here you will find the Baptismal Information Form. This Form should be downloaded, filled out, saved, and either emailed to the Church office (office@stgeorgesouthgate.org) or printed and mailed to the Church (St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 16300 Dix Toledo Road, Southgate, MI 48195), as soon as possible.
  2. Linked from here is a Commitment Card for the St. George parish, which you should fill out in full to affirm your membership in the Saint George Church. If you have already filled this out, please instead call and confirm that you are in good standing with the Church.
  3.  Godparent Good Standing: If your selected Godparent is a member at St. George, they should fill out a Commitment Card as well. If they are a member at another parish, they should request their parish priest to prepare a Letter in Good Standing for them and send it to St. George by mail, fax, or email. Please note, Godparents must be Orthodox Christians and in good standing with the Orthodox Church. 
  4. Meet with the parish priest to go over any questions or concerns.

What is Needed for the Baptism

It is customary for the godparents to provide the following. However, some parents may wish to provide some of these items:

  • White clothes to be worn by the child after baptism
  • A baptismal Cross to be worn by the child (not a crucifix)
  • A new large white bath towel
  • A new white single bed sheet or crib sheet
  • A bar of soap
  • Two new white hand towels
  • A bottle of olive oil
  • Baptismal candle & two or three small candles
  • Honorariam (recommended) donation of $50/each to the Chantor (Ψάλτης) 

When Baptisms are not Conducted

  • Christmas Day through the feast of Theophany (December 25 to January 6)
  • Holy Week, or on any of the Great Feastdays of the Lord.