American in Cyprus: Marissa's Baptism

The Monday after Easter was Marissa's baptism in the Greek Orthodox church. Demetris and I have chosen to baptize our kids in both his church and mine. That way they are doubly blessed. Demetris' cousin, Renos, came from Athens with his fiance, Vicky, to be the godparents. In the Orthodox church the godparents are in charge of the baptism and provide everything necessary for it. I wrote about that for Sofia's baptism last year so won't bother to repeat the information. The child wears one outfit to the church and then after the water portion of the baptism is changed into the baptism clothes. Marissa looked beautiful in both of her dresses. She had quite the fancy lacy dress complete with little silk jacket, silk hat, and the cutest little shoes. She started out quite happy at the church, even clapping her hands. Once the priest approached her to start rubbing holy oil on her that was the end of the happiness. She cried the rest of the time. Poor Renos had his hands full carrying her around, but he handled it well. After the service, yiayia took everyone to lunch at the village restaurant, Amelios. The food was very good and cousin Elena brought a yummy cake to end the meal. We are really thrilled that Renos and Vicky took the time from their busy schedules to come be her godparents. Marissa bonded quickly with them and I am sure that bond will continue even across the distance.