Christening checklist

Preparing a child's christening: paperwork, godparents, church, celebration — by timeline

Timeline checklist

  • 3–4 weeks out: church and date

    Pick the church, agree the date with the priest. Check requirements: some parishes ask for parents' marriage certificate or announcements.

  • 2–3 weeks: godparents

    Invite godparents — they must be baptized; some denominations require their confession/communion or catechesis before the sacrament.

  • 2 weeks: kryzhma and items

    Kryzhma (cloth/towel), baptismal shirt, cross on ribbon/chain, candles. Godparents often buy these — agree in advance.

  • 1 week: celebration

    Format: home/restaurant lunch for close family (usually 10–30 guests). Menu simpler than a wedding; a cake with the child's name is traditional.

  • On the day: logistics

    Baby slept and fed, change of clothes, diapers, water. The sacrament takes 30–60 min — grandparents hold a spare outfit.

  • After: papers and photos

    The parish issues the baptism certificate. Photographer by arrangement (altar photos often restricted — ask the rules).

Important notes

  • 1.A godparent of the child's gender is required; the second is optional
  • 2.A pregnant/unbaptized person cannot be a godparent; spouses cannot be godparents of the same child
  • 3.Budget guide: items 2–5k UAH, church donation by arrangement, lunch 500–900 UAH/guest
  • 4.Cash gifts for the child are normal; godparents traditionally receive towels/embroidered shirts

Requirements vary between denominations and even parishes — check with your church 3–4 weeks ahead. This is an organizational guide, not a canonical document.