i've been to a few Orthodox christenings/baptisms and they tend to be fairly long, and, in a tradtional one - mostly not in English! as a kid, i hated them with a passion i have a lot more respect for the religion now, and even if i don't understand a lot of what is being said, i can follow the ceremony. they do outfit changes and things like that, so it can be a bit longer than your average christian ceremony

as to gifts - they are many and varied. it really depends on the people you are giving the gift too. i've always asked the parents directly what they want - things like clothes never go astray. a lot of people will give money to be put away for baby, some will buy big gifts. it really depends on your budget to be honest. i would think, being that you're obviously not Orthodox yourself, avoid anything with a religious conotation that may be inapprpriate, and go for something special for the child - perhaps look at what has been mentioned in other threads - and just avoid the religious items!