Stella's Christening 5-17-2015

On May 17th, Stella was baptized at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Wyckoff, NJ -- the same place Zoe was baptized and Nikki and I were married.  This time around, Father Bill handled the proceedings in front of a small crowd of family.  Everyone (especially Zoe) eagerly anticipated how Stella would react when she was 'dunked' in the baptismal font.  'Daddy, I don't want to dunk Stella!'

If you're unfamiliar with an Orthodox baptism, the ceremony involves a few steps.  It begins at the back (narthex) of the church, where Stella's Godparents (who, coincidentally, are named Alex and Niki) speak for the child to renounce Satan by blowing three times in the air and spitting (ceremonially) three times on the floor.  After reciting the Nicene Creed, Stella's baptismal name (Styliani) is officially spoken for the first time.  At the front of the church, the priest uses consecrated water to make the sign of the cross on various parts of the child, who is undressed (Yiayia even supplied some Holy Water from the Jordan River). The Godparents rub the child with olive oil and the priest immerses Stella in holy water three times before handing Stella back to her Godparents, who wrap her up in a new white sheet. Following baptism, Stella is anointed with a special oil scented with myrrh (miron) and dressed in new clothing - Alex and Niki got her a beautiful new white dress.  A candle is lit and the Priest and Godparents hold the child while other children walk around in a dance signifying joy. Then scriptures are read and communion is given to the child.

Stella disliked almost every minute of it, especially the dunking :)

After church, we all enjoyed a nice seafood meal at Varka Estiatorio in Ramsey, NJ.  God Bless Stella!