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.
We did Layla's Tisht on Mothers Day, Sunday May 13th,
Father Angelous praying and blessing the water.
Todd reading the Gospel.
Gido reading scripture.
Father Angelous washing Layla in the blessed water.
Mommy drying Layla!
Layla after the bathing, just relaxing.
Jonah getting a closer look.
Mary getting some Layla time!
Emad, Mary and Marina admiring Layla!
Picture with Abouna and Manal.
The whole Shenouda Clan!
I LOVE this pic of Abouna and Layla! Notice Layla is smiling!
