Planning a Greek Orthodox Christening involves several traditional ceremony items, many of which are prepared by the godparent. We've created this simple Greek Orthodox Christening checklist to help families and godparents prepare for this special day.
Traditions and requirements can vary between churches and parishes, so always confirm the specific items required for the ceremony with your priest or church before the Christening.
Greek Orthodox Christening Checklist
Greek Orthodox Christening Box
A Christening box keeps the ceremony essentials beautifully coordinated and together for the day. It can also become a treasured keepsake after the Christening. Explore our personalised Christening Boxes .
Lambatha Christening Candle
The lambatha is the traditional Greek Orthodox Christening candle used during the ceremony. It is often decorated and personalised to coordinate with the child's Christening set. Shop Orthodox Lambatha Candles .
Lathopana & Baptism Towels
The Orthodox Christening towel set, often referred to as lathopana, is prepared for use during and after the Baptism. Sets may include the main towel and other cloth pieces required for the ceremony.
Oil Sheet & Cap Set
An oil sheet and cap form part of the traditional Greek Orthodox Baptism items used around the anointing and immersion. These pieces are often coordinated with the towel set and other Christening essentials.
Olive Oil & Soap
Olive oil and soap are traditionally associated with the Orthodox Baptism ceremony. Your church or priest can advise you on the specific requirements and how these items will be used during the service.
Christening Cross
A cross is traditionally given to the child as part of their Orthodox Christening and becomes a meaningful keepsake from the ceremony. Confirm any specific expectations with your church before the day.
Christening Outfit
A special outfit is prepared for the child to wear following the Baptism. Families may choose a gown, suit, romper or another Christening outfit appropriate for their child and celebration.
Personalised Christening Keepsakes
Optional personalised pieces such as a Bible, brush, hanger, rosary or keepsake item can be added to create a beautifully coordinated Christening set and treasured reminder of the day.
What Does the Godparent Need for a Greek Orthodox Christening?
The godparent plays an important role in a Greek Orthodox Christening and traditionally helps prepare a number of the items used during the Baptism ceremony.
Depending on the church and family tradition, this may include the lambatha candle, baptism towels and lathopana, oil-related items, the child's Christening outfit and cross.
Requirements can vary, so godparents should speak with the child's parents and the church or priest before purchasing the Christening items.
What Is a Greek Orthodox Lambatha?
A lambatha is the ceremonial candle used during a Greek Orthodox Christening. It is an important part of the Baptism service and is often decorated to coordinate with the child's Christening theme and other ceremony pieces.
Our personalised Orthodox Christening candles are available in a range of designs to coordinate with your chosen Christening box, towels and other essentials.
Greek Orthodox Christening Bomboniere
Bomboniere are traditionally given to guests as a beautiful thank you for sharing in the child's Christening. Choose favours that coordinate with the colours, styling and personalisation used throughout the celebration.
Everything Together
Greek Orthodox Christening Packages
Coordinate your Christening box, lambatha candle, towel set and other ceremony pieces with a personalised package designed to bring the essentials together beautifully.
Helpful Information
Greek Orthodox Christening FAQs
What do I need for a Greek Orthodox Christening?
Traditional Greek Orthodox Christening items may include a lambatha candle, baptism towels and lathopana, an oil sheet and cap, olive oil, soap, a Christening outfit and cross. Requirements can vary between churches, so confirm your checklist with your priest before the ceremony.
What does the godparent buy for a Greek Orthodox Christening?
Greek Orthodox godparents traditionally play an important role in preparing items for the Baptism. Depending on the church and family tradition, this may include the lambatha, towels and lathopana, Christening outfit, cross and other ceremony essentials. Confirm the exact requirements with the church.
What is lathopana?
Lathopana refers to the cloth and towel items traditionally prepared for a Greek Orthodox Baptism. The exact pieces and requirements may vary, so check with your church or priest when preparing your Christening set.
What is a lambatha candle?
A lambatha is the ceremonial candle used during a Greek Orthodox Christening. It is often decorated or personalised to coordinate with the child's Christening set and can be kept as a meaningful reminder of the ceremony.
Do I need a Christening box for an Orthodox Baptism?
A Christening box provides a beautiful way to organise and present the ceremony items and can later be used as a keepsake. Whether a particular box is required by your church should be confirmed with your priest. Explore our personalised Christening Boxes .
Preparing for Their Greek Orthodox Christening
Explore personalised Christening boxes, lambatha candles, ceremony essentials and coordinated packages for their Greek Orthodox Christening.