Is it possible to baptize in fasting?

People who are spiritually illiterate are often askedwhether it is possible to baptize in fasting, and believe that because of the fast, no sacraments are performed in the church. This opinion is incorrect, although it has certain grounds. Some sacraments, for example, weddings, are not performed in fasting.

The sacrament of baptism is one of the main sevenOrthodox Church, which are necessary for an Orthodox Christian in his spiritual life. Baptism is called because through it the power of God's grace descends upon the person being baptized. Baptism was decided by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He commanded the apostles to baptize people: "Go, teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28, 19).

Only the baptized person is available all the other Sacraments.

To these Sacraments is, above all,Baptism, as a symbol of the entry of a person into the Church. Without it, all the other Sacraments - Confirmations, Confessions (Confessions), Holy Communion, Holy Mysteries, Unction, Wedding, are, in fact, impossible. (Seventh Sacrament - Priesthood).

The question of whether it is possible to be baptized into fasting usually arises on the eve of fasting, especially the many days, in particular the Lent, 40 days in length, which takes place before Easter.

Young parents who want to observe the Orthodoxcanons, are in doubt, whether it is possible to baptize a child in fasting, since baptism is laid on the eighth or fortieth day of life, and these days fell precisely on the time of fasting. Of course, - any priest will answer, - you can baptize a child in fasting, the church performs the Sacrament of baptism all year round.

Some restrictions are possible only on daysgreat, twelve (the twelve major holidays in Orthodoxy) holidays, and then only because of the crowd in the temples. Usually priests recommend appointing another day, when there will be less parishioners, so that the Sacrament can be performed in a more peaceful atmosphere.

Also in days of fasting, especially long orstrict - like, for example, the Assumption fast, which lasts usually only two weeks - from August 14 to August 28, the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - in the churches often sacraments, including baptisms, are performed only on Saturday or Sunday. But this is not a negative answer to the question whether it is possible to baptize into fasting, but only some restriction connected with the rigor of fasting.

Usually guard, especially lentenDivine services last more than four hours, depending on the day. In addition, the services are performed daily - in the morning and in the evening - so that the intervals between them are very short. Baptism is usually performed at the end of the Divine Liturgy, which in the days of fasting may end quite late. At the same time, the one who is baptized and everyone who participates in the rite should attend the Divine Liturgy and the parents of the baby and the successors, that is, the godparents, must necessarily confess, receive Holy Communion.

Since the Divine Liturgy in the days of the Greatthe post is connected with the Evening Service, and in itself is unusual - is called the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, it is reserved for service only on Wednesdays and Fridays, unless there are other liturgical instructions, the Holy Communion is prepared for the week of the Sunday meeting of the Divine Service - it is difficult for a baby to endure such a prolonged Worship.

But such austerity can not be considered an interdictionin response to the question of whether to be baptized in fasting, but only by the specifics of the Lenten Divine Services. Therefore, to ask about whether there are certain days in which you can baptize is not worth it: how people are born in any days, and you can baptize any days, including fasting.

Choosing a temple where Baptism will be performed (and inIn the usual case it is a parish church, that is, one that can be reached on foot as much as half an hour), it is necessary to talk with a priest who has obedience (duty) in baptizing new converts. He will certainly answer all questions, including whether he can baptize in fasting, what and how to prepare, what to observe, and what to refuse, what requirements are imposed on the godparents, what are their duties, and so on.

In addition, Father can recall the need for a lenten meal at the celebration of Krestin.