How would one go about arranging a baptism?

**RusskiSoldat** · May 12, 2007, 11:03 PM

When the schism between the Orthodox Church and its American counterpart ends four days from now, I plan to re evaluate my thoughts on religion and join a local Orthodox congregation.
Given that I've been raised an atheist, I have only been in a church in a museum like context, know nothing of any rituals at the moment and have no Orthodox friends or fellow community members.
So what am I to do in regards to joining?
Should I do like I would with a business and give them a call first?
Or should I just go in and try to figure everything out then?

**the_mango55** · May 12, 2007, 11:05 PM

Just go in man, and don't get tied down to one church before you even visit it, there may be one that's a better fit for you in town.

**Zenith Darksea** · May 13, 2007, 08:54 AM

Well, however you feel comfortable, really. It's perfectly acceptable just to walk over to the priest at the end of the Divine Liturgy (or wherever you see him), introduce yourself and tell him that you want to be baptised. Then you can work something out between yourselves. Or alternatively you can telephone, email, write a letter etc. If you become Orthodox, then your personal relationship with the rest of your congregation and with your priest as your spiritual father will become very close, so you don't need to worry about being overly formal or anything like that.

As for not knowing any of the details, again, don't worry. Remember Christ's words:

"Come and see."

**Mig el Pig** · May 13, 2007, 09:56 AM

Originally Posted by Zenith Darksea

As for not knowing any of the details, again, don't worry. Remember Christ's words:

"Come and see."

or his other words, "Behold I come quickly..."which kept this faith going for over 2000 years.

**~~enoch~~** · May 13, 2007, 06:25 PM

or just drip some water on your forehead and say these words

now I enter the mysteries
sweet ancilla theologiae
I beg you light my way, when the truth is not enough

**Thanatos** · May 13, 2007, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by RusskiSoldat

When the schism between the Orthodox Church and its American counterpart ends four days from now, I plan to re evaluate my thoughts on religion and join a local Orthodox congregation.
Given that I've been raised an atheist, I have only been in a church in a museum like context, know nothing of any rituals at the moment and have no Orthodox friends or fellow community members.
So what am I to do in regards to joining?
Should I do like I would with a business and give them a call first?
Or should I just go in and try to figure everything out then?

Just like Darksea has said, just go to a priest and ask. They are more than willing to help others enter the brotherhood of the faith.

**RusskiSoldat** · May 13, 2007, 08:04 PM

When is a church open?
Or, since it was suggested I go after Divine Liturgy, when does that begin and when is it over?
And should I show up for it or at the end?

**Thanatos** · May 13, 2007, 08:06 PM

Go into a church. There will be a bulletin. Every church has one, which announces their mass/liturgy schedules, baptism requirements, etc.

Just go to a church when the liturgy is over, and the priest will be out there, talking to people. It is then that you ask him.

Don't be afriad or nervous, man. It's all cool. We'll all be rooting for you!