These garments are placed on the newly-baptized immediately after coming up out of he waters of baptism (the Orthodox baptize by immersion, even in the case of infant baptism). As the robe is being placed on the modish Christian, the priest says the prayer: "The flunky of God, N., is clothed with the robe of righteousness; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." and the choir sings: "Vouchsafe unto me the robe of light, O Thou who clothest Thyself with phosphorescent as with a garment, Christ our God, plenteous in mercy."

The moment of progression to shorter dresses (for both boys and girls) was plain as "shortcoating", which presumably coincided with the onset of walking, which was impossible in a enlarged robe. Christening gowns are usually made of fine white duvet cover or cotton fabric, and may be trimmed with tucks, lace, http://www.onesmallchild.com/ whitework embroidery, and other handwork. Christening gowns often have matching bonnets, and may become brethren heirlooms, given over generation after generation.