Arthur Hagopian and Armine MouradyanMagic, Religion, and WitchcraftDr. Leanna WolfeApril 11, 2010

A Christian Mother and Father, formally dress, and prepare their two children for Baptism. They arrive to an Armenian Church of their choice and invite a few of their closest family members as spectators of this sacred event. On the left is a photo taken just outside of the Church prior to the Baptism.

As the parents make their way inside the Church, they head over to an altar to light four candles (one candle per person). Upon placing a candle on the altar, each person is required to say a short prayer to God in sign of respect. Once the candles are lit, their Baptism is ready to begin.

During Baptism, the Priest washes the baby with holy water and sings a variety of prayers recognizing him as a Christian. Along with the Parents, the God Father and Mother are involved in the Baptismal process as assistance to the Priest.

Once the Priest has blessed the child in Holy water, he is wrapped inside a personalized cloth with the child’s name. The child is also given a necklace with a cross which will be kept for the rest of his life.

Once the child is baptized in Holy Water, he is not allowed to take part in any kind of activity that would ruin the Holy Water. This is why the child is not allowed to be kissed until the following day where the baby is bathed.

Once the children have dried off with their cloths, their old clothes have been thrown away and replaced by new white colored ones to symbolize a new beginning. As the baptism comes to an end, the Priest holds the children's hands walks around a saints statue and says his concluding prayers.

The rest of their family and friends join together at a banquet hall for celebration. The celebration includes food, drinks, and loud music! Bearing a positive attitude, everybody parties the night away creating a very memorable night.

It is a tradition for the Parents to visit each table at the end of the ceremony and take pictures. The photo on the left is very significant because it is taken with the Mother’s great grandmother who is well respected.

From this day forward, the children are now true Christians. Unlike the photoin the beginning of this presentation, this photo is much more significant

because it portrays a true Christian family.