Orthodox Christening Candles & Gifts

The Sacred Tradition of Orthodox Christening

The Orthodox christening (baptism) is one of the most important sacraments in the Orthodox Christian faith. It represents the child's entry into the Church and their new life in Christ.

During the ceremony, the christening candle plays a central role, symbolising the light of Christ that the child receives at baptism. This candle is often kept as a precious keepsake and may be lit on the anniversary of the christening or on the child's name day.

What Is an Orthodox Christening Candle?

An Orthodox christening candle is the large decorated candle used at the baptism, traditionally carried by the godparent. Because it symbolises the light of Christ received at baptism, it is kept afterwards rather than burnt down, and lit again on the anniversary of the christening or on the child's name day.

Ours are handcrafted in Australia and each one is finished with an Orthodox cross. The same candles are used for Greek, Serbian and Macedonian Orthodox baptisms, so the choice comes down to colour and detailing rather than tradition, and prices run from $80 to $130 AUD.

What Do You Need for an Orthodox Christening?

Beyond the candle, an Orthodox christening usually calls for a cross, a bottle for the holy oil or water, a towel for after the immersion, and a set of white garments for the child to be dressed in. Families often add keepsakes that hold something from the day itself.

The pieces we make for this are:

• Christening candle - the central item, carried by the godparent
• Personalised acrylic cross - engraved with the child's name, included in our luxury bundles
• Oil or holy water bottle - personalised with name and cross
• Sheridan towel - premium quality with embroidered name and cross
• Acrylic hanger - to display and keep the christening outfit
• First curl box - a keepsake for baby's first curl

Anything on this list can be ordered on its own or as part of a bundle. If you are unsure what your parish expects, your priest is the best guide, and we can match items to whatever you are asked to bring.

Our Christening Collection

At Orthodox Occasions, we create beautiful handcrafted christening items that honour these sacred traditions while adding a touch of elegance to your celebration.

Christening Candles

Our christening candles are available in a range of beautiful colours:

• Green and Gold - A classic, elegant choice
• Lilac with Tulle - Perfect for baby girls
• Dusty Pink - Soft and feminine
• Blue and Gold - Traditional choice for baby boys
• Navy Blue - Modern yet sophisticated
• With Pearls - Luxurious detailing
• Pink with Gold - A beautiful combination

Each candle is handcrafted with care and features an Orthodox cross. Prices range from $80 to $130 AUD.

Orthodox Christening Boxes and Bundles

An Orthodox christening box, sometimes called a christening set or bundle, is everything for the day packaged together instead of bought piece by piece. Our Luxury Acrylic Orthodox Christening Bundles are $350 AUD and come in a neutral, pink or blue finish.

Each bundle includes:

• Personalised acrylic cross with child's name
• Matching christening candle
• Additional accessories

Buying the set is the simplest option if you are the godparent and want one gift that covers the essentials, since the cross and candle are made to match rather than sourced separately.

Personalised Christening Accessories

Complete your christening with our personalised items:

• Brush and Comb Set - With personalised initial ($25)
• First Curl Box - Keepsake for baby's first haircut ($20)
• Acrylic Hanger - Display the christening outfit ($30)
• Holy Water Bottle - Personalised with name and cross ($30)
• Sheridan Towel - Premium quality with embroidery ($110)

What Do You Give as an Orthodox Christening Gift?

The traditional gift is something the child keeps: a cross, an icon, or a personalised keepsake from the day. Godparents usually give the candle and the cross, while other guests tend to give smaller personalised keepsakes.

If you are buying for someone else's christening, our most-given pieces are the personalised brush and comb set ($25), the first curl box ($20), the acrylic hanger for the christening outfit ($30) and the embroidered Sheridan towel ($110). For a single gift that covers the whole day, the luxury bundle at $350 AUD includes the cross, candle and accessories. Everything can be personalised with a name or initial, which is what turns it from a present into a keepsake.

Orthodox Christening Traditions

Greek Orthodox Baptism

In Greek Orthodox tradition, the baptism is typically performed by full immersion three times, representing the three days Christ spent in the tomb. The child is then anointed with holy oil (Chrism) and dressed in white garments.

Serbian Orthodox Baptism

Serbian Orthodox christenings follow similar traditions, with the godparents (Kum and Kuma) playing an essential role in the ceremony. The christening candle and cross are important elements of the celebration.

What Gifts Are Given at a Serbian Orthodox Christening?

The Kum and Kuma traditionally provide the candle and the cross, and other guests give the child a keepsake carrying the name or the date. There is no separate Serbian range in our shop, because the same candles, crosses and personalised pieces are used across Serbian, Greek and Macedonian christenings here in Australia.

What changes is the wording and the styling. Everything we personalise is engraved or embroidered with the exact spelling you give us, and candle colours are chosen to suit the family rather than a fixed style. Contact us with the name as you want it to appear and we will confirm it with you before anything is made.

Macedonian Orthodox Baptism

Macedonian Orthodox baptisms honour the rich cultural heritage while following the sacred traditions of the Orthodox Church. Family and community gather to celebrate the child's entry into the faith.

Why Choose Orthodox Occasions?

• Handcrafted in Australia - Supporting local craftsmanship
• Personalisation available - Make your items unique
• Fast shipping - Delivered Australia-wide
• 5-star rated - Loved by customers across Australia

Shop Our Christening Collection

Browse our full collection of christening candles and gifts on our Etsy store.

Have a special request? We're happy to discuss custom orders and personalisation options. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Looking for Orthodox wedding candles instead? We also offer beautiful handcrafted candles for Orthodox wedding ceremonies.