One of the first services a child may experience in his or her life is when on the fortieth day after the child's birth, the parents bring the child to the church. During the service, Christ's dedication to the temple is remembered (Lk. 2:21-40) and the child is dedicated or promised to walk and grow in the life of the Church and God's commandments.
In essence, the parents offer the child to God and in return, God gives the child back to the parents (Mt. 25:14-30). As parents, it is their responsibility to raise the children in according to God's commandments and in the life of the Church, not the priest's or Sunday School teachers' responsibility.
If you have questions or would like to perform a service, please contact Fr. Ghevond.
