A Greek Christening in Australia

On Sunday, I had the luck to be asked to photograph a Greek Christening, which I now understand is more important than a birthday in the Greek Orthodox religion.  It was an incredible experience and I loved it.  The christening is so spiritual and ritualistic.  Everything they do has meanings to it and unlike so many other religions where a godparent is chosen and then they hardly involve themselves with their godchildren, in this religion, the godfather is extremely important in the child's life.  He or she will always buy a candle for their godchild at Easter, a present for their nameday and they will always remain a very important person in the child's life.  This particular family were  close to each other and were so involved in the ceremony and reception.  There was  much laughter and talking (and a little bit of shouting!) and I was awed by it.  Thank you Theodora and Costa for letting me part of this gorgeous and so important day.

Theodora had planned everything beautifully.  Her little girl's Christening box was amazing, with the most beautiful Christening dress from Moda Bambini.  The box was handmade and went with a certain theme of the animals with kahaki, pink and yellow for the colours.  The family are Greek South African, so she wanted Africa also represented in the theme.

I will be splitting this post into two sections, because I have run out of time today - so will post a couple of sneak peek pics, until tomorrow.

 

She was so happy in the morning!

(The seriously proud brother)

(Such a beautiful moment with the priest - she was such a happy child, until she was immersed into the water!)

(Finally dressed into her beautiful new clothes by her adoring Aunties - her eyes still shine with tears)

 

I love how the light catches the incense smoke.




Costa's mother made 70 of these.  They are a symbol that you have witnessed a Christening and the eye is to protect you from evil.

Isn't the cake gorgeous?  My favorite is of course the giraffe!