Have you ever been to a Greek Orthodox baptism? Previously, I had only done Catholic baptism photography. Yesterday was my first experience attending and doing baptism photography at the stunningly gorgeous Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago. I can now tell you it’s a beautiful ceremony, rich with tradition and attention to detail.

Before the Baptism

The L family arrived early to get everything perfect before the ceremony. I had an opportunity to photograph some details, the gathering crowd of well-wishers as well as portraits before the baptism started.

The Ceremony Begins

The priest began the service saying prayers with Christos and his godfather, George, in the back of the church.

After a few prayers, they moved forward. And then a few more prayers were said, and they were up on the alter.

The Main Event

A Greek Orthodox baptism is different than the Catholic baptisms I have attended and photographed. Christos was undressed completely, annointed with oil and then fully immersed in the baptismal font. Additionally, they cut a few locks of his hair.

The Ceremony Continues

Once he was dressed in his white baptismal outfit, more prayers are said, incense and candles are lit, and the ceremony continues.

 

I am thankful that I was hired to do baptism photography for Christos’s big day. I always enjoy learning about and photographing the beautiful rituals of different religions.

Do you have a baptism or other religious event you would like photographed? To see examples of some of the mitzvahs I have photographed, click here and here . To see examples of my family photography and grandparent photography that celebrates the beauty in the every day, click here, here, here and here. Never heard of a grandparent session? Click here and here to learn why I think it’s some of the most important photos you will ever take.

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Susan Ryan Kalina is a Lake County, Il, Family Photographer, Lake County, Il, Event Photographer, Chicago Bar Mitzvah Photographer, Chicago Event Photographer, Newborn Photographer, Grandparent Photographer, Day in the Life, Documentary, and Candid photographer servicing Chicago, Deerfield, Glencoe, Highland Park, Libertyville, Lake Forest, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, and Glenview.