Being a godfather is what you need to do. How to choose the right godparents for a child

Being a godmother is a great honor, but also a great responsibility, because she has to become the spiritual mentor of her godson or goddaughter. If your loved ones have given you such an honor, it means they express special trust in you and hope that you will fulfill this role with dignity.

However, keep in mind that in addition to performing the duties of a godmother at baptism, you will later have to instruct your godson in matters of the Christian faith, take him to communion, and set an example of behavior for him.

As for preparing for baptism, this stage takes the godmother several days. What does the godmother do during baptism? What does she need to know about the ritual of this sacrament? We will answer these and some other questions.

According to the church charter, the godmother cannot be the child’s mother, a nun, an unbeliever or an unbaptized woman. Not only the mother’s friend, but also one of the relatives, for example, the baby’s grandmother or aunt, can act as a godmother. However foster mother cannot perform the duties of a godmother either during or after baptism.

How to prepare a godmother for the baptism ceremony

Preparations for baptism for the godmother begin several days before this ceremony. She, like her godfather, needs to fast in within three days, and then confess and receive communion.

You also need to talk with the priest, who will tell you in detail what the godmother needs to know about this sacrament and what she will have to do during the baptismal ceremony.

As a rule, the duties of a godmother in preparation for baptism include knowing by heart some of the prayers that will need to be read during this ceremony: “Creed”, “Our Father”, “Hail to the Virgin Mary”, “Heavenly King”, etc.

They express the essence of faith, help to cleanse oneself from sin and gain strength to overcome obstacles on the path of life. Although in some parishes knowledge of these prayers is not required: during the ceremony, the godparents will only need to repeat some phrases after the priest.

The godmother's preparation for the baptismal ceremony does not end there. She will need to purchase the things necessary for this ceremony and know what actions she will have to perform during the ceremony. However, let's talk about everything in order.

What else does a godmother need to know about the rules for baptizing a child? You should dress modestly for a christening. You cannot come to the temple in trousers, and the skirt must be below the knees. Women's head Orthodox church must be covered with a scarf.

What should a godmother do during a baptism? The ritual consists of the rite of catechumen (reading special prayers over the child), his renunciation of Satan and union with Christ, as well as confession Orthodox faith. The godparents say the appropriate words for the baby on his behalf, renouncing the unclean spirit and promising to remain faithful to the Lord.

If a girl is being baptized, she should be held in her arms during the baptism ceremony. godmother, if a boy undergoes the ceremony, then the godfather. Although this can also be done by one of the godparents who better acquainted with the baby and next to whom the child feels more comfortable.

However, in any case, the godmother must be well acquainted with the child in order to maintain emotional contact with the baby and be able to calm him down if he cries.

After this, as a child is baptized, immersing him three times in water in the font and reading prayers at the same time, the godmother must take him in her arms. For this you will need kryzhma - white towel. According to superstitions, drops from a baby’s face cannot be wiped off so that his life is happy.

Then the child is put on a cross (if it was not purchased in a church, it will need to be consecrated in advance) and a baptismal outfit - a shirt to the toes for a boy and a dress for a girl. The baby will also need a cap or scarf.

Even during preparation for baptism, the godmother is obliged to choose these things for the child. In the old days, women sewed them themselves, but nowadays baptismal attire and kryzhma can be bought in a store or church shop.

These things are not washed after christening and are not used for their intended purpose. It is recommended to keep them throughout a person’s life, as they serve as amulets, helping him avoid various troubles and diseases.

What else does a godmother need to do when baptizing a child? After initiation into the font, the godparents and the priest walk around it three times with the baby as a sign of spiritual joy from the union of a new member of the Church of Christ with the Savior for eternal life.

After the ritual of anointing, when parts of the child’s body are anointed with myrrh and prayers are read, the priest washes the myrrh with a special sponge moistened with holy water.

Then the priest lightly trims the child’s hair on four sides, which is folded onto a wax cake and lowered into the font, which symbolizes submission to God and sacrifice in gratitude for the beginning of spiritual life.

(The godmother will need a small bag in which to place the baby's cut hair, which can then also be stored with the towel and shirt.)

After this, the priest reads prayers for the child and his godparents, followed by churching. The priest carries the baby around the temple. If it is a boy, then he is brought into the altar. At the end of the ritual, the child is applied to one of the icons of the Savior and to the icon of the Mother of God, and then given to the parents.

In addition to the things necessary for the ceremony, the godmother can give the baby an icon with the image of his patron saint, a “measured icon”, a children’s Bible, a prayer book or items that do not have a church focus (clothes, shoes, toys, etc.), and also assist his parents in organizing a festive feast on the occasion of the christening.

We have already told you what the godmother has to know and do during the baptism ceremony of the child. But your mission doesn't end there. As already mentioned, you will need to be involved in the life of your godson and beyond.

You will attend church with your child if his parents are unable to do so due to illness or absence. You will need to promote the spiritual growth of your godson, give him advice in difficult life situations. In a word, take care of him along with his parents, because now you are responsible for the new member christian church before God.

For all Orthodox people Baptism is a very important event in life, because it is the second birth of a person (spiritual, and the first was physical, when the child was born), the purification of his soul for future life, a kind of pass into the Kingdom of God. A newly enlightened person is absolved of all previous sins. For this reason, the Sacrament of Baptism is necessary for every person who is looking for the meaning of life and salvation.

God-parents

Who are the godparents?

Baptism is a very important sacrament. This is the spiritual birth of a person and the cleansing of his soul from all existing sins. The Church recommends baptizing a child on the eighth or fortieth day after birth. On the eighth day of his life, Jesus himself was dedicated to his Heavenly Father. On the fortieth day, since it is during this period that a woman’s body after childbirth becomes physiologically clean and she is allowed to go to temple, because for small child Mom's presence is necessary.

Naturally, children at this age cannot understand the whole essence of faith; repentance and faith should not be expected from them, and these two conditions are the main ones for union with the Lord God. To do this, the child is assigned godparents, who are subsequently responsible for raising their godson (goddaughter) in the Orthodox spirit. You need to choose godparents very responsibly, because these are the people who will be the second mother and second father for the baby.

How to choose godparents?

You need to choose godparents for your child among people close to you or good friends with whom you regularly maintain contact. These should be people you absolutely trust. Church tradition states that if something happens to the child's biological parents, the godparents take on this role.

Only Orthodox believers who can give an account of their faith can be godparents. For a child, one godparent is usually enough; for a girl, only a godmother is needed, and for a boy, a godfather is needed. But traditionally both are invited to be godfathers. You can choose two, three, four, seven godparents, as you please.

Church norms state that the following cannot become godparents:

• Leah's spouses are the bride and groom, as they are prohibited marital relations between people who are spiritually related.
• Parents of their baby;
• Minors, because they do not have a clear core of faith.
• Nuns and monks;
• Unbaptized people;
• People of other faiths (also non-believers);
• People who participate in various cult sects and organizations;
• Immoral people because their lifestyle does not deserve to be godparents.
• Crazy people, because they are not able to vouch for the child’s faith, and in the future they will not be able to teach him faith.

What happens during baptism?

Most often, baptism takes place in the church, although it is also possible to take place outside it. Usually the duration of the sacrament lasts from thirty minutes to one hour.

The main participants in the sacrament of Baptism are the child, the godparents and the priest. IN old times parents could not participate in the sacrament, but last years The church has begun to be much more tolerant of this. And at the sacrament of baptism, both the mother and father of the child are allowed to be present (after reading a special prayer).

Throughout the entire process, the recipients stand next to the priest, one of them holds the person being baptized in his arms. Before performing the ceremony, the priest walks around the baptismal room in white robes and reads prayers three times. Next, he turns to the godparents and godson with a request to turn their faces to the west, this symbolizes the abode of Satan. The person being baptized is asked some questions. But since he is still very small and cannot speak, Io’s godparents are responsible for him (if the child is an adult and can speak, he answers independently). Questions and answers to them are repeated three times. Then the godparents need to read the Creed. The Creed summarizes the fundamentals of the Christian faith.

The priest sanctifies the oil (oil) and water and the child is anointed with oil as a sign that he has become a full member of the Christian church. The person being baptized is given a name and dipped into sacred water three times. The godparents take the baby from the font into the baptismal swaddling cloth (kryzhma). If a baby is baptized in the cold season and for some reason it is impossible to completely undress him (for example, very cold temperature air in the baptismal room), then you should prepare the child’s arms and legs in advance; they should be bare. If the room is warm, then the child is dipped naked. After immersion in water, the priest performs anointing. He dips the brush into a bowl of myrrh, and the child’s eyes, forehead, ears, nostrils, chest, legs and arms are anointed. With each anointing, the following words are spoken: “Seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen". Together with the priest, the godparents repeat “Amen.”

When the process of anointing ends, the Gospel and the Apostle are read and, together with these prayers, a small tuft of hair is cut off from the child. As a sign that the child has become a Christian, a cross is placed around his neck. A lock of cut hair is left in the church as a sign of dedication, and symbolizes sacrifice to God. When the baptism ceremony ends, the godparents accept the baby from the hands of the priest. For this reason, godparents are often called godparents. After they accept the child in their arms after completion of the ceremony, they undertake to raise the child in the Orthodox spirit for the rest of their lives. Godparents are also responsible for the spiritual education of their godson at the Last Judgment. If it is not possible to see your godson every day, then you should mention them in your prayers.

Responsibilities of godparents

Alas, not all godparents understand full meaning their new "position". It’s very good, of course, to taste your godson and give him gifts on his birthday, Angel’s Day and other holidays. But this is not the main responsibility of godparents. They must care very much for their godson, and this care includes many things.

You need to pray every day for your godson. You need to accustom yourself to turn to God once a day, namely before going to bed. It's not difficult at all. You can ask God for help in raising your children, salvation, health, well-being of relatives and godchildren. It is very important that the child at least from time to time visit the temple with his godparents; they should take him to communion on a church holiday. All godparents give gifts to children, but it will be better if they have a Christian meaning. A children's Bible would be an excellent gift; all the main events of Sacred History are clearly described in it.

Godparents can also help young mothers who do not always find time to care for their children.

What kind of appearance should godparents have?

At the baptismal ceremony, recipients must have consecrated crosses. Traditionally, in church, a woman should have a scarf or scarf covering her head, and a skirt or dress should be below the knee and cover her shoulders. The only exceptions are little girls.

Since baptism lasts a long time, it is not recommended to wear shoes high heels, because most of the time you will need to stand with the baby in your arms. A godmother should not have lipstick on her lips. Regarding men, there are no specific requirements for them appearance no (naturally, it’s better to refrain from wearing shorts, because such clothes won’t look appropriate in a church). When going to church, you need to dress modestly so as not to attract attention to yourself; you need to focus on the ceremony itself.

Preparation for the ceremony

Today, almost everyone baptizes children in churches. Naturally, there are exceptions, for example, if the baby is very sick, then in this case the sacrament can be performed in the hospital or at home. Then you need to provide a separate clean room for the ceremony.

To baptize a child, the first thing you need to do is choose a temple. Walk around to different churches, ask what are the features of the ceremony in each of them. It is also worth considering that baptism is not always carried out directly in the temple. Many churches have a baptistery (baptistery). The baptismal room is a separate room located on the territory of the temple, specially adapted for the rite of baptism. If the temple is large, then the ceremony is usually held solemnly and magnificently. And some may like the calm, secluded atmosphere of a small church. Talk to the novices or the priest, they will be able to tell you about all the details of the baptismal ceremony.

How to choose the day of baptism?

There is no church establishment of baptism on the fortieth day after the birth of a child. This is due to the fact that until the fortieth day, a woman who has given birth to a child cannot enter the temple, since at this time she experiences postpartum discharge and infirmities. Before entering the temple, special prayers are read over the woman. But, if you want to baptize a child earlier than forty days or later, then no one can forbid you to do this. Children, at the request of their parents, are often baptized before the fortieth day, especially if the child’s health is in danger. In this case, baptism is performed as a protective rite against all evil spirits.

In ancient times, the holiday of baptism was equated in its significance to the greatest Christian holidays, for example, Easter. But today baptism is family holiday. And now the ritual is allowed to be performed on almost any day, except for such great church holidays like Trinity, Christmas, Easter. Often on such days churches are crowded, so it is recommended to move the day of baptism to another date. You can come to most churches without an appointment. The sacrament of baptism usually begins at 10 am, since the service ends at this time. But in this case there is big chance that your child will be baptized with someone else or you will have to wait a little. It is much more convenient to make a preliminary agreement with the priest who will conduct the ceremony on a specific day and time. In this case, your baby will be baptized in splendid isolation and first. It is very important that the day of baptism did not coincide with the critical day of the godmother, since otherwise she would not be able to be present in the temple.

Preparing godparents for the sacrament

In order for all the rules to be followed, it is necessary to prepare for the ceremony in advance. Godparents must go to church on the eve of baptism, confess, repent of all sins, and receive communion. It is very good if the godparents fast before the day of the ceremony, but this is not a mandatory requirement. On the day of the ceremony, godparents are forbidden to have sex and eat food. At least one of the godparents should know the “Symbol of Faith” by heart. According to the rules, the godmother reads the “Creed” at the baptism of a girl, and the godfather at the baptism of a boy.

There is an unspoken rule - all expenses associated with baptism are borne by the godparents. Some churches do not have specific prices; in this case, upon completion of the baptism, invitees and godparents make voluntary donations. The amount of these costs is not discussed anywhere and they are not obligatory. But, as a rule, the custom is respected.

According to church traditions, the child’s godmother buys a “rizka” or kryzhma for baptism. This can be an ordinary towel or a special cloth in which the baby is wrapped when taken from the font. The godmother also gives the baby a baptismal shirt and a cap with ribbons and lace, for girls - with pink, and for boys - with blue. The baptismal shirt lasts throughout a person’s life. After the baby’s baptism, the kryzhma is not washed, as droplets of the Oil of Peace may remain on it. During the sacrament, the kryzhma is endowed with certain miraculous abilities. If a child is sick, they cover him with kryzhma or use it as a pillowcase for a baby’s pillow.

Godfather gives the child a baptismal cross and a chain. Many people believe that it is best to choose a silver cross, some believe that a gold cross is best, and others are of the opinion that it is best for small children to buy a cross on a string or ribbon, rather than on a chain. It's individual.

What prayers do you need to know?

Every conscientious Christian should know the basic prayers: “Creed”, “Our Father”, “Virgin Mother of God”. During the baptism process, the godparents say the “Creed” prayer for the child. Each of these prayers is in a short prayer book, which can, if desired, be purchased at the church store.

What should you take with you to church for your baby's baptism?

Baptism symbolizes the birth of a person into a sinless state. new life. Godparents, accepting a child from the holy font, accept a completely pure being who does not have a single sin. Such purity is symbolized by clothing - kryzhma, which, together with the cross, is an integral attribute. The kryzhma is usually bought by the child’s godmother, and the cross by the godfather.

For a small child, a white openwork diaper, a baptismal shirt, or a new towel that has not yet been washed can serve as a cover.

Baptism is one of the important events in life Orthodox man. It is believed that he receives some kind of pass into the Kingdom of God. This is the moment of a person’s spiritual birth, when his previous sins are forgiven and his soul is cleansed. Special attention One should pay attention to the choice of godparents for the child, since they have an influence on the spiritual life and salvation of the believer. Therefore, the godfather, whose duties and responsibilities include all of the above, must be worthy.

The role of a godfather in a child's life

Now let's take a closer look at what role the godfather plays in Orthodoxy, whose responsibilities include not only gifts for holidays. The most important thing he must do is to provide assistance in the spiritual life of his godson. So, let's look at the responsibilities in order:

1. Set a worthy example for him with your life. This means that in the presence of a godson you cannot drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or speak swear words. You need to be noble in your actions.
2. Prayers for your godson are obligatory, especially in difficult moments.
3. Visiting a temple with your child.
4. Spiritual education of the godson is mandatory (stories about God, teaching the Bible, etc.). If there are problems in life situations, then provide all possible assistance.
5. The responsibilities of the godfather also include financial support if necessary (if the parents have a difficult situation with money or work).

What do you need to know to choose godparents?

So, how to choose a godfather or godfather? What should you be guided by? Firstly, you should know that in the spiritual life of a child, the most important thing is a godfather of the same sex (for a boy - a godfather, for a girl - a godmother). However, according to established tradition, two are chosen as godfathers.

Of course, the decision who will be the child’s spiritual educator throughout his life is made at family council. If there are any difficulties when choosing, then consult with your priest or spiritual father. He will probably suggest a suitable candidate, because this is quite an honorable duty.

It is very important that godparents do not get lost in life, that they continue to spiritually care for the child throughout his life. Both the godmother and the godfather, whose duties and functions are described above, have their own responsibilities before the Lord.

Based on all this, Christians who are over fourteen years old are suitable for the role of spiritual parents. They take responsibility for the future spiritual life of the child, praying for him, and then teaching him to live in the Lord.

Who can't be a godfather?

When choosing a godfather or mother, you need to know who cannot be for your child:

• Those who are going to become spouses in the future or are already such in the present.
• Parents of the baby.
• Those who accepted monasticism.
• Unbaptized people or non-believers in the Lord.
• You cannot take as godparents people who have mental illness.
• Those who profess a different faith.

All of this should be taken into account before a godfather is chosen. His responsibilities are quite extensive, so the person who agreed to be him must be clearly aware of everything.

Necessary items for the ceremony

You should talk in more detail about what items are needed for this ritual:

• Kryzhma. This is a special towel on which a cross is embroidered or simply depicted. A child is wrapped in it during anointing, as well as when prayers of prohibition are read. Sometimes the baby's name and the date of his baptism are embroidered on such a towel.
• Baptismal swaddling cloth. This is not an entirely necessary attribute, but it should be there when it’s cold. This diaper is used to wipe the baby after dipping into the font, and then wrap it again in the kryzhma.
• Clothes for baptism. This could be a christening set (dress) for a girl or a special shirt for a boy. It is advisable that these clothes be purchased as a gift by the baby’s successor.
• It is necessary to have a pectoral cross with you for a future Christian. Usually it is acquired by the godfather. Responsibilities at baptism for him, of course, are not limited only to this acquisition, but they will be written about them below.
• It is necessary to take with you an envelope for the baby's cut hair.
• You should also purchase icons for the child and make a donation to the temple (this is an optional condition).

Is there any special preparation for recipients before the ceremony?

You should also pay attention to preparing for christening. The most correct step would be to contact your confessor or priest for advice. However, you should know that usually before the sacrament it is necessary to confess and receive communion. Before this, you need to fast (the priest should tell you about the number of days). You may need additional actions, such as reading prayers, spiritual literature, etc. It is also advisable not to attend noisy parties, various entertainment venues, or watch TV at this time. All free time It is advisable to devote time to prayer.

If this is your first time in the role of godfather, then it is advisable to familiarize yourself with how the sacrament is performed, what prayers are read, and what the order of chants is. This is necessary because when you become a spiritual educator little man, you need more than just a formal presence. Sincere prayer is necessary, which should not stop even after the completion of the sacrament, because this is the essence of becoming a godparent.

More details about what responsibilities the godfather has during this ritual will be discussed below.

Present

Considering the question of the duties of a godfather at a christening, it should be said that on this day it is customary to give gifts, both to the baby and to the godfather. If desired, you can give a gift to your parents.

It is appropriate for a child to give both an educational toy and something more important for spiritual life, such as a Bible for children with pictures. By the way, the gift can be discussed in advance with the parents, because something else may turn out to be more important at this moment.

There is one main gift that his godfather must give the baby. The responsibilities during baptism are not only to hold the baby, but also to show the first example of honoring the Lord. After all, children understand everything from birth at the level of feelings. In addition to reading prayers, such a gift becomes pectoral cross ik, which is baptismal. It must be bought and presented by the recipient.

For parents, especially for the baby’s mother, a prayer book containing the necessary prayers for the whole family would be a good gift.

How were christenings celebrated in ancient times?

Previously, as now, christenings were very significant event in people's lives. This sacrament was necessarily performed no later than two months after the baby was born, and sometimes earlier, on the eighth day. This happened because there used to be a high infant mortality rate, so it was very important for loved ones to baptize the child before the irreparable happened, so that his soul would go to heaven.

The celebration of the little man’s joining the church took place with big amount guests. This was especially noticeable in large villages. Many people gathered for such a holiday, who came with gifts and Best wishes baby. At the same time, they brought mainly various pastries - kulebyaki, pies, pretzels. In the house where the little man lived, a sumptuous table was laid for the guests, and there was practically no alcohol (there could only be red wine in very small quantities).

There were traditional holiday dishes. For example, a rooster baked in porridge for a boy or a chicken for a girl. There were also a lot of shaped baked goods, which symbolized wealth, fertility, and longevity.

It was customary to invite the midwife to the table, who would receive the baby. They could also call the priest who performed the baptismal ceremony. During the celebration, numerous songs were sung, thus wishing the child all the best. They saw off all the guests, presenting each with sweets.

How is baptism performed? Responsibilities of a Godfather

Now let's look at how the ceremony itself takes place, what should be done at this time and what responsibilities each of those present has. In our time, this sacrament usually occurs on the fortieth day after birth. Parents or future godparents must go to the chosen temple in advance and sign up for the chosen date, as well as agree on the process itself. After all, you can hold individual christenings or general ones.

The responsibilities of the godfather during the baptism of a girl are the same, and that of a boy are different (although they differ slightly). If the child is not yet a year old and cannot stand on his own, then he is held in his arms all the time. For the first half of the ceremony (before immersion in the font), boys are held by their godmothers, and girls by their fathers. After the dive, everything changes. Since the main thing for a boy is the father, it is he who accepts the child, and the mother accepts the girl. And this continues until the end of the ceremony.

The service itself lasts about forty minutes (more time is required if there are many people). It begins after the celebration of the liturgy. The performance of the sacrament begins with the laying on of hands on the person being baptized and the recitation of a special prayer. After this, you should renounce Satan and his works. Adults are responsible for a child who cannot speak.

The next step in the ritual will be the consecration of the water in the font. Before immersing the person being baptized into it, he should be anointed with oil (back, chest, ears, forehead, legs and arms.) Only after this does immersion into the font occur. The priest reads prayers. This action symbolizes dying to the world and resurrecting to the Lord. This is how a kind of cleansing occurs.

Then the child is handed over to the godfather, he is wrapped in kryzhma (as mentioned above, the boy is handed over to the father, and the girl to the mother). Now the baby is anointed with myrrh.

So, now you know the responsibilities of a godfather when baptizing a boy and a girl. As you can see, they are slightly different.

Baptism at home

In addition to baptism in the temple, it would not be reprehensible to perform this sacrament at home, with your family. However, it is better to do it in the right place. This is based on the fact that after baptism, boys must be brought into the altar (girls simply venerate the icons).

After the ceremony is completed, the little man becomes a full member of the church. This can be felt most strongly only in the temple. Therefore, home christenings are possible only if the baby is unable to withstand the ceremony in church. They are also committed when the child is in mortal danger(illness, etc.). If the whole sacrament takes place in a home environment, then the godfather has the same responsibilities for baptism as if the ceremony was performed in a church.

Church life of new Christians

You should know that after baptism, a person’s spiritual life just begins. The first acquaintance with church rules begins with prayer dear mother and godmother. This is how, invisibly, the word of God is instilled in the baby. And in the future, when he sees everything for himself, you can slowly introduce him to family prayer, explaining its value.

Special mention should be made about baptismal accessories. Kryzhma and special clothes(if you purchased it) should be stored separately and not used in everyday life. A christening shirt (dress) can be worn when a child is ill (or simply wrapped in it). The icon that was used during the sacrament should be placed near the baby’s crib or on the home iconostasis (if there is one). The candle is used on special occasions and is also kept for life.

The responsibilities of a godfather at baptism are just beginning. In the future, when the child grows up, he will need to go to church with him, take communion and attend services. Of course, this can be done with parents, but it is better if it is a godfather. By the way, you need to take your child to church from an early age. It is there, in the bosom of the church, that he will be able to realize all the greatness of God. If he doesn’t understand something, you need to patiently explain the difficult moments.

This is how addiction occurs and has a beneficial effect on the human soul. Church chants and prayers calm and strengthen. During growing up there may be difficult questions. If godparents or parents cannot answer them, then it is better to turn to the priest.

Conclusion

So now you know what the responsibilities of a godfather are. They need to be taken seriously from the very beginning, as soon as such an offer is made to you. If necessary, consult with the priest about what you should do for your child, how to educate him in the spiritual life and what support to provide. Be careful, because from now on you and your godson are spiritually connected forever. You will also be responsible for his sins, so upbringing should be treated with special importance. By the way, if you are not confident in your abilities, then it is better to refuse this.

The sacrament of Baptism is the second birth of a person to life, birth from water and the Spirit, which the Savior speaks of as necessary condition in order toinherit eternal life. If carnal birth is the coming of a person into the world, then Baptism is his entry and joining to the Church of Christ. And the newly baptized person is accepted into his spiritual birth by his godparents, who vouch before God for the faith of the new Orthodox Christian they have accepted.

It is more useful for the godfather and godmother to begin preparing for the Sacrament of Baptism long before the sacrament itself. First of all, this preparation consists of studying Holy Scripture, the foundations of the Orthodox faith and the main rules of Christian piety.

Formally, the godfather does not have to fast, confess and receive communion before the sacrament, however, if you are a believer and are connected to the Church not only by your own baptism, then most likely you adhere to these rules constantly, and it will not be difficult for you to confess and receive communion in advance.

After you have agreed to become a godfather, do not put off the immediate preparation for the sacrament. First of all, visit the temple in which it was decided to baptize the baby. The priest who will baptize the baby will conduct an interview with you before Baptism and tell you what you need to buy for the Sacrament. This is a baptismal set consisting of a baptismal cross and a baptismal shirt. In addition, you will need a sheet or towel to wrap and dry the baby after immersion in the font. Traditionally, a cross for a boy is bought by the godfather, and for a girl - by the godmother, who also brings a towel. But if only one godfather buys everything you need, it’s okay. In fact, this does not have any special meaning.

The priest, godparents and child are the main participants in the sacrament. The child’s natural parents only observe the sacrament and pray along with those invited.

The duties of the godfather at Baptism include holding the baby in his arms if a boy is baptized. The godmother is standing nearby at this time. If a girl is baptized, then everything happens the other way around. Before performing the sacrament, the priest in white vestments walks around the baptismal or temple, reading three prayers. After this, he asks the godfather and godson to face west and asks the person being baptized several questions. If the person being baptized is an infant, then the godfather answers these questions for him. In addition, during baptism, godparents read the Creed aloud instead of the baby and pronounce vows of renunciation of Satan on his behalf. Try to learn the Creed by heart. It is in any prayer book that you can purchase at any church store. The boy is taken from the font by the godfather, and the girl by the godmother. Second godparent helps to dry the baby and put on his baptismal shirt.

The responsibilities of the godmother and godfather, among other things, include the question of what to give the godson for christening.

Responsibilities of a godfather after Baptism

The responsibilities of the godfather, which he assumes in the Sacrament of Baptism, are very serious, so you must clearly understand what is required of you in the future.

The godfather is obliged to give spiritual education to his godson, bring to the child’s attention the main canons of the Orthodox faith, teach the child to resort to the saving sacraments of Confession and Communion, help parents in raising and caring for the godson, and bear responsibility for the upbringing and life of the child in the event that something will happen to his parents. But, of course, the main responsibility of the godfather is prayer for the godson.

The responsibilities of godparents also include guarding the godson from various temptations and sinful temptations, which pose a particular danger in childhood and adolescence. The godfather, knowing the character, talents and desires of the godson, can help him with the choice of education, future profession and even a spouse.

Remember that the fate of your godson will largely depend on how well you fulfill your duties as a godfather, so a frivolous attitude towards them is simply unacceptable.

Now you understand why you should not thoughtlessly agree to an invitation to become a godfather, especially if you already have a godson. Think about whether you have enough strength, patience, wisdom and love to cope with such a serious responsibility as the spiritual education of your child.

The godfather must be aware of the responsibility for his duties

Unfortunately, basically the duties of a godfather now boil down to buying a pectoral cross for the future godson, paying for the sacrament, drinking to the godson’s happiness and saying goodbye to him until an unknown date, regularly marking his godfatherhood with toys or a bill in an envelope. However, for the Orthodox Church the duties of a godfather are not at all like that.

In the Sacrament, instead of the baby, you renounce the devil, his pride and his service, express for the baby full readiness be united with Christ. Try to raise your child in such a way that you yourself will not be ashamed of your guarantee in the future.

Remember that there is no responsibility higher, more sacred or more terrible than those you assign to yourself by becoming a godfather. Of course, it is difficult to lead others through difficult life path, if you yourself constantly stumble, and this is necessary to do, because you yourself agreed, took on this and are now endlessly responsible for the one you vouched for.

You may think that even your own father is unable to fulfill such duties. But that is precisely why the Church gave you to help him. You must help each other in the difficult task of raising a child. In addition, you, as a godfather, are obliged to monitor even the baby’s natural parents. Remember, there are so many families in which parents do not care at all about the spiritual and moral upbringing of the child. There are so many dads who don’t consider it their responsibility to raise a child. There are so many mothers who give their children to nannies so as not to burden their lives and not give up their usual pleasures. This is where your field of spiritual activity as a godfather lies. It is here that you must take the floor and remind the father of his family duty to raise and teach his baby, and remind the mother, burdened by maternal responsibilities, of her duty.

If it seems to you that these tasks are very difficult and impossible, then think about the hallowed dignity of the title of godfather and the activity that gives you the right to be the earthly guardian angel of a little person; think about what blessings the Heavenly Father prepares for those who teach and educate a person in the Love of God.

In addition, for you personally, the activities of your godfather will not be useless. If you understand the need for the spiritual education of your godson, but you yourself are not very strong in this science, then, by all means, study it yourself together with your child.

If you yourself do not often attend church, then now, no, no, go with your child. If you like to chat or discuss someone's actions, then you will have to think a hundred times before saying something, because your little godson or goddaughter is spinning around you. It’s both pleasant for you and good for the child.

Now, if God has brought or will lead you to become a successor for someone, then you will agree to this not headlong, but having thought it over and prepared for everything thoroughly, and you will become a true godfather for your godson.

How to choose the right godparents for a child, and who cannot become a godfather? What requirements does the Orthodox Church place on them, and what do godparents need to know before the ceremony? How not to make a mistake when choosing spiritual mentors for a child? Let's figure it out.

Baptism is not an ordinary tradition passed down through the centuries. This is a sacrament, a special rite that marks the second, spiritual birth of a person. It is believed that grace descends on the one who receives baptism, and from that moment on, the Christian gains a guardian angel, under whose protection he will be for the rest of his life.

Who are godparents?

Baptism, like other Orthodox rites, requires compliance with certain rules, the main one of which is the choice of godparents. Many try to baptize a child in infancy. Usually the ceremony is carried out after 40 days have passed since birth, but for sick or weak babies the church makes an exception and allows them to be baptized at any time.

Only those who have turned 18 years old can undergo the sacrament of baptism without godparents; this is not prohibited by the church. But for children under this age they are required. Godparents become the child’s spiritual mentors, taking on the obligation to be close to the godson and support him throughout his life. If the blood parents pass away, it is the godparents who must take responsibility and care for the child. How to choose correctly those who can be entrusted with such serious responsibilities?

Baptism of a child: who cannot be appointed godparent

When choosing from friends or relatives who will accept this honorable duty, it is necessary to take into account the rules adopted Orthodox Church, which do not allow everyone to participate in the baptismal ceremony.

1. There is a decree of the Holy Synod, according to which a girl over 13 years old can become a godmother, and a young man who is 15 years old can become a godfather.
2. Spouses cannot become godfathers and godmothers.
3. Such responsibilities cannot be delegated to non-believers or people of other faiths.
4. It is unacceptable for those leading an unrighteous lifestyle to become godparents: alcoholics, drug addicts, riotous women, insane individuals.
5. Real parents cannot act as godparents.
6. By folk beliefs pregnant women are not taken as godmothers, although Orthodox canons this is not prohibited.
7. Another popular sign is that the godson and godfather should not have the same name.

Ideally, everyone should have two successors. But if it happens that it is impossible to choose a couple, then it is allowed that there will be one godfather: the girl has a woman, the boy has a man. According to signs, it is better for an unmarried girl to baptize a boy first.

The people chosen for these responsible roles must be very close to his real parents, and the degree of their relationship is not important. Grandmother, grandfather, aunt or uncle - all of them are not prohibited from baptizing a relative. But siblings are most often not assigned to this role.

It is believed that one cannot refuse the title of godfather, therefore, before offering to accept this role at a christening, it is better to find out whether the applicants themselves would like to take on the honorary duty.

Responsibilities of godparents

They not only have to participate in christenings, their main duty is to help the godson throughout his life, not just meet him periodically and give gifts, but also teach him goodness, morality and love.

After the completion of the ceremony, the godparents receive a certificate-memoir, which states that they should become godsons or goddaughters’ assistants, teachers and mentors.

If godparents do not have the opportunity to often meet with their godson or daughter, they should pray for the child. Ideally, Orthodox successors should attend churches, live church life and fast, but this condition is by no means obligatory.

What should godparents have during a christening?

After the future godparents have been determined, the child must choose church name, date of christening and temple. Usually children in church are baptized on Saturdays, but this can be done on any other day; fasting also does not prevent baptism from taking place.

Before baptism, the godparents come for the godson and “take” him. Before this, they should not sit down in the godson’s house. Everyone goes to church together: parents with the baby and godparents.

Before the baptismal ceremony, godparents buy things for the baby, a list of which is usually given in the church:

1. a traditionally shaped pectoral cross – bought by the godfather;
2. an icon, preferably (but not necessarily) of the saint whose name the child will be baptized - bought by the godmother;
3. The godmother also buys kryzhma - the material necessary for the sacrament, maybe with decorations, but more often just plain white fabric;
4. a baptismal shirt, and for the girl a scarf or cap - it is not necessary to buy, you can replace it with a clean vest and scarf from your existing wardrobe.

To the appearance of godparents during christenings special requirements no, the usual rules for visiting church are followed. Both godparents must be with pectoral crosses, a man without a headdress, and a woman with her head covered, with her shoulders and elbows covered and in a skirt or dress below the knees.

Comment on the article "How to choose the right godparents for a child"

Based on the fact that a spiritual relationship is established between godparents and parents. But it’s only about what spouses are not allowed to do, and I’m not going to invite my wife to church, well, that is, he...

Discussion

We were allowed without any problems :) I’m very happy, now my girls are baptized and I’m their mother!

We will only have a baptism, I choose from my parish. They are all believers and will provide guidance if they can help, but the main criterion is that God forbid, what happens to us, so that they can take the child for themselves and prevent him from staying in the child care center. If the godfather, in principle, is not ready for this, then I don’t see the point in such a godfather.
For those to whom I am godmother, God forbid, I will take it away right away, this is a definite obligation, so I agreed to be godmother only 2 times in my life.

God-parents. Christening. A child from birth to one year. Care and upbringing of a child Before a question to them: how do you choose godparents for a child and what from them in the future...

Discussion

I'm not expecting anything. I treat them as a mandatory part of the program :)
I myself am the godmother of a friend’s daughter’s daughter, and this became terribly stressful for me, because the friend, it turns out, assumed that I would play some special role in their life, and, to be honest, I have enough entertainment with my two girls. so I see my goddaughter once a year and I’m a little upset for my friend that she made a big mistake in choosing her godmother (i.e. me).

I'll tell you.
The eldest, when he was young, called his good friends.
For me, the association with my godmother is a pleasant person with gifts, who, even after many years, always comes to the rescue. Feeling of a reliable rear. That will always help and advise.
I dreamed of the same thing for my child.
Bottom line: the godfather said - I don’t understand anything about this. Doesn't wish you happy birthday. No need for gifts. You can call by phone.
The godmother seems to be a believer, but she learned from the priest that the godfather is more important for the boy and... she also disappeared. She called me with this good news and that’s it - not a phone call, nothing.
Very disappointing.
I want to sit down with Temochka one of these days and sign postcards for them with New Year’s Eve, let him draw something there, and we’ll write a few words together.
That’s why I called my sister to be Sofiushka’s godparents - they only became closer. But she didn’t call her godfather; for some reason she was categorically determined that only her own people were needed. Although now I think that I could have called someone.
Such a story.
I expect my godparents to let my child know that there are other people in the world besides his parents to whom he can turn.

We are thinking about who to make happy: to invite to become godparents. Who has already baptized the kids, I have a question for you: who should I take as godparents? There are probably some subtleties in this matter.

Discussion

Firstly, take people who are close to you, and secondly, they are kind and sincere... God forbid, of course, but if something happens they will have to take care of your baby... Well, in my opinion, in this matter you need to take people who are truly believers who go to the Temple and will pray for your child...since, alas, we ourselves do not always find time for this...Well, and be sure to serve in the service before the Christening, confess and take communion...why does your baby need their sins...
If it is not possible to find two such people, then it would be good if the girl had such a mother, and for the boy - a father...

Reliable people who can help you in the spiritual upbringing of your child. Who really love him and don’t take it formally. It would be very cool if they took their children to church and were truly religious people, able, among other things, to explain some religious issues children. “So as not to offend” is not the most appropriate selection criterion.

God-parents. It's called churching. A husband and wife cannot be godparents and parents are not allowed to attend christenings, but I know that exceptions are made for a fee.

Godparents - how are they chosen? My understanding is that not only should people be close to me (mom and dad), but they should also love the child, right?

Discussion

It’s really not a good idea to take a husband and wife as godparents at the same time, because this is prohibited by church regulations. They will tell you this in any Temple. All your other questions are from the area folk signs, but if you are interested in this, then it is believed that: a woman should baptize a boy first (because if she baptizes a girl first, she will give her her woman's happiness), and the man must baptize the girl first; As for the fact that godchildren should alternate, this is the first time I’ve heard, in my opinion, it doesn’t matter; As for close relatives, when I baptized my children, the priest in the Temple told me that close relatives will always love the child more than strangers, even if they are very Good friends, therefore, it is DEFINITELY POSSIBLE to take close relatives as godparents; As for the number of children to whom you can become godmother, there are no restrictions: 3 or more or less. It’s just that if a person has many godchildren, then it is unlikely that he will be able to fully fulfill his duties as a godfather. From this point of view, you need to have as many godchildren in the fate as you can actually take part in (this participation, of course, does not include birthday gifts, etc.). From this moment on, you are responsible before God for the soul of the child; by becoming a godfather, you take upon yourself the responsibility of helping the parents raise the child in the spirit of Orthodoxy. The godfather is responsible for each of his godsons before God, so it is better to have one godson, but fulfill his duties fully, than several, but besides gifts and congratulations, do not burden yourself with anything else. If a person is not sure that he can cope with the role of a godfather, then it is better to refuse than to become a godfather just for show. Sorry it's long. If you have any other questions, you can ask by email.

for example, we, people who are not believers, did what was convenient for us, my husband’s sister was godmother... as they say, we baptized and forgot... so as not to offend the older generation, I only remember that the priest himself in the church told us that you can take close relatives and One person is possible if the second cannot be found.

God-parents. Christening. A child from birth to one year. Caring for and raising a child There are already 4 ladies to play the role of mother, but there is tension with the father... I want a loved one too...

Discussion

We are going to baptize this week. I chose simply believers: there are only two of them in my society. My aunt and my under-stepfather (sounds cool...). So they will baptize.

I also broke my whole head at one time. I had a dilemma - Orthodox in every sense (as you write) or people close to the family. As a result, I went to the priest to ask for advice. He said that it is better to be close to the family, because who knows, maybe in time they will also come to the church.

And also, an interesting point, historically it was initially assumed that there could only be one godparent, this is the person who receives the baby from the font, which is why he is also called the successor. But then, due to the “mom-dad” tradition, they began to invite two people. However, if we think strictly, then the real godfather, in the spiritual sense, remains alone. Therefore, there is no need to be too afraid of an “incomplete” family.

Be godmother- it's a serious matter. If you yourself are not a religious person, then it is better to refuse. Apparently the child’s parents themselves do not baptize him consciously, but according to tradition, otherwise...

Discussion

a good godfather is very hard work and a huge responsibility. I don’t even know how to formulate it :), but you will be responsible for ensuring that he grows up as a true Christian. Also (I heard, but maybe it’s just that, rumors) that first you will be responsible for your godson, and then for your children.
You and your godson will have a first-degree relationship, I know this for sure, and in the case of parents (ttt), you will also have additional material and educational functions.
Those. you need to think carefully about whether you can be a godmother.
Good luck to you

Theoretically, yes, the godmother herself should know everything and educate the child, monitor the spiritual development of the child, but in practice such people (if the family is not religious) are difficult to find.
My daughter has such an (ideal) godmother, although she lives in another country (far abroad). But for my son there were no such acquaintances - we ourselves are not like that, ordinary. It seems to me that the future godfather should be a person close enough to the family, and not just a friend with whom you will either communicate later or not.