Baptism registration and baptism certificates in Greece: what you need

A baptism is one of the happiest days in the life of a family and of a parish. Behind the celebration, though, there is some paperwork: registering the baptism, recording the child's name and, later on, obtaining a baptism certificate. Here we explain it in plain terms, so that you know what to ask. This is particularly useful for families abroad who are planning a baptism in Greece.

Important: procedures, deadlines and required documents change from time to time and can differ from case to case. For current information, always check gov.gr and ask your parish or the local civil registry office (lixiarcheio).

Before the baptism

The first step is to speak to the priest. You will agree a date and find out which documents the parish asks for. These usually include details of the child and the parents, as well as of the godparent.

• Ask which documents are needed for the child and the parents.
• Ask what the godparent should bring.
• Agree the name, and its exact spelling, in advance.

The godparent

The godparent (anadochos, or nonos and nona in everyday Greek) takes on spiritual responsibility for the child. For that reason the Church asks that the godparent be a baptised Orthodox Christian. The parish will often ask for a document confirming this, such as a baptism certificate or a letter from the godparent's own parish. If the godparent belongs to another parish or lives abroad, start early.

Registering the baptism

After the sacrament, the baptism is entered in the parish baptism register and reported to the relevant authorities so that the child's name can be recorded. In many cases this is now done electronically, and the parish plays a part in the process. Who does what, and within what time, depends on the rules in force, so ask the priest straight after the baptism and confirm on gov.gr or with the civil registry.

What the civil registry records

People often search for a "civil record of baptism". In practice, the name given at baptism is usually added to the child's civil birth record. If you need an extract or certificate from the civil registry, look at the online services available or contact the registry office directly.

The baptism certificate

A baptism certificate is issued by the parish or the Metropolis, based on the baptism register. It is often needed later in life: when someone becomes a godparent, before a church wedding or for other church purposes. To request one, it helps to know:

• the church where the baptism took place,
• the date, even approximately,
• the names of the parents and the godparent.

In some cases an online service may also be available. Check what applies today before going in person.

A tip for families

Keep the baptism documents together in one folder and note down the church and the date. Years later, that small note saves a great deal of searching. And remember that the child now has a name day to celebrate too.

Convivia is being designed so that parishes can keep their sacramental registers in order and find an old baptism in seconds. Request a demo.