Gift ideas: baptism, first communion & weddings

A good gift fits the occasion and the tradition. Here are ideas that Coptic Orthodox families will recognize, with a short note on each rite.

Baptism

In the Coptic Orthodox Church, baptism is by threefold immersion. It is followed straight away by Chrismation (anointing with the Holy Myron) and Holy Communion. Afterwards the newly baptized is dressed in a white garment, a sign of purity and of “putting on Christ”, and a red ribbon (zennar), which recalls Christ's precious blood. The ribbon is later untied in a short thanksgiving rite.

• A small gold or silver Coptic cross pendant. A classic keepsake. Choose a solid, hallmarked piece and consider having it engraved with the date. (See the baby safety note in Gold vs. silver.)
• A baptism set. Coptic bookstores sell sets with white garments and towels decorated with crosses.
• An icon of the child's patron saint or of St. Mary with Christ, for the child's room.
• A personalized wooden cross with the child's name in Arabic, Coptic or English. Several church bookstores make these.

“First Communion”

Coptic Orthodox infants receive Holy Communion at their baptism, so there is usually no separate “first communion” ceremony as in some Western churches. If you are buying for a Coptic family, a baptism gift covers this. For an older child or adult who is joining the Church, good gifts are:

• A pocket Agpeya (the Coptic book of hours) or a children's prayer book.
• A wooden hand cross to hold during prayer.
• A prayer-rope bracelet or a simple sterling cross necklace.

Weddings

The Coptic Orthodox wedding is the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. It is often called the crowning, because the bride and groom are crowned during the service. Gifts that suit a new Christian home:

• An icon for the home. The Wedding at Cana, the Holy Family, or Christ blessing are traditional choices.
• A wall cross in wood or engraved metal, possibly with the couple's names and wedding date.
• Matching Coptic cross pendants or cufflinks for the couple.
• A family Bible or a pair of Agpeyas.

Feast-day gifts

Nativity (January 7) and the Feast of the Resurrection are natural times for small gifts such as hand crosses, icons and children's books. Check the feast & fasting calendar so a gift arrives in time.

Sources for the rites: Official website of H.H. Pope Shenouda III, Rituals; Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern US, Rituals of the Sacraments.