Traditions > Baptism
Baptism
The colonist that settled in Norka were largely comprised of people who were part of the Reformed Church in their homelands. As a result, Norka became one of a small number of Reformed colonies on the Volga.
In the Reformed Church, Tauf (Baptism or Christening) is always performed in the context of the church congregation. The congregation commits itself to the spiritual nurture of the infant, child, or adult being baptized. The baptism admits the infant into the church.
Typically, baptisms were performed within several weeks of the birth of a child.
In a typical ceremony, parents or godparents brought their child to their pastor of the church congregation. The rite included the sprinkling of water (aspersion) on the head of the infant. At the moment of baptism, the minister utters the words "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).
The parents of the child were often presented with a Taufschein (Baptism certificate) by the pastor of the church to commemorate the event.
In the Reformed Church, Tauf (Baptism or Christening) is always performed in the context of the church congregation. The congregation commits itself to the spiritual nurture of the infant, child, or adult being baptized. The baptism admits the infant into the church.
Typically, baptisms were performed within several weeks of the birth of a child.
In a typical ceremony, parents or godparents brought their child to their pastor of the church congregation. The rite included the sprinkling of water (aspersion) on the head of the infant. At the moment of baptism, the minister utters the words "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).
The parents of the child were often presented with a Taufschein (Baptism certificate) by the pastor of the church to commemorate the event.
Sources
Krieger, Joanne. Portland, Oregon.
Last updated September 18, 2017.
