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 advanced Christian, the priest says the prayer: "The live-in 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, Christening Gowns O Thou who clothest Thyself with ablaze as with a garment, Christ our God, plenteous in mercy."

Someone who castaway been baptized as an adult will often be buried in their baptismal robe, if they have not advanced to some institute ministry within the church.