| The cutting of hair (tonsure) |
(not directly seen in this image)
The Priest cuts four locks of hair from the child's head in the form of a Cross. This is an expression of gratitude from the child, who having received an abundance of blessings through the Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation and having nothing to give to God in return, offers part of its hair, as a first-offering to God. In the Old Testament, hair is seen as a symbol of strength. The child, therefore, promises to serve God with all its strength. |
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| The Holy Eucharist |
| Immediately following Baptism and Chrismation the neophyte becomes a full member of the Orthodox Church. As such, the child is now entitled to receive the precious Body and Blood of Christ in the Sacrament of Holy Communion (or Holy Eucharist). The new life in Christ, given in Baptism, is renewed again and again in the Eucharist. As nature provides milk for the nourishment of the infant after birth, so God provides Holy Communion for the infant immediately following Baptism in order to provide nourishment for the spiritual life the neophyte has received through Baptism. |
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| The new Orthodox Christian |
| Father Nicholas introduces to us the newest member of our congregation. |
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Time for some pictures...
Here is Father Nicholas, Deacon David, grandmother Rimma Drygina (holding the new born) and sisters Helen and Valentina.
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| ... more pictures ... |
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