Insights · Christening
A card, a guest book, a message to the parents. At a christening everyone wants to say something beautiful to the child, and often the words won't come. We have gathered wishes for every occasion, written by us, so you can find the one that feels like you.
You will find short wishes for a card, wishes for a baby girl's and a baby boy's christening, wishes from the godmother and godfather, wishes for the parents, little rhymes, and the traditional phrases we say in church.
The traditional wishes of the day
In church and at the reception, the wishes you hear most are simple and warm:
- "Na sas zisei!" (May the child live long for you) to the parents and godparents.
- "Long live the newly baptised!" for the child.
- "May the child be healthy and happy."
- "Enjoy every moment with your little one."
- "And to yours!", which the parents say to those who don't have children yet.
Short christening wishes
Perfect for a card, the guest book or a text message.
- May you grow up with health, love and lots of smiles.
- May the light of this day stay with you all your life.
- May you always be happy and make happy everyone who loves you.
- Welcome to our big family. Long may you live!
- May God protect you and love always surround you.
- May your life be full of light, like your christening candle.
- With health, joy and a kind heart, in every step you take.
- May you wear your name with pride and make it shine.
Wishes for a baby girl's christening
- Our little princess, may you grow up sweet, strong and free.
- May you bloom like the flowers of your special day and bring joy to everyone you meet.
- May your life be as beautiful as your smile.
- May you have your mother's kindness, your father's strength and a sparkle all your own.
- May you dream big and always have the courage to chase your dreams.
- Long live the newly baptised girl! May she always be healthy, happy and loved.
- May the light of your christening guide every step you take, little one.
- May love hold you the way we all hold you today.
Wishes for a baby boy's christening
- May you grow up healthy, kind-hearted and brave, our little hero.
- May you always have friends by your side, laughter on your lips and love in your heart.
- May you become someone who makes the world a little more beautiful.
- Long live the newly baptised boy! May he always be healthy and happy.
- May you have the curiosity to discover and the strength to achieve whatever you dream of.
- May the name you received today go with you in honour and joy all your life.
- May you always be your parents' pride and joy to us all.
- May every day of yours be full of light, like today.
Wishes from the godmother and godfather
In Greece, the godparent gives the child their name and becomes a second parent in faith. That is why their wishes are the most personal.
- Today I gave you your name. I promise to be by your side at every step, to listen to you and to love you.
- From today you have one more person who will look after you forever. Long may you live, my godchild.
- It was an honour to hold you at the font. May you grow up healthy and fill us with joy.
- Whatever you need, however grown up you become, your godparent will always be here.
- I wish you a life as bright as the candle I held for you today.
Wishes for the parents
- May your little one live long! Enjoy them and be proud of every step they take.
- May your child always be healthy and fill you with joy and pride.
- Long live your little one, and may you watch them grow up happy.
- Congratulations on this special day. May your home always be full of health and love.
- May your child live long, and may God let you see them on the church steps again, on their own wedding day.
Little christening rhymes
For those who want something more playful, perfect for the guest book or a card with your gift.
- Little angel, sweet as a song, may you live happy, healthy and blessed all life long.
- White as your candle, bright as can be, may all your heart longs for come true, and be free.
- Today you got your name, today you got your light, may God keep you safe by day and night.
- Our little fairy, sweet as a bee, may your life be the loveliest story we see.
- Our brave little boy, our angel so sweet, may your many long years be joyful and complete.
The wishes of the day fade, but the moments remain. The most beautiful wish for a child is to one day see their christening and understand how loved they were.
Where to write your wishes
- In the reception guest book. Write something the child will want to read when they grow up.
- On a card with your gift. A short, personal wish is worth more than a long text.
- In a letter for the future. Many godparents write a letter for the child to open at eighteen.
- In a message to the parents. If you can't be there, a message with a warm wish makes all the difference.
The wish that lasts forever
The child won't remember their christening day. They will come to know it through the photographs: their mother's gaze, the godparent's hands at the font, the faces of everyone who came to wish them well. That is why we photograph every christening as a story we will one day tell them. See our guide to baptism photography and to the cost of a christening photographer.
Frequently asked questions about christening wishes
What do we say to the parents at a christening?
The most common wish is "Na sas zisei!", may your child live long. You can add "May they be healthy and happy" or "Enjoy them".
What is the child called after the christening?
In Greek, "neofotistos" for a boy and "neofotisti" for a girl, meaning newly enlightened. That is why we say "Long live the newly baptised".
What do we write in a christening card?
A short, warm wish for the child, with their name, and your signature. For example: "May you grow up with health, love and lots of smiles".
What does a godmother write to her godchild?
Something more personal, a promise to be by the child's side for life. Many godmothers also write a letter for the child to read when they grow up.
How do the parents reply to wishes?
"Thank you!" and, to those who don't have children yet, "And to yours!".
Planning a christening?
Tell us the date and where it will be. We will photograph the day so that, when your child grows up, they can live it again.