My Big Fat Greek Orthodox Baptism

 I’d like to welcome you to my baptism - I may only be months old but quite a few people are coming to my special celebration. All sorts of goodies are set out but you have to wait till after the ceremony to sample all the cup-cakes, profiteroles and sweets.                                            

We are at the church dedicated to Saint Dimitrios in Lakkia. And, yes, there are foxes in the fields around the village which is maybe why that motif was chosen for my invitations.                                                  

Here we are inside. Mum is holding me while the priest carries out the sacramental exorcism. It’s a special privilege for Vasilis to be my Nonos – godfather – so he must be cleansed before he can assume his duties. At the end he has to spit three times to dispatch the devil but wearing a mask doesn’t make that easy!                                             

Now Nonos is holding me as my parents, Zoe and Antonis, look on and the priest fills the font with water. But it’s not bath-time yet – how strange!                                        

It’s just a tad embarrassing to be disrobed and stand starkers before my guests, but it’s all part of the tradition.                                           

Apparently I’m quite an exception as most babies cry their lungs out at this point. I love baths and this was great – even when he dunked me completely into the water. If he hadn’t been holding me so tightly, I’d have given him a good splash just for the fun of it!                                                 

The priest has to give me my first hair cut as an Orthodox babe - cute, huh?                                                 

And now that I’ve been bathed and named (names can be a secret up to the dunking bit!) I get to put on my new gear – a special gift from my Nonos. Cool!                                                  

                                                    

                                   
Just a minute – that handbag! Surely not part of my outfit, is it? I’ve heard of bringing up children as non-gender specific, but give me a break!   

                                    

Great - no handbag but there is this silly blue hat. I’m going to shed that shortly! And now Nonos has to circle the font three times. He really is dancing to my attention!

This, I think was my Nonos’ favourite part of the ritual. My Mum has to bow to him three times and kiss his hand to show respect for him in the duties he has undertaken!

 Well, that’s that done. While my guests are outside, stuffing their faces with the goodies, my Mum and Dad, along with my grandparents, Anna and Ioannis, and my Auntie Eirirni, have decided to pose for pictures. Oh come on, guys, I’ve been a really good dude- a kalo paidi. Enough is enough- I’m tired and really, really hungry. I’m going to wriggle and squirm and I’m certainly not going to smile for the birdie – get me outta here now!                                      

Good my Pappous Ioannis is collecting all the remaining sweets and we’re saying goodbye to the lovely church where I had my special service.                                            

It’s time for my lunch – now watch me smile. :)

 Thank you so much for coming to see me being christened.

With lots of love and kisses,

 Konstantinos.