Who can be godparents to a child? Who can be godparents for boys, girls according to church rules, duties and gifts.

Our baby was already a year old when we decided to christen her. For a long time they could not decide on godparents, because they had no idea by what criteria they should be chosen. Everything cleared up after a trip to the priest in the temple, where we were going to baptize Sonechka. Father Alexy suggested who can be godparents and who is not allowed, and I will tell you so that you do not waste time.

Baptism at any age will mark a spiritual birth, becomes the day of the establishment of guardianship of the Guardian Angel over a person. The thoughts and motives of the people taking part in the ceremony must be full of sincerity and purity, therefore the choice of godparents for a child must be conscious and be combined with the rules of the Orthodox Church.

Who is suitable for the role of godparents

• Both real parents and godparents bear responsibility before God at the time of baptism, so the sincere faith of parents in Christ, supported by leading a full-fledged church life, is an important point. It is they who give Orthodox vows instead of a child. In addition, godparents must know the Creed and be ready to engage in the spiritual education of the little man in the future.
• If it is possible to invite only one godfather, it is preferable to choose a person of the same gender as the child (a boy has a man, a girl has a woman), but no one forbids a woman to baptize a boy or a man a girl.
• Pregnancy and the absence of a ring on her finger and a stamp in her passport give women the opportunity to become godmothers to both boys and girls.

Who is not allowed to be a godfather

• Believers who have fallen away from the Orthodox Church, representatives of other faiths, atheists cannot become godparents.
• Actually, the child's parents, unlike other relatives, cannot take on the role of godparents.
• Spouses and a couple about to marry are forbidden to be godparents of one baby.
• Monks and nuns cannot become godparents. In Ancient Russia, there was no such church rule, and they became godfathers of many princes and representatives of royal dynasties. Many years later, a rule appeared that forbade this action, so that the monks would not be involved in worldly affairs.
• People who have not reached the age of majority themselves still understand little, both in terms of life and spiritual knowledge. In addition, in the event of the death of parents, they will not be able to take responsibility for the baby.
• People wrapped in debauchery.
• It is better for women during menstruation to refrain from baptismal rites.
• You should not take strangers or unfamiliar people as godparents.
• Incompetent people suffering from mental disorders, obvious violators of God's commandments, criminals and people in a state of alcoholic intoxication are not suitable for the role of godparents.

Any of these cases is considered sufficient grounds for refusing to conduct a baptismal ceremony. Of course, who can forbid you not to say something, but is it really worth it? After all, you go to the temple not to deceive the priest, but to connect the fate of your child with two worthy people.

For how many babies can you become a godfather

There is no clear guidance in this regard: the number of baptisms depends directly on the desire of a person. If you want - there will be one, if you want - at least ten. At the same time, one should not forget that the vows made before God are inviolable and provide for responsibility for the spiritual future and moral character of the little Christian. For the commitments made, you will have to answer throughout your life path.

The myth around the church says: the godmother, giving vows for the second child, “removes the cross” from the first. The church strongly disagrees, citing the example of the birth of another child. A mother who has a second child does not abandon the first. A similar situation with the godmother: being at least four times the godmother, she is equally responsible for each of the children. It is quite difficult to devote time to all the godchildren, so think about who the godparents of the child can be, whether the person has enough strength, energy and time, and only after that offer such a responsible post.

Some useful information about baptism

1. After the performance of the Epiphany Sacrament, it is impossible to make personnel changes: the godfather and the godmother of the child are the same for life, even if the person has disappeared or left the church.
2. The presence of godparents at the church baptism is obligatory. Extreme cases involve the performance of the Sacrament without godparents.

Summing up

You should not choose for the role of a godman who has no idea about church traditions. His main duty is to teach the basics of religion to a small Christian, and what will he teach who knows nothing himself?

It is reckless to accept responsibility for raising a child in the traditions of the Orthodox faith, whose father and mother are not churched and are not going to change the order of things, also not attaching importance to the spiritual upbringing of the child and teaching him the basics of religion.

When accepting an invitation to become the godfather or mother of a baby whose parents support the idea of ​​Orthodox baptism of their child and are ready to join the church, before making their own vows, it is worth taking promises from them to follow the Commandments, pray every day for the child, attend services and temples, try to take communion daily . Advise parents to attend Sunday school classes or kakhetization classes in advance to understand how serious their desire to enter the Orthodox Church is, whether they consider the Sacrament of Baptism as a tradition of the past, some kind of magical rite.

Hello everyone. The question: “Who can be a godfather to a child” worries a lot of people who have to baptize their children. We will try to answer all your questions.

Rules for godparents

Baptism in Russia is an important sacrament for every Christian. What is the basic duty of a godfather? To help a little man grow up, observing the canons of the Orthodox Church, in faith, piety, spiritual purity, therefore, only a baptized Christian can be entrusted with baptizing children.

Who can not be taken as godparents to your child?

• You cannot take people of a different faith: a Catholic, a Muslim, an ardent atheist.
• Mentally ill.
• Who is going to get married or already got married.
• Those who have taken monasticism.
• Unbaptized people.

During the Sacrament, the baby is immersed in water three times, calling on God the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, because here he “dies” for a sinful life, but is reborn from the Holy Spirit into a righteous life. At this moment, he is cleansed of original sin, which he receives through birth.

Is it possible to baptize a child with other godparents, that is, change for others? The Sacrament of Baptism is performed only once (after all, a person comes into this world only once). During the ceremony, the recipient (of the same gender as the baby) will hold him in his arms, read the “Symbol of Faith” on his behalf, and vow to renounce Satan in order to unite with Christ.

Is it possible to change the godmother of a child (or father) if they stumbled, began to behave very badly? No! In this case, the perceived person and his relatives should earnestly pray to God that this person change his behavior for the better.

Exists superstition about pregnant women: Is it possible to baptize a child of a pregnant woman? Can be pregnant, unmarried.

Can a father be godfather to his child? Not! Neither father nor mother can. They are the parents of the baby. They already have the responsibility of raising him.

The question is often asked: can a husband and wife be godparents of one child? Ask the priest where you will baptize the child.

What should the godmother and the godparent do after the Sacrament? Their duty is to participate in the education of a true Christian. They can go to church with him, talk, follow his progress, help throughout his life.

What do godparents give for the Baptism of a child

The best gift- This is a cross and a chain. The metal from which the cross is made can be anything, the main thing is that it be of the type that is accepted in the Orthodox Church.

• A beautiful silver spoon can serve as a gift. It was called "a gift for the tooth." When the baby begins to eat on his own, from this spoon they begin to feed him for the first time.
• You can give a towel in which the godson is wrapped, a shirt and a bonnet for Baptism, but this is already in agreement with the parents. These things are never washed, but used when children get sick.
• A children's Bible purchased in an Orthodox church will also be a great gift.
• You can give a girl a piece of jewelry that she will wear when she grows up.
• During the ritual, a lock of hair is cut off from the children, as a symbol of a gift to the Lord. Therefore, you can give a beautiful box for a curl and a cross.
• A set of dishes with the godson's name.
• Golden.
• A coin made of gold, silver or a bell.

The main thing is that the gift should remind you of that great day when the baby became a true Christian.

How to choose godparents for a child

Being a godmother, a godmother is an honor, but also a responsibility, because they take on a great responsibility for a small member of the Orthodox Church.

According to the teachings of the Church, the perceived must be brought up as your child, because on the day of the last judgment, you will be asked for this, as for your own children. Therefore, the responsibility is great.

1. Godparents must be baptized, Orthodox Christians.
2. You must be sure that they will help not only with money, gifts, but also educate spiritually.
3. An uncle, aunt, grandfather, grandmother can be the recipients of your little relative.
4. It may be the child's brother. And that means a sister. If he is of legal age or approaching adulthood.
5. But the spouses cannot, someone is one of them. Whom to take is up to you. However, there is another interpretation here. Are we depriving the child of double care, love. Maybe when he grows up, it is one of the spouses who will become his good mentor or friend. Consult with the priest, then decide: whom to take - one of the spouses or both.

Can a child have one godfather? Yes, maybe, only he must be of the same gender as the perceived one. The rite can be performed without another godfather, but it must be written down as godparents. After all, a person could have good reasons not to be present during the Sacrament. Until 1917, this practice existed, but it concerned only members of the Emperor's family. But it will be better if you do without correspondence christenings.

Why does a child need a godfather

We know very little about this, we do not even think about the responsibility that we take on. Therefore, before agreeing to this responsibility, go to the temple, ask the priest how you can prepare for such a step.

Why is the godson called the perceived one, and the godfather - the recipient? After immersion in the font, the priest takes the baby, then passes it into the hands of the godfather.
And he takes the baby into his own hands, taking on the responsible mission to lead him along the path of ascent to the Kingdom of God.

Prayer for the Baptism of a child for godparents

The role of a godfather in a child's life? The Church calls the recipients "guardians of faith and piety." To unite with God, a person needs: faith and repentance. But the baby does not understand anything about this, he lies to himself in circles, and the godparents are called to teach their godparents faith and repentance, so they pronounce the “Symbol of Faith”, renounce Satan instead of the little man.

But p first prayer- "Our Father", which you must know by heart, repeat in a whisper after the priest. But prayers must not only be repeated, but also their meaning must be understood.

Third prayer- "Virgin Mother of God, rejoice." It was built according to the words of the archangel Gabriel. He said that the Mother of God gave birth to the Savior of the human race, and this is a joy for all of us.

Answers to important questions

Is it possible to baptize a child without godparents?

Sometimes parents, having decided to baptize their baby, do not have the opportunity to find a worthy person. The church does not deprive its new member of God's grace just because there are no godparents. So the answer is a resounding yes.

The child is not to blame, so the priest takes on the duties of a godparent. And this is very good.

Can an ex-husband be a godfather to a child?

Husband and wife cannot be godparents due to kinship and intimate relationships. But the ex-husband can become the godfather of the crumbs, if this is not his baby, that is, he is not related to him by blood. Before you offer your ex-husband such a responsible business, consult with your real husband so that there is no contention later.

But the church is against it if the godfather or godmother live in a civil marriage.

Godfather for several children. Is it possible? If you think that only this person can become a spiritual mentor to your baby, then the Church does not impose restrictions. But for twins, you need to invite two godparents, since one person will not be able to take two children from the font at once into his own hands.

Can a child become a godfather?

You can take your eldest child or other children to the role of a godparent only if you are fully confident that he will conscientiously fulfill his duties before God. That is, a child who has not reached an understanding of his responsibility cannot be a real spiritual mentor. Only adult children can understand the responsibility they take on. Do not decide for small children.

Can a child be baptized by a godfather? It is possible, because it does not violate spiritual kinship, it even makes it even stronger. But there are different opinions on this.

Therefore, the answer to the question: "Can a godfather be my child's godmother"? only the priest knows. It is better to ask in the temple where you will baptize your child.

What do the godparents do in the temple?

Since the mother cannot be present at the baptism, the second mother chosen by the parents performs all the duties of a biological parent: she takes in her hands, if she is a girl, dresses, undresses, soothes. Fulfills all the requirements of the priest.

The godfather, before dipping into the font, holds the girl in his arms, and the boy is in the arms of the second mother. But after immersion, the father accepts the boy into the kryzhma, and the mother accepts the girl.

How should godparents prepare for the Great Sacrament?

• Visit the temple for a conversation with the priest.
• It is very correct if you confess and take communion.
• If you constantly confess and take communion, then a conversation with a priest will be enough for you.
• Usually the godparent pays for the ceremony, and the godmother buys baptismal clothes, but this is by agreement with the parents of the crumbs.

Answers to questions for women

Is it possible to baptize a child during menstruation at the godmother?

Should not be doing that. You must be "clean". Ask for a different date for the Sacrament so that you feel confident and do not think that you are violating church rules.

What to wear to the christening of a child godmother?

• First of all, the skirt or dress should be below the knees, not defiant in color, modest, not necessarily dark in color.
• On the head should be a light light scarf or scarf.
• The cross must be mandatory.
• Don't wear high heels as you will be holding a very small godchild.

What does a godmother need to know?

• Throughout the life of the goddaughter, the second mother should be engaged in her spiritual education.
• Before the Sacrament, she must confess, take communion.
• Buy a godson or goddaughter a baptismal towel, clothes.
• Learn three prayers.

"Save me, God!". Thank you for visiting our site, before starting to study the information, please subscribe to communities in social networks:

• Rules for the godmother:
• must not be pregnant;
• not have mental illness;
• conduct a confession before the ceremony;
• not be married to the godfather and not be his close relative;
• not be a nun;
• be of age.

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

• the fabric in which the baby is wrapped (kryzhma);
• baptismal set (shirt, blanket, cap);
• a silk scarf for a priest.

Christening of a boy, rules for a godfather

• confess before the sacrament of baptism;
• not to be married to the godmother, not to be her closest relative;
• not have problems with the law and mental illness;
• not be a minister of the church (monk);
• reach adulthood.

What does the godfather buy for the boy's christening:

• purchase of a cross for a child;
• buying a gift
• fulfillment of all financial obligations.

Duties of godparents at the baptism of a boy

• must be an example for inheritance;
• regularly prays for his godson;
• instruct the boy on the true path according to God's commandments;
• always keep in touch with him (even if they live far from him);
• be present at the first communion of the baby;
• in the event of illness or death of the parents, take full responsibility for the upbringing of the child.

But the most important thing is that the godparents understand the importance of their rank, and the boy knows that there are always people next to him who will help, prompt, support. Godparents are spiritual educators, and their role in the life of a godson cannot be overestimated.

Responsibilities of a godfather at the baptism of a boy

Another fairly important duty of the godfather is to buy a gift for his godson. And its implementation must be treated with special understanding. According to tradition, the godfather should give a silver spoon for christening.

It must be said that it is products from this noble metal that are the most frequent gifts for the rite of baptism. It is a symbol of prosperity and fullness of life. The Bible can be a wonderful gift. Reading it will help in shaping the spiritual world of the boy.

Also often engraved. This thing for the child becomes very personal and passes with him along the path of life, protecting him from all sorts of adversities.

In addition, the godfather can give:

• silver or gold jewelry;
• personal photo album;
• clothes;
• thematic religious and artistic books;
• various toys.

Names for a boy's christening

Choosing a name for christening is a very important issue in preparing for them and a rather big problem, since sometimes there are different opinions here, which are not always possible to agree on. But most often parents turn to the priest.

If the boy’s name is Orthodox, then you don’t have to change it, but still many try to do this, because in this way they want to protect the baby from everything bad. The name is selected mainly according to the holy calendar, taking into account the day (or period) in which the child was born, while the name can be either consonant with the mundane or completely different from it.

What is needed for the baptism of a boy

The baptism of a child is the great mission of man on Earth. What is needed for the baptism of a child, a boy - the main thing is that you need to be especially attentive and prepared. Godparents should read as much spiritual literature as possible in order to be able to help their godson in any life situation.

And what is important, the godfather, as a man, must develop and form the best male qualities, such as: courage, endurance, self-control, willpower and spirit. After all, the role of godparents does not end immediately after the rite of baptism, this is a long way to become a little person, and there can be no room for error.

Therefore, when preparing to become godparents, you need to weigh the pros and cons many times, try to understand yourself, study religious literature, be educated in the field of spirituality, and most importantly, be a real example for the child.

Life prepares trials for everyone, but not everyone can cope with them. And often there come moments when not parents, close relatives or friends can help, but godparents, because their spiritual level and knowledge of life are quite high.

They are like “faithful companions” who go with a person through life, and when necessary, bring them to God with the help of communion, confession, and prayer. And it is thanks to them that from early childhood the child feels the boundless confidence, care and grace of the Almighty.

The Lord is always with you!

See also a video about the sacrament of baptism:

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:

1. 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.
2. Prayers for your godson are obligatory, especially in difficult moments.
3. Visiting the temple with the child.
4. 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.
5. 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.

The birth of a baby into the world is a physical birth, while baptism is considered a spiritual birth, and the honorable right to receive a person in his spiritual birth is granted to godparents - new parents who become guarantors for the faith of their godson, taken from the font. Hence the conclusion: only Orthodox, sincerely and deeply believing adult people who are able to join the Church as received from the font and teach him the basics of faith can become godparents.

Some of us were baptized in infancy, everything that happened was eventually forgotten. But suddenly the moment comes when we are offered to become a godfather or godmother, or there comes a joyful moment of baptism of our own child. And here a question arises, familiar to many: who can be the godparents of a child? A very important criterion when choosing godparents, that is, godparents, is how a person will further participate in the Christian upbringing of his godson. A quarrel between the godparent and the relatives of the godson should in no way affect the relationship with the son.

Spiritual kinship

Do not worry if you, agreeing to become a successor, do not meet such strict requirements a little. This event, perhaps, will become a good reason for self-education and spiritual enrichment.

The Church puts spiritual kinship on a par with natural kinship, therefore the peculiarities of the relationship of spiritual relatives are similar to the relationship of biological relatives. The Russian Orthodox Church forbids marriages between the godparents, physical and godparents, between godparents and their godchildren (this is evidenced by Canon 63 of the VI Ecumenical Council). However, it is allowed for a husband and wife to become godparents of two children of the same parents. And the godparents of one child can be a son and a mother, a daughter and a father, or a sister and a brother.

Can relatives be recipients?

Previously, they tried to expand the circle of people who in the future would take care and provide serious assistance to the godson, so the closest direct relatives (aunts, uncles, grandparents) were invited as godparents only as a last resort. It was believed that relatives would take care of the child and provide him with spiritual assistance in every possible way. For the same reason, they did not invite one godparent for brothers or sisters. However, the church does not put such prohibitions.

The main thing is that the beneficiary does not forget about his duties and, after performing the Sacrament, feels responsible for the spiritual upbringing of his godson.

Godparents for a boy and a girl

Many people ask the question: who can be the godparents of a girl? After all, there is a superstition that a girl who has not yet been married cannot be the first to baptize a girl, otherwise the goddaughter will “take away the happiness” of her godmother

mother. Many girls are afraid to become a godmother for girls for the first time, so as not to interfere with their own family well-being. But the superstitious and unconfirmed opinion that an unmarried girl should have a boy as her first godson is an absolute delusion and has absolutely no Christian roots. An Orthodox Christian should not be guided by this superstition.

It is important that the girl had a godmother, the presence of a godfather is not important. It is also worth clarifying who can be the godparents of the boy. It is believed that the presence of the godmother of the boy is not necessary, while the godfather must certainly be. But this rule is not categorical. If for some reason only the godmother is present at the christening of the boy, then there is nothing to worry about.

What is customary to give to the godson

According to tradition, the godfather should give the boy a cross for christening, and the godmother should purchase clothes for the baptismal ceremony. At the christening of a girl - the opposite is true. But at the moment it is not considered mandatory, most often the parents pay for everything. However, the recipients should still make some kind of gift to their godson, and it is better if it is something memorable.

In the old days, a traditional gift from the recipients was a silver spoon, which was bought “for the first tooth”. It was believed that with this spoon you can start the first feeding of a child. This tradition continues in the modern world.

Who cannot become a receiver?

• Godparents cannot be non-Christians - Buddhists, atheists, Jews, Muslims, and so on. Even if they are close friends.
• One child cannot have a husband and wife as godparents, so do not become godparents with the person with whom you plan to start a family.
• Also, a mentally ill person cannot become a recipient.
• It is forbidden to be a godmother or godmother to unbaptized people or unbelievers.
• Who has no desire to become recipients.
• Blood parents.
• Underage children.
• Stepmother to his adopted daughter or stepfather to his adopted son.
• Women during menstruation (you cannot attend the rite of the Sacrament of Baptism);
• Priests and monks (but a familiar child may have a priest as a godfather).

Can a pregnant woman become a godmother?

To participate in the Sacrament of Baptism, the pregnancy of a godmother is an acceptable condition. If the expectant mother is confident in her abilities and the ability to share her love between her godson and her own child, church charters do not prohibit her from becoming a godmother.

Does one of the recipients have to be married?

The assertion that one of the godparents must certainly be married is a superstition. However, on the other hand, there is something reasonable in this opinion. If the people chosen for the baby as godmothers have a positive life experience and the ability to raise children in piety and faith, there are many advantages to this.

To be godparents is an honorable and at the same time very responsible role. During the rite of the Sacrament of Baptism, the baby is held in his arms by the godfather of the same sex, he also pronounces on behalf of his godson a vow of renunciation of the unclean and reunion with Christ. According to the teachings of the Church, during the last judgment, we will be asked for the performance of our duties in the same way as and for the spiritual upbringing of our own children.