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 of godparents who, having gone through this sacrament, receive a number of new responsibilities.

First, you need 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 godson within the framework of the Orthodox tradition. Due to the fact that it is customary to baptize small children, who often do not even know how to speak, godparents take part in the ritual in order to say prayers instead of the godson and answer the priest’s questions. This very form of replacing speaking by godparents demonstrates all the responsibility that is imposed on them.

It is quite obvious that a person of the appropriate religion can baptize a child. But it is not enough to simply be a baptized person, since this will not allow you to fully fulfill your duties. An important condition readiness for a child's baptism is the presence of certain knowledge. The minimum requirement for godparents is usually familiarity with the text of the Gospel and knowledge by heart of 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, fasting and receiving communion are an important aspect. 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, it is worth contacting a priest in advance, who will tell you how to prepare to participate in the ritual.

Responsibilities of godparents at baptism boil down to following all the structural components of the sacrament. In accordance with the canon, throughout the entire ceremony the godson (regardless of gender) is held in his arms godfather. Once the priest allows entry into the temple, it is better for biological parents to remain outside, although now they are not prohibited from being present during the baptism.

The sacrament of baptism begins with the godparents, holding their godson and candles in their hands, approaching the font, where the priest begins reading prayers. After this, 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 responsibility of godparents is to understand what they are saying. They are usually asked to recite the Creed and, in response to questions from the priest, make promises to live a righteous life and follow the commandments.

After the prayers, the priest takes the baby and immerses him in the font and performs the rite of anointing. 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 person. This is followed by a part of the actions in which the godparents do not take part: bringing it into the altar, attaching it to the icon of the Mother of God.

Both biological and godparents can choose a baptismal name. In fact, the Orthodox canon has a very simple algorithm for choosing a name. It is enough to look in the month book and look at the name of the saint whose day coincides with or is in close proximity to the day of baptism or birth of a child. In Orthodoxy, it is believed that the saint whose name a child is named 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 responsibilities of godparents are not limited to the ceremony itself and imply fulfillment throughout the rest of life. It is customary to distinguish three main responsibilities assigned to godparents:

Having become the child’s adoptive parent, godparents thereby take on prayer responsibilities, which include both reading prayers independently and teaching the godson’s prayers. It is worth understanding that in Orthodoxy prayer is understood as direct communication with God, which means that godparents do this instead of him in the first years of his godson’s life;

The second range of responsibilities is related to ethical instructions: godparents must, both by their example and in other ways, show their godson what Christian morality and ethics are, so that the child is formed into a morally developed personality;

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

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

Of course, it is worth keeping in mind that now the requirements and responsibilities of godparents do not look so categorical. Both the ceremony itself and the subsequent communication between godfather and godson may be less religious and less mentoring. But be that as it may, within the confines of the baptism itself, godparents will have to follow the minimum established rules. At the same time, it is worth understanding that even if you are not a deeply religious person who performs all Christian rituals, this is not an obstacle to becoming a godparent. In fact, baptism will help you feel a special connection with your child that will connect you throughout your life.

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Description: Preparation and responsibilities of godparents. Responsibilities of godparents at baptism

Baptism of a child is a responsible step. Parents must not only be sure that the baby needs this, but also choose the right godparents. After all, according to the purpose of the godparents, the upbringing of the child in faith and piety depends on this.

If women often take a more responsible approach to such an event as baptism, then men can leave some details and moments to chance. This should not be done, because every godfather must remember that for his actions he will ultimately bear responsibility before God. Therefore, the godfather must first thoroughly learn his responsibilities in order to know what to do in a given situation.

Preparation

They must remember that if they are offered such a responsible role, they cannot refuse, this is considered a bad sign. Having accepted their new status as godparents, they must carefully understand what they will need to do or not do in order to prepare for the ceremony. So, a few days before the baby’s baptism, godparents must fast and not be sexually active. It is also worth remembering that atheists, as well as married people, cannot be godparents. What should the godmother and godfather understand? The duties assigned to them must be strictly fulfilled, whether they like it or not. Previously, a child had only one godparent, of the same gender, but today this has changed a little, but the main one is considered to be the godparent who is the same gender as the baby. It is also worth remembering that the godparents must bear all the costs of preparing the ceremony. A man buys a cross and also pays for the services of the church (photographer), a woman buys a baptismal shirt and a towel - kryzhma. Also, the godmother should prepare treats for guests who came to congratulate the child on such an important day as baptism.

Ceremony

The godmother must remember that during the baptism ceremony you cannot wear makeup, i.e., use any cosmetics. Any jewelry is also not welcome, but you can and even need to put on your own. The duties of a godfather during baptism do not imply anything difficult. You just need to hold the baby and do everything the priest says. It is also better to first learn the “Creed” prayer; it will need to be said during the baptism ceremony. during the ceremony the same.

Life

It is worth recalling once again that the main godfather for a child is the person who is of the same sex. If there was a godfather, he must clearly understand his responsibilities. After all, it is he who will have to tell the baby who God is, what faith the child is and how to behave correctly during various church rituals. Knowing the responsibilities of a godfather, a man must lead an honest, pious life, because the child will also look up to him and look closely at his manner of behavior. It is a misconception that godparents should only give gifts to the baby on numerous holidays, but this is not enough. It is the godmother and godfather, whose responsibilities are the spiritual upbringing of the child, who are responsible for what kind of person the child will become and how he will settle down in society in the future.

Being chosen as godparents of a child is a very honorable mission. Few modern married couples have thought about what qualities a godmother should have. After all, as you know, the godparents (godparents) will subsequently be the child’s spiritual parents, who are responsible before God for the behavior and actions of their godson. Very often, close friends or relatives are invited for this, who do not fully understand what the responsibilities of the godfather and mother will be.

What is a godfather for?

Being a godfather means teaching your godson to love the world around him, giving him spiritual education according to the principles of the Orthodox Church, teaching him prayers and attending church with him. It is very important to remember that it is the recipient, and not the grandparents, who takes financial care of the child if his parents are sick and incapacitated: good nutrition, buying clothes and toys, helping in obtaining an education and profession - this is all that a godfather should do to raise his son or daughter. Also, according to the canons of the church, in the event of the loss of physical parents, it is he who becomes the first applicant for the adoption of a minor godson or goddaughter.

How to prepare for Baptism?

So, the decision has been made - the recipient has been chosen, and he has given his consent. The godfather must know that this is a sacrament, and before it you need to fast for several days, and you need to carefully prepare for the ritual itself:

1. The day before, visit the church where the service will be held and talk with the priest. He will tell you what is needed for a child to be baptized, how the sacrament will take place, etc.
2. Confess and receive communion. Now these requirements are not mandatory, but are very much welcomed by the church.
3. Learn the “Creed” prayer by heart.
4. Discuss with the godson’s parents whether they need any help: organizing transport, preparing a banquet, etc.

Of the things that a godfather should give at baptism, the most obligatory is a pectoral cross and a thread (chain). Some limit themselves to only this, while others give icons, toys, etc. If there is no godmother, then do not forget that the recipient will need to buy more, as well as a diaper (sheet) in which to wrap the baby.

What does the receiver do during the ritual?

The responsibilities of the godfather at Baptism include:

It happens that for some reason parents want to change their godfather, but they don’t know if this can be done. The clergy explain that in the Orthodox faith this cannot be done.

Becoming a godfather is a great responsibility, because you are responsible to the church for your godson. Try to cultivate in him love for God and neighbor, tell him about his sins and protect him from them, and also do not forget the godson in your prayers.

Christening is a fateful event for every child and parents. This is the acquisition of spiritual peace, integrity of spirit, God's reliable protection of a person. In addition, the baby has second parents who are always ready to provide help and assistance. The responsibilities 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 to superficially follow the traditions of Orthodoxy. It is imperative to choose a suitable candidate with faith in your heart and full responsibility. This could be a relative or friend, not necessarily married, but a believer and an exemplary one. If she is not baptized, it is important to be baptized before the fateful day for the baby and be sure to receive communion.

Responsibilities of a Godmother

You should not conduct an interview or casting for the role of second parents. You just need to draw a conclusion about the attitude of the applicants towards God, the people around them and all living things. If the baby’s mother thinks that godparents should only buy a cross and a kryzhma, and then participate in the church sacrament, and that’s where participation in the fate of the new person ends, then she is very mistaken. Spiritual education and development of a child is what a godmother should be able to do throughout her life. In this case we're talking about about the following responsibilities of godparents:

1. Be with the child all the time, help with difficult situations.
2. Teach prayers and simply talk about God, his role in the life of every person, and attend church together.
3. Every year, congratulate you on your birthday and give gifts on Angel’s Day.
4. Take communion regularly, involve your godson/goddaughter in the ritual.

How many times can you be a godfather?

Every Orthodox person can take part in this church rite, an unlimited number of times, if the child’s parents request it. A truthful and informed decision is welcome. Another important question, worried before the sacrament, who can be godparents, according to church scripture? All believing relatives and friends can take on responsibilities, for example, an older brother, sister, girlfriend, friend, grandfather, grandmother, even stepfather. Cannot be godparents:

• non-believers;
• church ministers;
• people of other faiths;
• unbaptized;
• mentally unstable people;
• biological parents.

Baptism of a child - rules for the godmother

The baptismal towel and clothes are made or purchased by the future godmother, and this is an obligatory stage of preparation for the upcoming sacrament. In addition, a woman must first receive communion and confession; on the day of christening, she must have a cross on her chest. There are other rules for baptizing a child in the Orthodox Church, which are important to include in the ritual.

Girl's christening - rules for the godmother

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

1. Before the sacrament begins, read by heart prayers for the child, including the “Creed.”
2. Dress modestly for christenings long dress, tie a scarf around your head.
3. Take your goddaughter in your arms after immersion in the font, dress her in clothes white.
4. Hold your goddaughter in your arms while walking around the font behind the priests, while reading prayers, and the procession of anointing.

Boy's christening - rules for godmother

During the boy's christening important role not only plays godmother, but also a father who in the future will provide him with spiritual support in everything. The main responsibilities of the godmother during the baptism of a boy are identical, as during the church ceremony of a girl. The only difference is the following: after immersion in the font, the baby is picked up by the godfather; 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 that the godparents should do: say out loud three times the prayer “Creed”, “Our Father”, “Hail to the Virgin Mary”, “Heavenly King”, answer honestly several traditional questions about faith. Each prayer for godparents at baptism gives a powerful energy charge and helps the child receive grace.

What do you give a girl at christening?

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

• silver or gold cross;
• icon of God;
• personal icon of the Guardian Angel;
• silver spoon.

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

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

• buy a white vest, blanket, towel;
• present a Bible, a personal icon as a gift;
• make another memorable present.

What should a godmother do?

If a woman has her own children, nephews, younger brothers and sisters, she must not forget about her own godchildren. There are a number of beliefs and signs about why godparents are needed. This is what a godmother must do last day life:

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

Video: what godparents need to know before baptism

Instructions

Before the Sacrament of Baptism, the future godparent must confess and receive communion. To do this, you need to fast for three days. During this period of time, you should give up marital duties, food of animal origin, and also protect yourself from irritability and foul language.

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

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

Please note

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

Useful advice

At christenings, it is customary to give a child a cross.

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 one cannot refuse an offer to be a godparent - supposedly this is a sin. However, godparents are responsible, first of all, for the morality of the godson, and therefore must take responsibility for the spiritual upbringing of the child.

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

When considering the offer to become a godfather, ask yourself the question: will you pray for this child as if you were your own?

If you realize that you do not meet these requirements, or do not feel strong enough to help parents in the religious education of their child, do not place an unbearable burden on your shoulders. Being a bad godfather is worse than refusing to be one.

How to refuse an offer to be a godfather

If you have fully realized that you are not ready for the responsibility that falls on godparents and do not feel the desire to take care of your godson, but you are afraid by your refusal to ruin your friendly relationship with the baby’s parents, prepare to talk with them.

You can assume that when your friends have a baby, you will be offered to become godfather, because good friend- this is, as a rule, a potential godfather. Knowing this in advance, do not immediately respond to their offer. Let the baby's parents understand that you are very pleased that they want to entrust the spiritual upbringing of their child to you. Explain that you take the sacrament of baptism very seriously and know what a good godfather should be. Ask them for time to think. By doing this, you will prepare your friends for the fact that your answer may not only be positive. At the same time, 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 upbringing of a child.

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

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

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

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

There is an opinion that you cannot choose a godmother who is a widow for a female baby. Otherwise, the fate of the godmother may be transferred to the goddaughter herself. Orthodox Church clearly gives his vision of this issue - there is no transfer of “curse” and “fate” from the godparents to the godparents.

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 man and from the Divine will (in the context of Christian doctrine). Orthodox people do not believe in rock. Moreover, there is no need to talk about the transfer of fate from to goddaughter. This is an absurd, completely unorthodox opinion. Indeed, in the sacrament of baptism there is some spiritual kinship between godparents and godchildren, but this does not mean a connection of “fates”.

The Orthodox Church gives clear instructions regarding who can be godparents and who cannot. 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 is necessary to remember that godparents should not be married to each other (godmother and father), physiological parents, atheists, sectarians, and representatives of heterodoxy cannot be godparents; It is undesirable to choose even baptized, but unchurched people as godparents. The Orthodox Church advises choosing as godparents those people who are aware of the doctrine of the Church, because the godparents have the responsibility of raising the child in the Orthodox faith.

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