* Called our priest to discuss a baptism blessing and explained that we didn't have the certificate
* Learned that Russian Orthodox babies are baptized, receive first holy communion and are confirmed all at birth
* Priest tells me you ABSOLUTELY CAN NOT BE REBAPTIZED OR RECONFIMRED
* Start my mission to get certificate to see what sacraments Grace received
* Emailed our agency twice who forward emails to our driver. Heard he would get it when he went there again.
* Asked for his personal email so I could contact him.
* Sent email to driver begging ...for fear of it being thrown away!
* Learned that a family was in Russia and brought back Grace's crucifix (Thanks so much, Jackie!)
* Excited to have that, but WHERE IS THE CERTIFICATE????
* Emailed driver again and learned that the baby home said they didn't have it and that they don't know if they ever had it.
YES YOU DID! YOU SHOWED US!!!!
* Emailed russian orthodox priest in philadelphia trying to see if he had any connections or ways of contacting the church in Moscow. No reply
Now I am lost. Our priest needs it and I don't know what to do now. Any suggestions???? I'm going to try and send a letter to baby home with another family asking for it. We were told that the "social worker didn't know where is was". Well, the orphanage doctor is the one who showed us. I'm frustrated because I need to know what sacraments she received! Anyone else every have a similar problem?
Gotta love Benadryl. Before you all think I gave it to her for the purpose of sleep, I should mention we realized that Grace (whose birth name means "strawberry") is allergic or at least sensitive to strawberries! Brad gave her a strawberry fruit bar and strawberries for breakfast. Lunch time included a strawberry yogurt. Then big raised hives broke out all over her stomach.
The girl loves a popsicle! Her bib is on backwards, so I'll tell you what it says... "My mom is hotter than your mom".
Grace's Baptismal crucifix.
Bedhead. And this isn't as high as it was when I first took her out of the crib :)
Sorry for all the high chair pictures, but I was very impressed that our 17 month old figured out what we all know is true....the inside of the double stuffed oreo is the best!
7 comments:
Hi! So we're Catholic and our priest is doing a conditional baptism (I think this is what we called it) even though we have Natalia's baptismal certificate from Russia. He was going to just do a blessing but then I was worried about not being able to get a copy if I lost it, etc. so he said he would do it just so I could always get another copy.
I'm not sure how tied you are to your parish, but maybe call another priest?
Good luck!
the crucifix is so pretty! i love it.
and whoa hair!! bushy! reminds me of a certain someone's eye brows. :-)
Well, on the bright side, at least you have her crucifix - something she will treasure one day. We don't have anything for Marina...makes me sad.
Can't believe how big Grace is getting - and always, always smiling! Warms my heart.
Love the post nap crazy hair! :)
I can pretty much bet God does not care about some piece of paper. It's about God - not the catholic church for heaven's sake. Who cares?
Peggy
I cannot believe how big Grace is getting! Her hair is beautiful!
Sorry I am no help on the baptismal thing..
Just found your blog and we went through a similar situation. We came home from Russia in May 2009. Right after court, we were given her baptismal crucifix and "certificate".
When we came home, we wanted her baptized in the Catholic Church. We sent a copy of the Russian Baptismal Certificate to the Deacon who knew someone who spoke Russian. From what they could tell, it appeared that she was baptized by a nun in the hospital, but they weren't sure. So, like Jen, Kristina had a "conditional baptism" -- and as the priest said, it would be God's decision as to which one took (the "first" or "second").
A few weeks later, we were happily surprised to receive a baptismal certificate from the Catholic Church. I recommend maybe checking with another church/priest. We actually had Kristina baptized at my parent's church in FL (we live in CA).
Best wishes - I know this meant a lot to us and I hope it works out for you. (BTW: I have never heard of Russian babies receiving such sacraments at birth...hmmmm)
Blessings,
Laura
PS: I you want to contact me, go to our blog where our e-mail is posted. I'd be more than happy to help!
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