Frequently Asked Questions
Baptism — How do I get my child baptized?
Congratulations! You are making one of the most important decisions for your child – getting your child baptized. Here is some helpful information on preparing for your child’s baptism.
Selecting Godparents. Both a godfather and godmother are needed for the baptism of children. When selecting godparents, please consider the following – godparents have the responsibility to pray for your child every day, to help you raise your child in the Orthodox faith, and to raise your child in the Orthodox Church if your child becomes orphaned. Because of this, it is important that both godparents are Orthodox Christians. If this is not possible, please contact Fr. John (443-527-7067) to discuss further.
Complete the baptismal request form and email it to Fr. John (frjohnv@verizon.net). Fr. John will contact you to finalize the date. Baptisms are usually performed on Saturdays and Sundays.
On the day of the baptism, please bring the following items:
- A cross for your child to wear
- White towels to dry off your child
- New white clothing to dress your child after the baptism
- Donation. Fr. John will provide more details.
Baptism of infants and toddlers. Please try to arrange your child’s sleep and eating schedule so that your child is fed and awake for the time of the baptism. The service is about one hour long. And, yes of course, you may bring food for your child.
Marriage — How to get married in an Orthodox Church?
Congratulations! Getting married in the Orthodox Church is one of the most important decisions you will ever make in your life. By getting married in the Church you are inviting Christ into your relationship, into your family, into your life.
It is best when both the bride and groom are Orthodox Christians. Attending the same Church, following the same liturgical life and preserving family traditions are more harmonious when both the husband and wife are of the same faith. However, this is not always possible. The Orthodox Church understands the challenges that young couples face in life. Therefore, the Orthodox Church allows a church wedding for mixed couples under the following conditions:
- Either the bride or groom must be Orthodox and be a parishioner of Holy Trinity Church or a parishioner of another canonical Orthodox Church. A letter of introduction from your priest will be needed.
- The non-Orthodox bride or groom must be a baptized Christian and must present a baptismal certificate to Fr. John.
- The couple promises to raise their children in the Orthodox Church.
Witnesses. You will need to select witnesses – a best man and a maid of honor. At least one must be an Orthodox Christian and the other a baptized Christian. If you have questions, please discuss with Fr. John.
Church weddings are celebrated on Sunday afternoons. If you need a different day, please contact Fr. John to make arrangements. Do not make reservations for a wedding reception until you finalize the wedding day with Fr. John. Setting the date with the church is your FIRST task!
Marriage license. You will need to obtain a marriage license from Baltimore City. You will present this license to Fr. John before the day of your church wedding.
This is a big day in your life and so you probably have many more questions. Please call Fr. John. He will be happy to answer your questions and provide helpful advice.
Death — How do I make arrangements for a funeral service?
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing from this life of your loved one. This is a sad time in your life, a time when you and your family need comfort from God and your newly departed loved one needs the prayers of the Church.
The Orthodox Church performs church funerals for only baptized Orthodox Christians.
As soon as you possibly can, please call Fr. John (443-527-7067) to discuss possible days for the funeral. If you have not selected a funeral home yet, he can provide some recommendations.
If you need to purchase a cemetery lot, or already have one in our parish cemetery, please call our cemetery manager Michael Mickel – 443-613-0282. Our parish cemetery at “Cathedral Gardens” is located at 6480 Elibank Drive, Elkridge, MD 21075. This cemetery is exclusively for Orthodox Christians and their immediate family members.
Confession— I haven’t gone to confession in a long time.
Because of COVID restrictions, our parish conducts General Confession. This is a special service that includes several prayers and an examination of conscience. General Confession is always conducted 30 minutes before the start of every Divine Liturgy. If you are planning to come to Holy Communion, you will need to come to the General Confession before the Liturgy.
If you have not been to confession in a long time or if you are experiencing difficulties and need to speak privately, please call Fr. John (443-527-7067) to make arrangements for private confession.