Organising your child’s baptism at Saint Catherine
The role of the Baptismal Sponsor/Godparent is the spiritual instruction and education of the child. Consequently, the Baptismal Sponsor/Godparent must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing with the Orthodox Church.
The canons of the Orthodox Church do not allow two Baptismal Sponsors/Godparents.
Only one name is used in the Sacrament of Baptism, even if the child has been registered with two or more names. The name should be a Saint’s name.
After booking your child’s baptism you will need to organise a number of documents in preparation for the baptism.
1) You will be required to provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate.
2) You will be required to provide a copy of the Baptismal Sponsor’s/Godparent’s baptismal certificate. If he/she cannot find his/her certificate, he/she needs to contact the parish in which he/she was baptised and arrange with the priest to have a copy certificate issued.
3) Please ensure that you arrive on time for the baptism.
4) On the day of your child’s baptism you will be required to pay for the certificate and registration fee of $250.
5) The Baptismal Sponsor/Godparent will pay the community fee of $750 on the day of your child’s baptism.
In preparation, it is highly encouraged that all parties read the summary of the Ceremony of Baptism on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia website, click here to view it.