Last week was Helena’s baptism. It was a very special day, for a new Orthodox Christian was received into the church. Many of Helena’s “firsts” happened on that trip. It was the first time she flew on an airplane. It was her first time meeting her godparents. It was her first Communion. It was the first time she’s been under water since her birth. It was her first trip out of state. I have watched each of our four daughters be baptized, but it never gets old or routine. Each time it’s like the first time I’ve ever seen one. Each time I experience a great joy watching them being led around the baptismal font.

Our little “bundle of joy” became a Handmaid of God. No other worldly occupation or title could top that.