“Why Did I Decide to Be Baptised at 22?”—The Story of Yelyzaveta’s Conscious Choice
Baptism is one of the most significant Sacraments in the life of a Christian, symbolizing spiritual birth, cleansing of sins, and acceptance into the bosom of the Church. However, not everyone undertakes this journey in childhood. The story of Elizabeth, who chose to be baptized at 22, exemplifies a conscious decision made after a prolonged spiritual search and longing for God.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, — Matthew 28, 19
Yelyzaveta’s childhood went smoothly and serenely, and her visits to church were limited to Christmas and Easter. “While my older brother was baptized as an infant, my parents chose not to baptize me, allowing me to make this decision consciously on my own. For a long time it hadn’t bothered me,” she says, “but over the years the feeling of incompleteness began to grow.”
I felt spiritually adrift from God
One of the drivers of Yelyzaveta’s spiritual search was a change of environment. She explains: “I work in an audit company in the field of staff formation… Our team is a young and energetic group with important life values. Among my new friends were people from different regions of Ukraine, in particular from the west, where there is a large proportion of people of faith.”
It was then that Yelyzaveta began to reflect on her own faith and the absence of baptism in her life. “I felt that I was missing something-a spiritual connection with God.”
Thoughts of receiving the Sacrament of Baptism became more and more pressing, and Yelyzaveta decided it was time she took the plunge: “I advised my family and friends, and everyone supported my decision.”
Yelyzaveta with her mother Tamila
Yelyzaveta with her friend Kateryna
I am sure I made a right choice
The preparation process was thorough and conscious. According to her, it was especially important for Yelyzaveta that she could choose her godparents: “My godfather is the father of my late friend… And my godmother is my colleague, whom I love and respect very much. They are truly meaningful people in my life.”
Yelyzaveta chose the parish of the Three Saints of the UGCC in Brovary for her baptism. It was there that she felt spiritual support and received the necessary preparation: “I was greeted very kindly by the priests in the church, and after having a conversation with them, I realized that the UGCC is exactly the church I needed.”
“With the advice and spiritual guidance of the priests, I began to read the Catechism and delve into the topics of faith. My preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism lasted about a month. And during this time I learned a lot of new, interesting and really valuable things. The priests told me a lot, advised me to listen to the sermons and answered all my questions,” said Yelyzaveta.
“Since school I have been interested in the history of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, and I am especially close to its vision and mission. Moreover, from my experience, I affirm that every priest here is a wonderful spiritual mentor with whom you talk as if with an old friend. I am sure that I made the right choice,” the girl said.
Once I was baptized, I felt that I got a guardian angel
After her baptism, Yelyzaveta felt a spiritual renewal and connection with God on a new level: “Although my faith has always been with me, now I feel it more deeply, more consciously.” The war and the change of environment also influenced her decision.
To those who haven’t yet decided to begin their Christian journey, Yelyzaveta offers this advice: “Listen to yourself, and if you feel something is missing, turn to God. Prayer always brings peace and protection.”
Compiled by Vira Valchuk,
The UGCC Department for Information
