Earthly and heavenly

Why are godparents needed?

Why are godparents needed? I first thought about it when one of my friends asked me to be her daughter's godmother. I understood that I would have to have some obligations in relation to my goddaughter, but I didn’t know who to ask about this. After all, as far as I understand, godparents are not chosen so that they only give gifts. So why are they needed anyway?

With this question, we turned to the vice-rector of the Sumy Theological School, Archpriest VLADIMIR RAVLYUK.

When choosing a godfather or godmother for their child, parents really do not really think much about why they are needed. Sometimes wealthy people are asked to become godparents, without even taking into account that they are very far from the Christian life.

However, before dealing with godparents, you need to understand why it is necessary to baptize a baby at all. Every newborn comes into this world with original sin, which everyone inherited from Adam and Eve. Having disobeyed the Lord and tasted the forbidden fruit, people lost their sinlessness, and along with it, immortality. Since then, original sin has been passed down from generation to generation, like a severe hereditary disease. And only baptism frees a person from it. And an integral part of the sacrament of baptism is chrismation. The body of an infant is anointed with holy ointment, and through this anointing the child receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which will contribute to his spiritual and physical growth, develop all his senses, mind, will, and talents. You can be baptized only once in your life, which means that these gifts can be received from God only once.

Baptism is a very important step in life. A person (be it an infant or an adult) is baptized into the Orthodox faith, which will need to be confessed, and for this you need to know at least its basics. But for a baby to comprehend them is simply impossible. The vows that a Christian must follow, due to his development, he cannot yet give. Therefore, each child is baptized not into his own faith, but into the faith of the godfather, who receives him from the baptismal font (hence the godfathers are also called godparents).

Only an Orthodox Christian can be a godfather. It is impossible to choose people who are completely ignorant in matters of faith as godparents. They must know the Creed and read it when performing the sacrament. Gentiles, no matter what religion they profess, cannot be godparents for the Orthodox. Also, the Orthodox cannot baptize children of parents of a different religion, except in those cases when the children are baptized into the Orthodox faith. The name of the godfather is mentioned in prayers during the sacrament and is entered on the baptismal certificate.

Older children cannot be godparents for the younger ones, since they themselves do not yet have firmness in confessing the Orthodox faith. Although there are cases in the history of the church when 13-14-year-old Christians made very good godparents. Parents cannot perceive their children from the baptismal font, because spiritual kinship should not intersect with blood. For the same reason, a husband and wife should not be chosen as godparents for one baby. The bride and groom will not be able to subsequently get married if one of them led the other to faith and became the recipient during the sacrament of baptism.

By the way, when baptizing adults, it is not necessary to take godparents. But if they are still present, they act as witnesses and guarantors of the faith and vows of the baptized.

Of course, it is wrong to think that the duties of godparents are mainly to congratulate godchildren on holidays or help them financially. Although, if the godson has some kind of need, loving godparents should lend a helping hand to him. But still, for the godparents, this is not the main thing.

First of all, they should pray for the approval of their godson or goddaughter in the faith. Real godparents from an early age instill in the baby faith in Christ, teach him diligence, meekness, humility, abstinence, explain what sin is, and, if possible, keep him from bad deeds, instruct him on a virtuous life. The godparents make sure that the baby partakes of the Holy Mysteries of Christ as often as possible, and when he grows up, he learns to confess. They can give good advice to their godchildren, give icons or spiritual books, bless them for marriage, reinforce the authority of their parents. According to ancient Christian custom, it is the godparents who should take care of the child on their shoulders in the event that some kind of misfortune happens to his parents.

In life, of course, there are various circumstances due to which godparents cannot fully fulfill their duties. For example, when parents do not allow godparents to even see their godson. Or when the godparents live in another city and cannot often meet with the child. In such cases, the recipients cannot bear full responsibility for the spiritual upbringing of the child, they can only pray for him. But if godparents do not fulfill their duties due to laziness or negligence, this is a sin for which the Lord will ask. Therefore, if a person feels that he will not make a good godfather, it would be better to refuse to participate in the sacrament.

Ksenia Maksimova

Comments:

Baptism occurs in infancy and, growing up, people no longer remember how it happened. But one day we have our own child or receive an invitation to become a sponsor. In these cases, knowing what godparents are for and how they are chosen can come in very handy.

The tradition of appointing godparents is rooted in the past. Troubled times and high mortality of the population, forced to look for people who could take responsibility for the baby in the event of a possible disaster. The main role of the godfather was to guide the life of the future godson - he introduced him to the sacraments, taught piety and faith.

For many today, the role of the godfather is reduced only to the presence at baptism, few then help to educate the godson. A real godfather can become an Orthodox friend of a child, a person whom a teenager trusts, whom he asks for advice and can turn to for help - that's why godparents are needed.

Requirements for godparents:

1. It is possible to appoint sane people aged from adulthood to old age as recipients. However, there is an unspoken custom to choose godparents who are younger in age than the blood father and mother. This circumstance is explained by the fact that when the natural parents do not comply with parental duties, they go to the spiritual mentors of the child.
2. The godfather should be only a baptized person of the Orthodox faith who wants to assume obligations and responsibility for this baby.
3. For one baby, husband and wife and people who are going to get married cannot be godparents. It is considered a great sin if these people subsequently married or had extramarital affairs.
4. It is allowed to have one godparent, but he is supposed to be with the godson of the same sex.
5. Godparents need to know that they do not advise the same person to become a godfather for several children, including twins, because the rite of baptism involves the adoption of a child from the font, and this is hard to do with two children.
6. Parents are not allowed to be godparents to their own children.
7. Women are not allowed to baptize a child during menstruation.
8. It is forbidden for the stepfather to be the godfather of the adopted son.
9. They do not appoint insane and immoral people as godparents.

When selecting godparents, it is better to choose people with whom you have good friendly relations, whose visits are welcome in your home, and it is also important whether they can later help you in the Christian upbringing of your offspring and in life circumstances.

Responsibilities of Godparents:

Many do not know that it is also customary to give gifts to godparents. A good present would be something on the theme of the sacrament of baptism, some kind of thematic composition or a photograph printed to the size of a picture. It is also customary to give warm clothes: scarves, shawls, jumpers.

Approach with responsibility the selection of godparents, because you choose people who can influence the future life of your offspring. After all, often a child tells his godparents what his blood parents do not know about.

The sacrament of baptism is a great event in the life of every person, and especially for a child. All the obligations that the sponsors take on before God are very serious and responsible. That's why (this is very important) godparents, duties who are in the understanding of this responsibility, must convey to their godfather all the knowledge about the saving Sacraments of the Church, such as Confession and Communion, and also convey knowledge about the meaning of worship. The duties of godparents also include the transfer of knowledge about the meaning of the church calendar, about the miracles of church icons and other shrines.

Responsibilities of godparents - how to do it right and what to do?

As soon as the child plunges into the font, from that moment on, the responsibility passes to the recipients. Now the "second" parents will have to attend church and services with the baby, teach
keep the church rules. But the main thing is to pray for your godson both in joy and in sorrow. Always be there for you in difficult times. What are the main responsibilities of godparents at baptism? Even from the font, they must convey to them or help them find a new life path. The godfather must buy a cross. The chain, as a rule, is not bought, since according to customs, the baby wears a cross on a string or ribbon. Just like every conscious believer, the recipients need to know the following prayers: "Our Father", "Symbol of Faith", "Our Lady of the Virgin"!

Parents, as well as the godson, must be ready for the sacrament of baptism. Recipients must know the basics of Orthodox teaching, as well as piously treat the rules of Christian piety. Such important events as Fasting, Confession and Communion for godparents are not strictly obligatory, but the believer must adhere to them. All this must be correctly conveyed to the godson. If he is a baby, then love for the church will be instilled from a conscious age. A very good sign will be the reading of the prayer of the Creed by one of the recipients. For the godson, the prayer is read by gender: for the girl - the godmother, for the boy - the father.

Before Baptism, it is advisable to confess, because it is important that not only thoughts are pure, but also the soul. There must be consecrated crosses on the body. Those invited must bring donations to the church. This is not necessary, but you should not neglect the customs.

Godparents should be aware of such responsibilities!

From this day on, the godchildren must protect the godson from all sorts of temptations and temptations. This is the most dangerous for children and adolescents. In the future, the godparent can help with choosing a profession. important will be advice when choosing a life partner. The Russian Church teaches that it is the chosen godparents who prepare the wedding for the godson. It is worth noting that even in case of physical suffering, godparents should provide assistance and this is done first of all, and brothers, sisters, grandparents help only later! A spiritual connection is stronger than a physical one!

The duties of godparents for a girl are no different from those for a boy. However, girls are given a little more attention, as they are taught humility and faith, which leads directly to submission. For a girl, the chosen godmother is the second closest person, because she can replace the physical mother. It is the responsibility of the mother to buy a kryzhma or rizka - this is a special towel in which the baby is wrapped after the font.

If godparents treat their duties lightly, then this becomes a grave sin of the soul. This is what will pass on the fate of the chosen godson. Do not become a successor if you cannot take such a big responsibility on yourself, you should not accept an invitation to a second godson. Physical parents should also not take rejection as a snub or insult. After all godparents duties must perform fully and with a pure soul.

Note that all people must be churched, otherwise: how can a godson go to church with a godfather? All major
the positions that should be instilled in the godchild are love, humility, condescension, patience and continuous work in the spiritual upbringing of your baby - all this is the main duties of godparents! All this is also the main proof of the truth of Orthodoxy for the godson and for the godparents.

You can find out in advance how to behave correctly in the temple during the Sacrament of Baptism. Most importantly, you need to buy the right baptismal kit. If it is bought by one of the parents, then this will not be considered a mistake. Only the meaning of the reception itself is important, it is important to be present during the performance of the Sacrament. Of course, both parents must give their consent. Without godparents, baptism is performed only in special cases, for example, if the child's life could be in serious danger.

More about godparents

The sacrament of baptism relates a person to the One Apostolic Church. Orthodox teaching has its own specific doctrinal principles, from which it is impossible to deviate. That is why only people of the same faith can become guarantors of the godson. Recipients assume the responsibility to educate only the Orthodox faith. A person with other religions simply cannot do this.

As soon as the baptism takes place, the parents and the baby will become spiritually closer, become related. This is mandatory, godparents fulfill their duties to the fullest. And such spiritual kinship belongs to the first degree and is fully recognized by the church and its canons!

It is worth noting that such kinship becomes stronger than biological. Between themselves, these two concepts become practically incompatible. An important point is that parents who have adopted a child cannot become godparents for him. This is explained by the fact that they will acquire the closest relationship between themselves and will not be able to continue marital cohabitation.

It turns out that the priests who perform the sacrament of baptism refute the popular superstition that one cannot refuse to baptize a child. Godparents are primarily responsible for spiritual education, because children are usually baptized at a young age, when it is impossible to demand faith and repentance from them. Therefore, godparents should bring up faith in a child, as well as take him to church, teach him to take communion and confess. If you know that you cannot take part in his upbringing, become spiritual support, it’s better not to take it on. According to popular superstitions, the first godson for a woman should be a boy, because a girl can supposedly take away her personal happiness. If the godmother does not have a family and children, then they may not appear. But priests refute this opinion. On the contrary, according to church canons, even one of the parents can do in the rite. Moreover, if this is a girl, she needs a godmother, if a boy is a godfather. So it will be easier for the child to find a common language with the second parent.

Godparents must meet their godchildren on the child's birthday and on the day of his christening. The church claims that the day of baptism is more important even than the day a person was born. Christians believe that people are born conceived in sin, and the rite of baptism cleanses them, so the child has a chance to live a sinless life. It is precisely because of this that spiritual parents need to meet with their godparents every year on the day of baptism. Just at these meetings, they can take important steps in the spiritual upbringing of the child, and not just to drink with godfathers.

According to church laws, godparents must give children Bibles, icons, and other symbols of the Christian faith, with the exception of crosses. Psychics say that godchildren should not be given objects that have sharp corners. It is believed that evil spirits cling to them. Therefore, as a gift, you should choose things with rounded shapes, for example, rings, chains, dishes, etc. In any case, psychics do not recommend giving calendars or watches, because it is believed that they add age and accelerate aging.

A child needs the greatest guardianship of godparents until the age of 15. After that, he is considered an adult. But spiritual parents take part in the life of the godson until the day of his wedding, supporting him in all important events. After this, the connection between godchildren and godparents weakens, but spiritually they remain united until the end of their lives.

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. This is not exactly a necessary attribute, but should be when it's cold. This diaper wipes the baby after dipping into the font, and then again wrapped in kryzhma.
• Christening clothes. 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 into it, he should be anointed with oil (back, chest, ears, forehead, legs and arms.) Only after that does immersion into the font take place. 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.