Elizavet and Paris, a couple from Athens, Greece chose the beautiful city of Istanbul for their wedding and the baptism of their daughter, Eirini. In summary the special event was held at the Agia Triada Greek Orthodox Church in Kadiköy and was attended by family and friends from Greece and Turkey.
You can find the entire story at the bottom of the page…
Before the baptism ceremony, the family and baby Eirini got ready at the luxurious Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel in Istanbul. On the other hand the Greek style baptism ceremony took place inside the church and lasted for two hours.
The Greek Baptism Ceremony
Firstly, three times, the baby was immersed in holy water by her godparents, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. Then Eirini was dressed in a white Christening gown, representing her purity and innocence. Afterwards the godparents presented the baby with a lighted candle, symbolizing the light of Christ entering her life. Then she was crowned with a crown of olive leaves, symbolizing the victory of Christ over death. The priest performed a special blessing for the baby girl and her family, asking for God’s protection and guidance. Last, the priest anointed the baby with holy oil, symbolizing the reception of the Holy Spirit.
After all the family and guests stepped outside the church for a big group photoshoot. This was a great opportunity to capture the love and joy of the day and the steps of the church provided the perfect backdrop for this momentous occasion.
Feasting
The celebration continued with a dinner at the historical Turkish meat restaurant, Beyti, located in the Florya neighbourhood of Istanbul. The evening was filled with delicious food and laughter creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Consequently as a documentary family photographer, I felt honored to be part of this special day.. So capturing the love, joy and tradition of a Greek baptism in Istanbul was a unique and unforgettable experience. It was a privilege to document this family’s special day and I am grateful for the opportunity to create memories that they will cherish for years to come.
In conclusion, a Christening in Istanbul Greek Baptism is a beautiful and meaningful celebration, full of love, tradition and memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you are from Greece, Turkey or anywhere else in the world, a Greek baptism is a special occasion that deserves to be captured and preserved for generations to come.
Christening in Istanbul Greek Baptism by Ufuk Sarisen
