Baptism brings about the birth of new life in Christ. The Orthodox Church practices infant baptism because historically it never required “understanding” as a pre-condition. To know God is the fruit of baptism. Baptism makes a person a participant in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and a member of His body the Church. This is the first step in becoming a follower of Jesus Christ. The Church does have a responsibility to administer the sacrament only to those who have shown that this is the primary purpose for the baptism.

“Or are you ignorant that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him by the baptism into the death, that even as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, thus also we should walk in newness of life. [Rom. 6].”

PLANNING YOUR BAPTISM

Preliminary arrangements for all baptisms begin by contacting the church office at 954-467-1515 Monday thru Thursday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The dates will be reviewed according to the availability of the church, and – if applicable – provide you with a Baptism Information Form, Baptism Service Contract and Baptism Fee Sheet.

Current Stewards:

Current Stewards who are up to date with their Pledge (Stewardship) to the date of the desired baptism, may reserve a date.

Non-Stewards:

Those who are not Current Stewards are asked to submit a Pledge (Stewardship) Card and to become current with their pledge to the date of the desired baptism in to reserve a date.

Baptism Information Form:

Please be as thorough as possible in completing the Baptism Information Form. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the church office.

Godfather/Godmother:

The godfather or godmother (koumbaros/koumbara) must be an Orthodox Christian and must be a member in good ecclesiastical standing with the church which he/she resides with. (e.g. If divorced they must have an ecclesiastical divorce and submit that paperwork as proof.) The godparent must contact his/her church so that the parish priest submits a letter, directly to St. Demetrios, stating that he/she is, indeed a member in good standing as well as stating the sacrament, date and time which he/she is participating.

St. Demetrios is a vibrant community that reaches to all areas of the Fort Lauderdale area and we do our best to serve the needs of our community. Please understand that there are times which coordinating events may conflict with one another. The Baptism Information Form provides a place for you to select an alternate date and time.

In selecting a primary and alternate date, please be aware that scheduling a baptism is subject to the overall calendar of the church and are not performed from Christmas Day through the Feast of Theophany (December 25 – January 6), during Holy Week, or any of the Great Feastdays of the Lord.

  • September 8 (The Nativity of the Mother of God)
  • September 14 (Exaltation of the Holy Cross)
  • November 21 (The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple)
  • December 25 (The Nativity)
  • January 5 and 6 (Theophany)
  • February 2 (The Presentation of Christ into the Temple)
  • March 25 (The Annunciation)
  • Palm Sunday
  • Pascha (Easter)
  • Ascension (Forty Days after Pascha)
  • Pentecost (Fifty Days after Pashca)
  • August 6 (Transfiguration)
  • August 1-15 (Dormition Fast and Feast)

Please be advised that a minimum of six (6) weeks’ notice prior to any requested baptism date is required.

No baptism date will be confirmed WITHOUT a completed Baptism Information Form and Pledge (Stewardship) Card.

Church Office

Upon approval, you will be contacted directly by our office secretary who will assist you in working through all the details of your paperwork. Additional paperwork that should be submitted not later than thirty (30) days prior to the church office include:

  • The Baptism Information Form
  • The Birth Certificate (copy) of the child to be baptized
  • The Baptismal Certificate of the Koumbaros/Koumbara; Godparent(s) and a letter from his/her Parish Priest, stating that the Koumbaros/Koumbara; Godparent(s) is a member in good ecclesiastical and financial standing (parishioner of the church having paid their stewardship for the current year) mailed or faxed directly to our Church Office.

Baptism FEES

Total Fee: This fee includes only the operation of the Facility.

Current Stewards Non-Stewards
$0.00 $350.00

Additional Fees: These fees apply to all.

Chanter Custodian
$100.00 $75.00

A FEW IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

Providing the Sacrament begins on time, there will be approximately thirty (30) minutes formal pictures to be taken within the sanctuary. Any photos for which the clergy are asked to be included, must be taken first.

It is of utmost importance that the service begins on time. It is required that Family with child to be baptized arrive at the church fifteen (15) minutes prior to the scheduled time of the sacrament.

St. Demetrios works on a ridged schedule throughout the week. Choosing the time and date for the baptism is a part of that schedule.

These policies have been developed over time with the best interests of your child’s baptism and the church in mind. The baptism service should be a joyful and prayerful experience.