Children are the building blocks for every church! In the Coptic Orthodox faith, children are considered pure and holy beings who become full church members when baptized. According to our faith, eight days after a childs birth a ritual blessing called Salawat al-tisht (the Bathing Prayer) is preformed. It's a set prayers of Thanksgiving to God for the safe delivery of a baby and occurs on the eighth day irregardless of whether the baby is a boy or girl. The prayer occurs in the home of the parents with a normal baby bath tub and warm water. The prayer follows the standard, Lord's prayer, thanksgiving prayer, psalm 51, raising of incense (as in Matins). The priest 'washes' the baby in the bath and hands the child back to his/her mother/father. Prayer concludes with the Lord's Prayer. The blessing commemorates Jesus' presentation in the Temple when he was 8 days old. The Tisht is not the baptism or a replacement for the baptism but is considered a confirmation of the childs Christian identity.
Father Angelous praying on the water.
The Prayer of Thanksgiving
Todd reads the gospel.
Seven candles in the sign of the cross.
Uncle Mikey reading scripture.
Blessing the water.
Mommy preparing Jonah and getting him naked.
Jonah in the tub getting blessed!
Drying off and getting dressed. Big sister Stella helping of course.
My sweet baby boy!
Family picture with Father Angelous!
Stay tuned...Jonah will be baptised Sunday November 7th!
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