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Observation Baptism

By: Azatuhi Khanbekyan & Alex Gladkih Anthropology 102 Dr. Wolfe September 29, 2014

Walking into the Church

As we walked into Saint Peters Church, we made a cross symbol that starts from the forehead to the stomach then across the shoulders, left to right. This signifies the remembrance of Jesus and how he died on the cross to bring redemption to the world. Then we were able to eat a piece of holy bread called “lavash”.

Lighting Candles/Prayers

As everyone arrived, they bought candles. The money is donated the to church. There are 4 separate areas in the church which people can go, light up a candle, say a prayer, and place it in the sand. Many people did this because they wanted to wish the kids a healthy life.

Waiting for ceremony

During this time, people usually either sit down and read the bible, or they light a candle and pray. While people are doing this, the child is inside a small room getting ready to be baptised. Some people also relax and enjoy the calm and peaceful environment of the church.

Anointing with oilTo anoint is to pour or smear with oil. This process employed ritually by many religions. In this picture, the priest anoints the child’s forehead. He also anoints the palms, knees and the back of the neck. People are anointed to symbolize the introduction of a divine influence and power of God.

Baptismal Promises

If a baby is being baptised, the promises are made for them. The promises that are made by the priest are that you believe in Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit and everlasting life. The Godparents and the child's parents are gathered around the priest making their promises. This is a very significant part of the Baptism.

Baptism

When the priest begins his speech everyone is required to be seated. The priest reads lines from the bible that have to do with the explanation of the baptism. He asks questions to the parents such as if they promise to raise their child with the knowledge of god, etc. At the end, the priest puts holy water on the childs head.

Priest’s Prayer

The priest usually starts off by reading lines from the bible and when he is finished he calls the parents of the child forward to make promises. During the promises, the priest is still praying and at the same time putting holy water on the childs head and washing his/her hands with the holy water.

Wearing the CrossFinally, towards the end of the ceremony it was time to wear the cross. The priest finishes his prayers and applies the cross on the child. This signifies the completion of the baptism. Wearing the cross shows that you are commitment to being in the religion. The cross is placed on top of the tub near the priest.

Leaving the Church

We got to sit in the limo after the baptism which took everyone to the restaurant. The drive was so fun and entertaining. We danced and sang songs.

Arriving at restaurant

Arriving at the Olympia Banquet Hall we had to check the guest list for the table to sit in. The restaurant was elegantly designed and contained many different decorations. Everything looked so nice and perfect.

Socializing with friends

When we arrived at the restaurant we were greeted by friends and family with a warm welcome. While waiting for the rest to come, we were associating with our friends. On each table, there was a beautiful centerpiece with small boxes of chocolate on the plates.

Eating dinner

There were many varieties of food served. For example, salads, barbeque, fish, xachapuri (oven baked bread with melted cheese), and vegetables. Most of the warm meals were served later in the night. These were all traditional Armenian meals.

Celebrating

Dancing was the highlight and joyful part of the night. There was a DJ who played all genres of music. For example, traditional Armenian songs, American Pop, Russian and Latin. Everyone was on the dance floor having a great time.

Eating desserts

The family cut the cake in the middle of the night. After it was cut, the waiters passed it around. The cake was vanilla with strawberry creme. The design of the cake was very detailed and unique. The cross symbolized the Christening of the kids.