Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals

Baptisms
As sacramental Orthodox Christians, we live out the milestones of our lives in the midst of our Church family, which is an outward and visible sign of the inward closeness we experience. Baptisms mark our entry into the family of God. Parents are encouraged to baptize their children as soon as possible. A first century tradition, Baptisms graft children into the Body of Christ as members. Chrismation (Confirmation) endows them with the gift and seal of the Holy Spirit, and more specifically, internal Grace; a gift with encouragement they learn to open and utilize as their faith grows.

Weddings
Also a sacrament (or mystery) of the church, marriage is not to be entered into lightly. Therefore to be married in the Orthodox Church one member of the marriage party must be an Orthodox Christian, and both must be committed to Christ and His church.

The couple must also attend pre-marital counseling under guidance of the Priest. We always welcome those who are planning to get married and have questions about the faith.

Funerals
Regarding funerals, in general, we chant the funeral service for any Orthodox Christian because the church has always understood the burial of the dead to be a work of mercy.

However, with any liturgical celebration within the Church, administration is at the discretion of the Priest and therefore a spiritual relationship is generally essential.