A Greek baptism in the Christian Orthodox Church is a major event in the life of any family. Here at Little Doves we are aware that the Greek Culture is filled with a variety of traditions. Although, every region in Greece has its own traditions that uniquely set it apart from the rest of the country, the baby's baptism must always include certain necessary items to enable the baptism to take place.  Working with some wonderful Greek friends Little Doves is pleased to announce the introduction of the Orthodox Collection ready for 2009.

For the sacrament of Baptism, it is the normal custom for one of the godparents to bring the items needed for baptism to church. Most important are The Lathopana Sets which include:

• 1 large white or ivory  Baptismal Towel
  -  to wrap around the baby
• 1 small white or ivory Towel
  - for use by the priest and godparent
• 1 large white or ivory oil sheet
  - to be used with the towel
• 1 set of baptismal undergarments
  - to dress the infant immediately after the immersion in Baptism. In Orthodoxy, these garments are considered sacred and must be kept safely.

Also needed during the baptism are:

• 1 small bottle of olive oil -for the priest to pour into the baptismal water
• 1 bar of soap - for use by the priest and godparent to wash their hands
• 3 white candles i large candle and 2 smaller matching ones
• A baptismal outfit, shoes and socks
• Martirika-Christening Witness Pins - to pin on godparents and guests
• A gold cross on a chain -for the baby to wear after Chrismation
• A baptismal box -store all of the items inside and carry them to the Church.

Over the comings weeks all these items will be for sale by Little Doves.  In the meantime please feel free to contact us for further details.

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  This seven piece Lathopana set comprises everything you need for a little girl's baptism.  It includes:

  
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  This wonderful lacy under garment set is the perfect ensemble for your little girls baptism. The garments have been specially made to absorb the baptism oil after the child has been annointed, and to protect the child's baptism gown. 

  The set includes a pretty lacy camisole top with easy to pull up bloomers.  Both are decorated with the initials of the child.  The cap is made from delicate lace.  All garments are made from pure cotton lawn and cotton lace trim.

  
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  Little Doves offers an exclusive range of hand embroidered Lathopana. Each set consists of one large Towel, one Oil sheet and one
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  Little Doves offers an exclusive range of hand embroidered Lathopana. Each set consists of one large Towel, one Oil sheet and one hand Towel.

  The towels are made from a soft 100% pure cotton fabric and decorated with silk bands and sumptuous
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  A beautiful 100% pure cotton towel with silk bands and sumptuous lace trimming.  This towel is wonderfully soft and warm and perfect to wrap your baby boy in after any baptism where full immersion takes place. 

  The  baby's initials are embroidered on a beautiful silk boat which is placed at one corner.  Satin ribbon bows finish the decoration. The trimmings will match the lace on your chosen gown if you have ordered one from Little Doves.

  
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  A beautiful 100% pure cotton towel with silk bands and sumptuous lace trimming.  This towel is wonderfully soft and warm and perfect to wrap your baby girl in after any baptism where full immersion takes place. 

  The  baby's initials are embroidered in a beautiful silk heart which is placed at one corner.  Satin ribbon bows finish the decoration. The trimmings will match the lace on your chosen gown if you have purchased one from Little Doves.

  
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  A beautiful 100% pure cotton towel edged with silk and cotton lace.  This towel is a lovely gift for any godmother and ideal for use during the baptism service for the Godmother to dry her hands.

  The towel can also be embroidered with the baby's initials and date of baptism if required.

  
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  100% pure white, cotton lawn oil sheet with lace edgings and ribbon trimming.  The initials of the baby will be embroidered in the corner.

  
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  An essential part of the Lathopana Set, this pretty Baptism Oil Bag is perfect to carry your oil bottle to the baptism. It is made from fine cotton lawn with a towel lining to protect the front.  The bag is covered in delicate lace which compliments the towels and soap bags.

  Size: 23cm deep x 14cm wide

  
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   Another essential part of the Lathopana Set, this pretty Baptism Soap Bag is perfect to carry your soap to the baptism. It is made from fine cotton lawn with a towel lining to protect the front.  The bag is covered in delicate lace which compliments the towels and oil bags.

  Size: 16cm deep x 10cm wide