Orthodox Traditions for Newborns: The Importance of Blessings and Sacraments.
If you are about to give birth to a new baby, there are a few things you should know. It is important to remember that in the Orthodox tradition, the priest is called for a series of blessings at the beginning of a child’s life. These are:
- The blessing is on the day of birth (usually at the hospital).
- The 8th-day blessing is where the name is given (usually at the home).
- The 40-day blessing is where the mother and the baby are churched (done at the church).
It is important to notify the priest when you are expecting your baby and do not hesitate to call him or email him after you have given birth so that he may come to bless the baby. If, for whatever reason, your family cannot do the first blessing on the day of birth, do not worry, just contact Father and he can come and do both blessings on the 8th day. Each of these blessings is only 5 minutes long and exists to pray for the well-being of the child. Please feel free to contact the priest whenever you like for more information about these blessings.
