Baptism is one of the most important events in the life of an Orthodox person. It is believed that he receives a certain pass to the Kingdom of God. This is the moment of the spiritual birth of a person, when his former sins are forgiven, and the soul is cleansed. Particular attention should be paid 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 are in all of the above, must be worthy.

The role of the godfather in the life of a child

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

Set a good example for him with your life. This means that in the presence of the godson one should not drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes, and speak swear words. You have to be noble in your actions.
Prayers for your godson are obligatory, especially in difficult moments.
Visiting the temple with the child.
The spiritual upbringing of the godchild is obligatory (stories about God, teaching the Bible, etc.). If there are problems in life situations, then provide all possible assistance.
The duties of the godfather also include material support if necessary (if the parents have a difficult situation with money or work).

What do you need to know when choosing godparents?

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

Of course, the decision on who will be the spiritual educator of the child throughout his life is made at the family council. If there are any difficulties in choosing, then consult with the priest or spiritual father. He will certainly suggest a suitable candidate, because this is a rather honorable duty.

It is very important that godparents do not get lost in life, so that they continue to spiritually nourish the child throughout life. Both the godmother and the godfather, whose duties and functions are described above, bear their responsibility before the Lord.

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

Who can't be a godmother?

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

Those who are going to become spouses in the future or already are such in the present.
Baby's parents.
Those who have taken monasticism.
Unbaptized people or unbelievers in the Lord.
You can not take as godparents people who have a mental illness.
Those who profess a different faith.

All this should be considered before a godfather is chosen. His duties are quite extensive, so the person who agreed to be him should be clearly aware of everything.

Necessary items for the ceremony

You should tell in more detail about what items are needed for this ceremony:

Kryzhma. This is a special towel on which a cross is embroidered or simply depicted. A child is wrapped in it during chrismation, and also when the prohibition prayers are read. Sometimes the name of the baby and the date of his baptism are embroidered on such a towel.
Baptismal diaper. It's not exactly a necessary attribute, but it should be when it's cold. This diaper wipes the baby after dipping into the font, and then again wrapped in kryzhma.
Clothes for christening. It can be a christening set (dress) for a girl or a special shirt for a boy. It is desirable that these clothes be purchased as a gift by the child's accomplice.
It is necessary to have a pectoral cross with you for a future Christian. Usually it is acquired by the godfather. The baptismal obligations for him, of course, are not limited to this acquisition, but they will be described below.
It is necessary to take an envelope for the cut hair of the baby with you.
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 the recipients before the ceremony?

You should also pay attention to the preparation for christening. The most correct step would be to turn to the confessor or priest for advice. However, you should know that it is usually necessary to confess and receive communion before the sacrament. Before that, 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 establishments at this time, and refuse to watch TV. It is desirable to devote all free time to prayer.

If you are in the role of a godfather for the first time, then it is advisable to familiarize yourself with how the sacrament goes, what prayers are read, what order of hymns. This is necessary because when you become a spiritual guide for a little person, you need more than a formal presence. Sincere prayer is needed, which should not stop even after the completion of the sacrament, because this is the essence of the formation of the cross.

More details about what duties the godfather has during the performance of this rite will be described below.

Present

Considering the question of the duties of the godfather at 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 present a gift to 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 agreed 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 should present to the baby. The responsibilities at 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, a pectoral cross, which is a baptismal one, becomes such a gift. It must be bought and donated by the receiver.

For parents, especially for the mother of the baby, a prayer book will be a good gift, where there will be the necessary prayers for the whole family.

How were christenings celebrated in ancient times?

Before, as now, christening was a very significant event in people's lives. This sacrament was performed necessarily no later than two months of the baby's birth, and sometimes even earlier, on the eighth day. This happened because there used to be a high mortality of babies, so it was very important for relatives to baptize the child before the irreparable happens, so that his soul goes to heaven.

The celebration of the introduction of a little man to the church was made with a large number of guests. This was especially noticeable in large villages. A lot of people gathered for such a holiday, who came with gifts and best wishes to the baby. At the same time, they brought mainly various pastries - kulebyaki, pies, pretzels. In the house where the little man lived, a magnificent 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 meals. For example, a rooster baked in porridge for a boy or a chicken for a girl. There were also a lot of figured pastries, which symbolized wealth, fertility, longevity.

It was customary to invite a midwife to the table, who received the baby. They could also call the priest, who performed the rite of baptism. During the festival, numerous songs were sung, thus wishing the child all the very best. They saw off all the guests, presenting each with sweets.

How is the baptism? Responsibilities of a godfather

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

The duties of the godfather at the baptism of a girl are one, a boy is different (although they differ slightly). If the child is not yet a year old and he cannot stand on his own, then he is kept in his arms all the time. The first half of the ceremony (before dipping into the font) the godmothers hold the boys, and the fathers hold the girls. After diving, everything changes. Since the father is the main thing for the boy, it is he who takes the baby into the roof, and the mother takes the girl. And so it goes until the end of the ceremony.

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

The next step in the ceremony will be the blessing of the water in the font. Before immersing the person being baptized in it, he should be anointed with oil (back, chest, ears, forehead, legs and arms.) Only after this is immersion into the font. The priest reads prayers at the same time. This action symbolizes dying to the world and resurrection to the Lord. This is how the cleansing happens.

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 chrism.

So, now you know the duties of a godfather at the baptism of a boy and a girl. As you can see, they are slightly different.

Baptism at home

In addition to baptism in the temple, it will not be reprehensible to perform this sacrament at home, in the family circle. However, it is better to do it in the right place. This comes from the fact that after the baptism, the boys must be brought to the altar (the 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 christening is possible only if the baby is unable to endure the rite in the church. They are also performed when the child is in mortal danger (illness, etc.). If the entire sacrament takes place at home, then the godfather has the same responsibilities for baptism as if the ceremony were performed in the temple.

New Christian Church Life

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

Special mention should be made of baptismal accessories. Kryzhma and special clothing (if you purchased it) should be stored separately and not used in everyday life. A baptismal shirt (dress) can be worn at times of illness of the child (or simply wrapped in it). The icon that was used during the sacrament should be placed near the baby's bed or on the home iconostasis (if any). A candle is used on special occasions and is also kept for life.

The duties 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 a child to the temple 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 does not understand something, you need to patiently explain difficult points.

This is how habituation and a beneficial effect on the human soul occurs. Church hymns and prayers soothe and strengthen. Difficult questions may arise as you grow up. If godparents or parents cannot give answers to them, then it is better to turn to the priest.

Conclusion

So now you know what a godfather's responsibilities 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 the baby, how to educate in the spiritual life and what kind of support to provide. Be careful, because from now on you and your godson are spiritually bound forever. You will also be responsible for his sins, so education should be treated with particular importance. By the way, if you are not confident in your abilities, then it is better to refuse it.

Witness, guarantor for the baptized, obliged to instruct him in the rules of Christian life.

The baptism of an infant is performed by the recipients, on whom lies the sacred duty to teach children the true faith, to help them become worthy members of Christ.

After the baby is immersed in the baptismal font, the godfather takes him from the hands of the priest. Hence the Slavic name - recipient. Thus, for the rest of his life, he takes upon himself the obligation to educate the child in the Orthodox spirit, and the answer for this upbringing will be given at the Last Judgment.

At the Baptism of infants, the recipients pronounce (profess) instead of them the Symbol of Faith, pronounce vows and have care for teaching the faith and morality of those they have accepted ( ; , ).

The custom of having a sponsor at Baptism goes back to ancient Apostolic Tradition.

The presence of two recipients is a Russian tradition. According to the rules of the Church, one godfather is enough: a godfather for a boy and a godmother for a girl. In practice, gender mismatch is allowed.

In the Sacrament of Baptism, the godparents promise God to bring the baby to Him. It's important to remember this.

Who can be godfather

- The godfather (grandparent) must be an Orthodox Christian. The godfather cannot be from the Church (who does not regularly take communion), a representative of another religion or an atheist. The recipient is required not only to know and read it at Baptism, but also the spiritual upbringing of the godson in the future, daily prayer for him.

- The godfather must be a churched person, ready to regularly take the godson to the temple and educate him in the Christian faith.

- After the Sacrament of Baptism is performed, the godfather cannot be changed, even if he is missing or has fallen away from the faith.

- Pregnant and unmarried women can be godparents to both boys and girls.

- The father and mother of the child cannot be godparents, and the husband and wife cannot be godparents for one child, other relatives - grandmothers, aunts and even older brothers and sisters can be godparents.

A person should only have one godparent. According to, only one godparent is considered necessary - a man for a male person being baptized or a woman for a female person. The presence of a second godfather is an unwritten, albeit ancient, custom of the Church.

– Monks and nuns are not allowed to receive reception.

- The rite of the Sacrament of Baptism assumes the full-time presence of the recipients during its commission. In extreme cases, Baptism of infants is allowed even without godparents, then the priest himself is considered a godfather.

- Marriages between the baptized and the recipient are forbidden: the recipient cannot marry his spiritual daughter, and the godfather cannot marry the widowed mother of his spiritual daughter ().

It is reckless to invite a non-church person as a godfather: what can one teach who does not know the subject himself? It's like choosing a guide on a dangerous journey, where the price of the issue is life (in our case, Eternal), a rogue who does not know the route.
It is just as unreasonable for a church person to take vows before God to raise a baby in the Christian faith, whose parents are not only outside the Church, but are not going to become churched, to instill their child in Christ the Savior.
If you are invited to be a godparent by parents who are not only not opposed to baptizing a child, but are themselves ready to become members of the church community, then it is reasonable, before taking your own vows, to take a vow from your parents to fulfill the Commandments, to pray daily for your children, come with them to the temple, try to take communion with them weekly. Ideally, it would be good to advise parents to go to Sunday school or catechism classes: after a couple of classes it will be clear whether they are serious about spiritual life, or consider Baptism as a magical rite.

According to an ancient church rule, during the baptism of infants, only one godfather was considered necessary - a man for a male person being baptized or a woman for a female person (Great Book of Books, ch. 5, “see”). The rule of “being at Baptism to one godfather” belonged to the first centuries of Christianity and was strictly observed in the Eastern and Western Churches until the 9th century. In our time, the custom has become widespread at Baptism to be two godparents: the godfather and the godmother.

Only Orthodox godparents or godparents have ecclesiastical significance. Their names are commemorated in prayers and are included in the baptismal certificates. Receiver " represents the face of the person being baptized and for him vows to God, creates, the Symbol confesses and is obliged to instruct the adopted son in the faith and law of God, which neither the ignorant in faith nor the infidel can do» (Book on the offices of parish presbyters, 80).
In accordance with the practice of the ancient Church, just as non-believers are never allowed to receive children, so it is indecent for an Orthodox person to be the recipient of children from non-Christian parents, except in cases where children are baptized into the Orthodox faith. The canons of the Church do not provide for such a case as participation in baptism as a recipient of a person.

The insane, completely ignorant of the faith, as well as criminals, obvious sinners and those who came to the temple in a state of intoxication cannot be godparents. For example, those who, due to negligence, have not been at confession and Holy Communion for a long time, cannot give guidance and edification in life to their godchildren. Minors (under 14 years of age) cannot be godparents, since they are still incapable of teaching and unsteady in understanding the faith and the power of the Sacrament (except in cases where it is absolutely impossible to have an adult godparent).

Ancient Russian did not know such a rule that would eliminate the monks from receiving. It is known that the godfathers of our Russian grand-ducal and royal children were mostly monks. It was only later that the monks were forbidden to receive, because it involves the monk in communication with the world (Nomocanon at the Big Trebnik). Parents cannot be godparents from the Baptismal font of their own children. It is inconvenient for a woman who is in the usual cleansing to be a recipient. In such cases, Baptism can be postponed or another hostess can be invited.

Church rules do not forbid a brother and sister, as well as a father with a daughter or a mother with a son, to be godparents of the same baby. At present, priests do not allow a husband and wife to receive the same baby together. In order to prevent violations of the existing rules regarding godparents, the priest usually finds out from the parents in advance who they want to have godparents for their children.

Prayers for godchildren

Prayer for children and for godchildren, father

Sweetest Jesus! God of my heart! You gave me children according to the flesh, they are Yours according to your soul. You have redeemed both my soul and theirs with Your priceless Blood. For the sake of Your Divine Blood, I beg You, my sweetest Savior, by Your grace touch the hearts of my children (names) and my godchildren (names), protect them with Your Divine fear, keep them from bad inclinations and habits, direct them to the bright path of life, truth and of good. Decorate their lives with everything good and saving, arrange their fate as you yourself want and save their souls with their own destinies! Lord God of our fathers! Give my children (names) and godchildren (names) a right heart to keep Your commandments, Your revelations and Your statutes. And do it all! Amen.

On the upbringing of children by good Christians: Prayer of parents to the Lord God

God, our merciful and heavenly Father!
Have mercy on our children (names) and godchildren (names), for whom we humbly pray to You and whom we commit to Your care and protection.
Give them strong faith, teach them to revere You, and make them worthy to love You, our Creator and Savior.
Guide them, O God, on the path of truth and goodness, so that they do everything for the glory of Your name.
Teach them to live piously and virtuously, to be good Christians and useful people.
Give them health of mind and body and success in their labors.
Deliver them from the cunning machinations of the devil, from numerous temptations, from bad passions and from all kinds of wicked and disorderly people.
For the sake of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, through the prayers of His Most Pure Mother and all the saints, bring them to the quiet harbor of Your eternal Kingdom, so that they, with all the righteous, always thank You with Your only begotten Son and Your life-giving Spirit.
Amen.

Prayer to the Lord God, compiled by the reverend

Lord, You are One in all weight, You can do everything and want to be saved by everyone and come to the understanding of Truth. Enlighten my children (names) with the knowledge of Thy truth and Thy Holy will, strengthen them to walk according to Thy commandments and have mercy on me a sinner.
Amen.
Merciful Lord, Jesus Christ, I entrust to You my children whom You have given me, fulfill my prayer.
I ask You, Lord, save them in ways that You Yourself know. Save them from vices, evil, pride, and let nothing that is contrary to You touch their souls. But grant them faith, love and hope for salvation, and may their life path be holy and blameless before God.
Bless them, Lord, that they strive every minute of their lives to fulfill Your Holy will, so that You, Lord, may always be with them by Your Holy Spirit.
Lord, teach them to pray to You, so that prayer would be their support, joy in sorrows and consolation of their lives, and so that we, their parents, would be saved by their prayer.
May your angels always keep them.
May my children be sensitive to the grief of their neighbors, and may they fulfill Your commandment of love. And if they sin, then vouchsafe them, Lord, to bring repentance to You, and You, in Your inexpressible mercy, forgive them.
When their earthly life ends, then take them to Your Heavenly Abodes, where let them bring with them other servants of Your chosen ones.
Through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary and Your saints (all holy families are listed), Lord, have mercy on us, for you are glorified with Your Beginningless Son and with Your Most Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and forever and ever.
Amen.

Does it really teach about the inadmissibility of marriage between godparents according to the 211th article of the Nomocanon?

Obstacles to marriage and reception at baptism. Grigorovsky S.P. Publishing Council of the Russian Orthodox Church. 2007. With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II. pp. 49-51. Quote from there:

« At present, Article 211 of the Nomocanon [which points out the inadmissibility of marriage between godparents] has no practical significance and should be considered cancelled... in any spiritual relationship and therefore forbid them to marry among themselves».

Prof. Pavlov, in his course on Church Law, comments on the problem of the spiritual kinship of the beneficiary and the gossip of one child and marriage between them:

“... several rules of apocryphal origin and strange content (for example, rule 211, which forbids a husband and wife to be godparents of the same baby, under pain of being separated from marital cohabitation). The Holy Synod, already in the first years of its existence, began to treat such rules with great doubt and often made decisions that were directly opposite to them, especially in matters of marriage.

In December 2017, a document was adopted at the Bishops' Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, which states: " Marriages between godparents can be performed with the blessing of the diocesan bishop (subject to the decree of the Holy Synod of December 31, 1837)".

Can pregnant and unmarried women become godparents?

Pregnant and unmarried women can be godparents, there are no canonical prohibitions on this. All prohibitions refer exclusively to dense popular superstitions and have no force for Christians.

Baptism is the main sacrament of the Orthodox faith, requiring careful preparation and strict adherence to established rules. The rite of baptism itself is of paramount importance because passing through it introduces a person to the Orthodox Church. Our tradition prescribes baptism in infancy (approximately 3-12 months), which means that the child himself is not yet able to perceive and comprehend the very purpose of the ceremony. As a result, the entire burden of responsibility falls on the shoulders godparents who, having passed through this sacrament, receive a number of new responsibilities.

To begin with, it is necessary to understand why in the Orthodox canon there is such a figure as a godparent or, as he is also called, a godparent. During baptism, the godparent acts as a witness, who, before the priest, assumes the responsibility of instructing and teaching the godchild within the framework of the Orthodox tradition. Due to the fact that it is customary to baptize young children, who often do not even know how to speak yet, godparents participate in the ceremony in order to say prayers instead of the godson and answer the questions of the priest. This very form of substituting godparents for speaking demonstrates the full responsibility that is imposed on them.

It is quite obvious that a person of the corresponding religion can baptize a child. But it is not enough to just be a baptized person, as this will not allow you to fully fulfill your duties. An important condition for the readiness for baptism of a child is the availability of certain knowledge. The minimum requirement for godparents is usually familiarity with the text of the Gospel and knowing by heart the Creed, the prayer that will have to be said during the ceremony. Although now priests most often help future godparents and say a prayer with them so that the latter have time to repeat it.

In addition, an important aspect is the observance of fasting and the passage of the sacrament. Again, for people who constantly live according to the Orthodox canon, following these rules will not be difficult, but for those for whom these actions will be new, you should contact the priest in advance, who will tell you how to prepare for participation in the ceremony.

Duties of godparents at baptism come down to following all the structural components of the sacrament. In accordance with the canon, throughout the rite of the godson (regardless of gender) holds Godfather. As soon as the priest allows you to enter the temple, it is better for biological parents to stay on the street, although now they are not forbidden to be present during baptism.

The sacrament of baptism begins with the fact that the godparents, holding the godson and candles in their hands, approach the font, where the priest begins to read prayers. After that, they should listen carefully to what he says, as he will give instructions for action. Usually the priest says prayers, which the godparents must repeat after him. At this stage, the main duty of godparents is to understand what they are saying. Usually they are asked to speak the Creed and, in response to the priest's questions, give promises of a righteous life and following the commandments.

After the prayers, the priest takes the baby and dips him into the font and performs the rite of chrismation. Then the child is handed over to the godparent of the same sex, so that he wraps the godson in kryzhma, after which the priest puts a cross on the baptized. This is followed by a part of the actions in which the godparents do not take part: the introduction to the altar, the application to the icon of the Mother of God.

The name at baptism can be chosen by both biological and godparents. In fact, the Orthodox canon has a very simple algorithm for choosing a name. It is enough to look into the calendars and see the name of the saint whose day coincides with or is in close proximity to the day of baptism or the birth of a child. In Orthodoxy, it is believed that the saint, whose name is given to the child at baptism, becomes his personal patron and therefore, in order to avoid the human factor in choosing a name, it is recommended to simply check the calendar.

It is extremely important to understand that the duties of godparents are not limited to the ceremony itself and involve fulfillment throughout the rest of life. It is customary to single out three main responsibilities assigned to godparents:

Having become the child's godparent, godparents thereby take on prayer duties, which include both independent reading of prayers and teaching the prayers of the godson. It should be understood that in Orthodoxy prayer is understood as direct communication with God, which means that the godparents in the first years of the godchild's life do this instead of him;

The second range of duties is connected with ethical instructions: godparents must, both by their example and in other ways, show the godson what Christian morality and morality are, so that the child is formed as a morally developed personality;

The most important, but also the most difficult duty of the godparents is the introduction of the godson to religion. Godparents must be ready to answer any questions, which means that they themselves must obtain the necessary knowledge in advance.

You can also find and invite to the ceremony. This will be a good gift for a baby.

Of course, it should be borne in mind that now the requirements and duties of godparents do not look so categorical. Both the rite itself and the subsequent communion of the godfather and the godson may not be so religious and less edifying. But be that as it may, within the framework of the baptism itself, godparents will have to follow the minimum established rules. At the same time, it should be understood that even if you are not a deeply religious person who performs all Christian rites, this is not an obstacle to becoming a godparent. In fact, baptism will help you feel a special bond with your child that will connect you throughout your life.

5Dbabtism

Services:

Description: Preparation and duties of godparents. Duties of godparents at baptism

Baptism is a fateful event for every child, parents. This is the acquisition of spiritual peace, integrity of the spirit, God's reliable protection of man. In addition, the baby has second parents who are always ready to provide help and assistance. The duties of a godmother are especially valuable in later life.

Godmother

Before agreeing to baptize a child, a woman must accept the great responsibility placed on her shoulders. It is important to understand what it means to be a godfather, and not superficially follow the traditions of Orthodoxy. It is imperative to choose a suitable candidate with faith in the heart and full responsibility. This may be a relative or girlfriend, not necessarily married, but believing and exemplary. If she is not baptized, it is important to be baptized before the fateful day for the baby, be sure to take communion.

Responsibilities of a godmother

You should not conduct an interview and casting for the role of second parents. You just need to make a conclusion, what is the attitude of the applicants to God, the surrounding people and all living things. If the mother of the crumbs thinks that godparents should only buy a cross and a kryzhma, and then participate in the sacrament of the church, and this is where participation in the fate of a new person ends, then she is greatly mistaken. Spiritual upbringing and development of the child - this is what the godmother should be able to do throughout her life. In this case, we are talking about the following duties of godparents:

Always be close to the child, help in difficult situations.
To teach prayers and just talk about God, his role in the life of every person, attend church together.
Happy birthday every year, make gifts for Angel's Day.
Communion regularly, involve the godson / goddaughter in the ceremony.

How many times can you be godfather

Every Orthodox person can participate in this church ceremony, and an unlimited number of times, if the baby's parents ask for it. A truthful and informed decision is only welcome. Another important question that worries before the sacrament, who can be godparents, according to church scripture? All believing relatives and friends can assume duties, for example, an older brother, sister, girlfriend, friend, grandfather, grandmother, even stepfather. Cannot be godparents:

unbelievers;
ministers of the church;
people of other faiths;
unbaptized;
mentally unbalanced people;
biological parents.

Baptism of a child - rules for the godmother

The future godmother makes or buys a baptismal towel and clothes, and this is a mandatory step in preparing for the upcoming sacrament. In addition, a woman must first take communion and confess; on the day of christening, it is imperative to have a cross on her chest. There are other rules for the baptism of a child in the Orthodox Church, which are important to include in the rite.

Christening girls - rules for the godmother

It is important for a girl to have a spiritual mother, since she is the first after the mother and father of the child to be responsible for him. It is one thing to baptize a baby, and quite another to become a support, support, spiritual mentor for a growing person in life. The duties of the godmother at the baptism of a girl are as follows:

Before the beginning of the sacrament, read by heart the prayers for the child, among them the "Symbol of Faith."
Wear a modest long dress for christening, tie a scarf around your head.
Pick up the goddaughter after immersion in the font, dress in white clothes.
Hold the goddaughter in your arms while walking around the font for the priests, when reading a prayer, during the procession of chrismation.

Boy's christening - rules for the godmother

During the christening of the boy, not only the godmother plays an important role, but also the father, who in the future will provide him with spiritual support in everything. The main duties of the godmother during the baptism of a boy are identical, as well as during the church ceremony of a girl. The only difference is this: after immersion in the font, the godfather takes the baby in his arms; the priest also carries baptized boys behind the altar.

Prayer for the baptism of a child for godparents

During the procession, the priest leaves a reminder of what the godparents should do: say the prayer “Symbol of Faith”, “Our Father”, “Our Mother of God, Rejoice”, “King of Heaven” three times aloud, answer honestly several traditional questions about faith. Each prayer for godparents at baptism gives a powerful energy charge, contributes to the child receiving grace.

What do they give a girl for christening

What should the godmother do after the completion of the sacrament? Buy and present to your godson or goddaughter a memorable gift. This is where the problem arises with choosing a suitable presentation. So what does the godmother give for the christening of a girl?

silver or gold cross;
god's image;
nominal icon of the Guardian Angel;
silver spoon.

What does a godmother buy for a boy's christening?

For future men, there are also certain requirements for gifts. This needs to know what is needed for the christening of the boy, so that during the sacrament not be taken by surprise. Here's what a second mom should do:

buy a white vest, blanket, towel;
to present as a gift a Bible, a nominal icon;
make another memento.

What should a godmother do

If a woman has her own children, nephews, younger brothers and sisters, she should not forget about her own godchildren. There are a number of beliefs and will accept why godparents are needed. Here is what the godmother is obliged to do until the last day of her life:

Pray for the godson every day, ask God for a bright path for him.
Attend church with him, take communion, confess.
Participate in spiritual formation, growth and development.
Become a role model in his mind.
Take full responsibility for the baby if the blood parents die.

Video: what godparents need to know before baptism

Instruction

Before the Sacrament of Baptism, the future godparent must confess and take communion. To do this, fast for three days. During this period of time, one should abandon marital duties, food of animal origin, and also protect oneself from irritability and foul language.

The recipient should not only be and wear a pectoral cross, but also know the prayers, regularly visit the temple, take communion and confess. As the child grows up, he should pray for him, the Gospel with him, introduce him to prayers, take him to Sunday school, tell stories, fasting and church, if possible, travel on pilgrimage trips.

Do not forget that during the Sacrament of Baptism, before God, you renounced Satan for the unintelligent one that you held in your arms. According to church canons, the recipient will have to answer to whether he raised the godchildren as his own children.

note

The Orthodox Church allows you to be a godparent from the age of 15. A close relative (grandfather, brother, uncle) can become the recipient. Husband and wife cannot baptize the same child.

Useful advice

It is customary to give a child a pectoral cross for christening.

Being a godparent is an honorable and very responsible mission. But before taking responsibility before God for a child, a person needs to objectively evaluate himself and decide whether he can become a good godfather.

In what cases is it better to refuse to be a godfather

There is an opinion that it is impossible to refuse the offer to be a godparent - supposedly this is a sin. However, godparents are responsible, first of all, for the godson's morality, therefore they must take responsibility for the spiritual upbringing of the child.

Godparents must be Orthodox people of high moral character. Giving gifts to a child is not the only and not the main function of godparents. Spending time with the godson, the godparents should talk with him on the topics of kindness, love, moral values. They should introduce the child to the church: visit the temple with him, take him to communion, teach prayers, talk about God. According to church ministers, godparents must have faith and repentance and are called to pass them on, to teach them to their godson.

When thinking about the offer to become a godfather, ask yourself the question - will you pray for this child as for your own?

If you understand that you do not meet these requirements, or do not feel the strength to help your parents in the religious upbringing of your child, do not place an unbearable burden on your shoulders. Being a bad godfather is worse than not being one.

How to turn down an offer to be a godfather

If you are fully aware that you are not ready for the responsibility that lies with the godparents, and do not feel the desire to take care of the godson, but are afraid of ruining friendly relations with the baby's parents with your refusal, prepare to talk with them.

It can be assumed that when friends have a baby, they will offer you to become a godfather, because a good friend is, as a rule, a potential godfather. Knowing this in advance, do not immediately respond to their offer. Let the parents of the baby understand that you are very pleased that they want to entrust the spiritual education of their child to you. Explain that you take the ordinance of baptism seriously and know what a good godfather should be like. Ask them for time to think. By doing so, you will prepare your friends for the fact that your answer can be not only positive. Along the way, explain to them what functions godparents should perform. Young parents may not know about them. Hint that you do not fully possess some of the qualities necessary for the religious education of a child.

When refusing to become a godfather, honestly tell your parents that you will not be able to provide sufficient attention to their child, you are not ready to teach him morality, but at the same time you love their baby and will communicate with him without even becoming a godfather.

Parents want the best for their child and will no doubt understand your refusal, and this will not affect your friendship in any way.

Advice 3: Can the goddaughter inherit the fate of the godmother: an Orthodox view

At present, there is a practice of baptizing infants with godparents. Many physiological fathers and mothers are very careful in choosing godparents. However, some superstitions regarding godparents and godsons can sometimes interfere with the choice.

There is an opinion that it is impossible to choose a godmother who is a widow for a female baby. Otherwise, the fate of the godmother may be passed on to the goddaughter herself. The Orthodox Church clearly gives its vision of this issue - there is no transfer of "curse" and "fate" from the recipients (godparents) to.

In Orthodox theology there is no concept of "fate" as such. Therefore, it makes no sense to talk about fate as something independent directly from a person and from the Divine will (in the context of Christian doctrine). Orthodox people do not believe in rock. Moreover, it is not worth talking about the transfer of fate from to the goddaughter. This is an absurd, completely unorthodox opinion. Indeed, in the sacrament of baptism, there is some spiritual relationship between godparents and godchildren, but this does not mean the connection of “fates”.

The Orthodox Church gives clear instructions on who can be godparents and who is not. Nothing is said about widowers and widows. This category of people does not fall under the prohibition of being godparents. In accordance with the Christian worldview, it must be remembered that godparents should not be married to each other (godparents mom and dad), physiological parents, atheists, sectarians, representatives of heterodoxy cannot be godparents; it is undesirable to choose godparents, though baptized, but not churched people. The Orthodox Church advises to choose as godparents those people who are aware of the dogma of the Church, because the recipients have the duty of raising a child in the Orthodox faith.

Thus, an Orthodox person should not pay attention to the superstitions associated with the transfer of “fate” from godparents to godchildren.