The holy baptism of
Sofia
Our little girl receives her name before God, family and friends.
Sunday, September 12, 2027
Church of St. Marina · Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Counting down to the blessing
Our little one
Seven months of Sofia
Born on the 14th of February, 2027 — 3.450 kg of pure joy
She arrived
At 6:42 on a snowy Sunday morning, three weeks of waiting ended in one loud, wonderful cry.
The first smile
Aimed squarely at grandpa Stefan, who has mentioned it at least once a day since.
The laugh
It turns out the funniest thing in the world is the dog sneezing. We agree.
Her name day
Now she receives her name — Sofia, wisdom — surrounded by everyone who already loves her.
The sacrament
What happens in the church
01
The naming
The priest receives Sofia at the church door and she is called by her name before God for the first time.
02
The water
Three gentle immersions in the baptismal font — the heart of the sacrament. Warm water, warmer hands.
03
The anointing
The holy myrrh, the white garment from her godparents, and the little gold cross she'll keep for life.
04
The procession
Three circles around the font in her godmother's arms, one candle burning — and then the bells.
Where to be
The church & the table
The christening
Church of St. Marina
11:00 in the morning
Dr. Vulkovich St 7, Old Town, Plovdiv
The holy sacrament of baptism, in the wooden-carved church of the Old Town. Please arrive by 10:45 — the christening begins precisely at eleven.
Open in Google MapsThe celebration
Hebros Garden Restaurant
From 12:30
Konstantin Stoilov St 51, Old Town — three minutes on foot from the church
A celebratory lunch in the vine-shaded courtyard of an Old Town house. Long tables, slow food, and the guest of honour probably asleep by dessert.
Open in Google Maps10:45
Gathering
The church courtyard
11:00
The christening
Church of St. Marina
12:00
Photos & bells
The Old Town steps
12:30
Celebration lunch
Hebros Garden
15:00
Cake & first haircut ritual
The courtyard
Her guides in faith
The godparents
Elitsa Georgieva
Godmother — krustnitsa
Viktor Georgiev
Godfather — krustnik
By Orthodox tradition the godparents carry Sofia through the sacrament — the white garment, the little cross, and a lifetime of spoiling her rotten are theirs by right.
What to wear
Light and festive
Soft, bright colours suit the day — ivory, gold, dusty rose, sage. The church asks for covered shoulders; September in Plovdiv is warm and golden.
A gift? Your presence and a warm wish are everything. If you'd like to follow tradition, a children's book with a note inside — for the library Sofia will grow into — would make us endlessly happy.
Good to know
Questions, answered
- Can we take photos in the church?
- Our photographer has the priest's blessing; guests are welcome to photograph before and after the rite, but not during the sacrament itself.
- Are children welcome?
- Of course — a christening is a children's holiday. There's a play corner with a minder at the restaurant.
- What do guests traditionally bring?
- Only your love and a wish for Sofia. If you'd like to follow tradition, a small gold coin or a children's book for her first library is more than enough.
- How long does the ceremony last?
- About forty-five minutes. The font is at the front — come close, the priest encourages it.
- Where do we park?
- The Old Town is pedestrian. Park at the Tsar Simeon Garden lot and walk up — ten cobbled minutes, worth every step.
Kindly reply by August 22, 2027
Will you be with us?
Maria (mama): +359 88 555 0219
Alexander (tatko): +359 88 555 0244