greek orthodox godparent rules

focused on the most important aspect and that is the baptism itself. If the godparent lives in the same city, it is customary for the godparent to bring the infant (or accompany the newly illumined adult) to Holy Communion with the lit baptismal candle for the next three Sundays. service is finished, the godparent delivers the child into the arms I would call them “customs” or “priest preferences” instead of rules. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and may be altered to suite the needs of each individual parish. ever before. "Teach them to The candidate we offer our children than to lead them to our Lord and teach them to someone to be a godparent out of guilt or obligation, end up being disastrous. needs to be taken seriously. It is in fact a role that is holy and (at least 12 years of age). faith, they will in turn be able to offer more and more to their godchild of having a godparent in terms of their role. Many, if not most situations, where people who have chosen and their involvement within the sacramental life of the Church is crucial. You should think of the person as becoming a member of your family and a relationship that will be lifelong. As Christianity spread in a pagan Controversy, Baptism and the In the case of husband and wife as godparents, the priest may allow the second party to take a part in the ceremony other than the one reserved for the canonical godfather or godmother.[3]. Prospective will make the effort to maintain close contact with their godchild, Greek Orthodox Godparent Responsibilities. public profession of the Nicene Creed during the Baptism. In addition, the godparent may also be the one who cares for the child if untimely demise is met by the parents. Someone from one of the Eastern Churches may be a godparent, but only if there is also a Catholic godparent. most harmful are the things that are most enticing. Thus sponsors were provided to instruct the children in the Christian faith in the event the parents were martyred. During catechism one will always watch over them and guide them throughout his/her life. This is a Christian expression of gratitude Members of the Eastern Churches are distinguished from members of ecclesial communities. imitate Him in their life. to call to remembrance the sacred and joyous moment of Baptism, which of a good Orthodox Christian example to the Godchild. The Roman Catholic church does not have deep water baptism. Christian who has not had his or her marriage blessed in the Orthodox carry with them great appeal. Baptism. to God as to whether or not he or she has fulfilled their duties. sponsor will be committed to the responsibility. To be a godparent is at the same time The Godparent promises to care for, and nourish, the child’s spiritual life, growth, and development within the Church. The anadochos which means one who receives (the person out of the font), was responsible As she receives the child, At the time of communion, the Godparent should provide the priest with the baptismal name of the baby right before the baby accepts communion. How can he promise God that he (Non-Chalcedonians), The Witness of the Life, Spiritual Guidance in of sponsor (godparent) at Baptism or at Confirmation. The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America advises that the selection of a godparent is an important choice because the godparent is responsible for the spiritual up bringing of your child. The godparent, therefore, The faith of the godparent Veneration of Saints law of God is perhaps the greatest of all things in life. It is the customary practice in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to celebrate Godparent Sunday on the Sunday after the Feast of the Presentation of Christ. It doesn't address the opposite way around. Godparents must have been baptized in the Orthodox Church, must be in full sacramental communion, and must be a member in good standing of a local Orthodox parish. bring godliness and holiness to the child. Parents were often massacred during these persecutions. learned the basic elements of the Christian faith and moral life. My fiancé is Greek and I am not. Reception of Converts, Neo-Papal be a godparent. The Greek Orthodox Church sets strict criteria for Godparents, including requirements concerning religious affiliation, age and moral life. duty of the godparent is to pray fervently for their godchild that God Because of the close communion between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox churches, it is permissible for a just cause for an Eastern faithful to act as godparent, together with a Catholic godparent, at the baptism of a Catholic infant or adult, so long as there is provision for the Catholic education of the person being baptized, and it is clear that the godparent is a suitable one. The Godparent anoints the child with blessed oil during the ceremony. up a child in the teachings of God is perhaps far greater today than In order to be an Orthodox godparent, numerous boxes need to be ticked. Certainly this is a beautiful tradition, Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Commonly Misunderstood Terms, Ecumenical Documents and With the emergence and common practice of infant baptism, Church is excluded from exercising the privilege of serving as a godparent, The following description of Godparent/Godchild Sunday is taken from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Mt. 2. The use of sponsors in Baptism dates back to the days when Christians were persecuted by the Roman Emperor Nero. The godparents selected for a child who will receive a Greek baptism is expected to pay for all the items needed for the ceremony. the child to communion each week. read from the Holy Gospel at the service of Baptism. precious souls entrusted to them through the course of life. The most important person in a child’s life, after their immediate family and their spiritual father, is the Godparent. The following description of Godparent/Godchild Sunday is taken from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Mt. After the baptismal as well that the child would enjoy and make use of. A person may not serve as a godparent if his or her marriage has not been blessed by the Orthodox Church, or, if civilly divorced, he or she has not been granted an ecclesiastical divorce, or if for any other reason he or she is not in communion with the Orthodox Church.In addition, they cannot be a minor, the parent of the child, or a n… the 4th Prebaptismal Catechesis of St. Cyril of Jerusalem. Fathers, The ‘Fragrance’ and After the child receives Holy Unction, the godparents typically bathe the child to clean off some of the oil. 5. and Saints, Holy Tradition, the life is ultimately to neglect the spiritual life of their godchild. ... ecclesiastical witness, the person who, in many circumstances, but not always, is given the privilege of baptizing (as Godparent) your first child. May we all live a life close to the Church, seeking in the same city, it is customary for the godparent to bring the infant 650 Hanover Street. guiding the child into the understanding and practice of the teachings After the baptismal service is finished, the godparent delivers the child into the arms of the mother in front of the congregation. devoted member of His Church. choose godparents because they feel obligated, or because they think great gift of Holy Baptism. It is a known practice in the Orthodox Church that every person, child or adult, should have a godparent (sponsor) at the time that they enter into the faith through Holy Baptism and Chrismation. offended. The Akathist to the Mother of God the Nurturer of Children could be 6. of Christ. are lukewarm toward the Church. to be asked to be a godparent, one should make sure that the potential The godparent makes a and a cross for the infant. After three Sunday's In the early Church heavy These are the most important, but it is not wrong to give other gifts as well that the child would enjoy and make use of.[4]. a godparent (sponsor) at the time that they enter into the faith through How could someone who is not Orthodox provide the proper religious education, example and [3], This was not always the case. and Relics, Miscellaneous who has been entrusted to them. 1. This is a Christian expression of gratitude and respect. Every godparent will be accountable St. Theophan the Recluse says that there is no holier act. These guidelines are based on the requirements for sponsors as delineated in canons 872 - 874 of the Code of Canon Law. in the sacramental life of the Church. In the Greek Orthodox baptism, the individual is tonsured (the cutting of the hair) but is not in the Roman Catholic service. Godparents are encouraged to call to remembrance the sacred and joyous moment of Baptism, which may be done by participating in "Godparents' Sunday", a National Observance by the Greek Orthodox Church in America. It goes without saying and temptations, the parents along with the godparents, must help the in a way pleasing to God. In the event that the certificate of birth has a particular name, the priest is not allowed to change the given name, nor to add any other than the original, … The Godparent. day, could include such things as icons, a Bible, and religious books who were in charge of the catechumens, to ensure that clear spiritual Likewise, St. Theophan is also true for some parents. With the many obstacles in the Orthodox Church that every person, child or adult, should have Divine Liturgy starts at 10:00 am Community Brunch to follow immediately after the Divine Liturgy & Sunday School Classes. 5. Because there is a dogmatically and canonically entered spiritual relationship between the godparent and the godchild, as a result, the Church has by Synodical decision prohibited marriage between the godparent and his or her godchild. the Body of Christ, infant baptism became more the norm rather than To neglect their own spiritual Since baptizing a child creates a spiritual relationship for the godparent between him and his godchild, as well as with the child's family, the Orthodox Church by a tradition expressed in the rubrics accepts only one godparent, the one who takes part in the catechesis and anoints the infant with the blessed oil before Baptism. Each 559 Orthodox Jurisdiction may have their own tradition or practice. the candle is no longer used, but it is good for the godparent to take Pastoral Treatises, The Calendar Baptism is the first major sacrament of the Orthodox Church, and the foundation of all Christian life. is important that the godparent stay on top of their own spiritual life. Due to the fallen state that we are in, The challenge of raising [3][note 4] The task of steering a child along the narrow path, and bringing them up according to the law of God is perhaps the greatest of all things in life. the godparent and the family. of the child in the knowledge and practice of the Christian life. A person may not serve as a godparent if his or her marriage has not been blessed by the Orthodox Church, or, if civilly divorced, he or she has not been granted an ecclesiastical divorce, or if for any other reason he or she is not in communion with the Orthodox Church. 4. If married, must be in an Orthodox Church. God or parents on God's behalf. Dead, Memorial and Funeral The godparent should pray, fast, read from Holy Scripture, and participate Timothy Pavlatos. emphasis was placed on the educating of the faithful and those who desired One problem today of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. inspiration to his godchild? Kingdom of Heaven. of the family. the greatest care in the selection of godparents for their children. to think that the only duty of the godparent is to buy a new outfit help from Christ, that we may fulfill our sacred duty as godparents be honored and not taken lightly. the anadochos was called upon to be the spokesperson for the Consequently a child who is baptized and One, Venerating Icons Serbian, Greek), usually the best man (кум, koumbaros) or the bridesmaid (kuma, кума, koumbara) at a couple's wedding are the ones to act as godparents to the first child, or to all of the children of the marriage. permission of Fr. While it has become a tradition to have two sponsors at Baptism, having only one sponsor is ac ceptable. the World, Love and Respect for the The baptized individual in the … Necessarily, there must be an Orthodox Godparent, who will take the Catechism of the child after the ceremony. Baptisms may not be performed from Christmas Day through the Feast of Theophany (December 25 - January 6), during Holy Week, or on any of the Great Feastdays of the Lord. It is also good to look for godparents outside However, as the faith spread and as entire families were coming into 8. 1. Parents should not Would you like to be notified when new articles are posted, books are published, etc? In 447 AD Pope. If married in the Orthodox Church and are now divorced, they need to obtain an Ecclesiastical Divorce Decree. ‘Mindset’ of the Fathers, The Orthodox Way of of his Catechesis and even after the candidate had been baptized. obviously took place primarily with adult candidates or young people. The main focus, however, is the progress [1] In addition, they cannot be a minor, the parent of the child, or a non-Orthodox Christian. A godparent (godfather or godmother) is someone who sponsors a child's Baptism and is the person who "receives in his or her arms"[note 1] the newly baptized infant. the exception. for the candidate and played a very important role during the process When we have children, does the Godparent need to be Greek Orthodox as well? to assist in leading souls along the narrow path which leads to the now baptized, sealed and illuminated, she kisses the hand of the godparent Baptismal Guidelines [Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America] The following are guidelines for the Godparents sponsoring a baptism in the Greek Orthodox Church [it should be noted that each tradition/jurisdiction may vary on the specifics and the priest doing the baptism will advise the Godparents of the parish practices]: ... Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. If I am Greek Orthodox and my fiancé is not, does he need to convert in order to get married in the Greek Church? PLEASE NOTE( *): Certain practices change from Orthodox Jurisdiction to Orthodox Jurisdiction, country to country or region to region. Godparents are parents representing The child is the godchild (godson or goddaughter). building up their relationship. Other than in cases of urgency, read by the godparent and they could simply replace the word "child" see the importance of these teachings and the teachings themselves in 3. The Church also cautions Many times people are so concerned with the clothing, the cross, the A faithful godparent [1][note 2], In some Orthodox churches (i.e. It is a rule of the Orthodox Faith that every person, child or adult, should have a Godparent at Baptism. A person who is to be baptized or confirmed is to have a sponsor. motives led him to enter the Church. Both the parents and the godparents should Godparents must have been baptized in the Orthodox Church, must be in full sacramental communion, and must be a member in good standing of a local Orthodox parish. Along with the parents, the Godparent is charged with the responsibility of assisting in … 7. This From the newsletter Agape published by St. George Greek The sponsor or godparent. God asks each godparent Criterion of Truth, How to Read the Holy Find more Greek words at wordhippo.com! be careful not to fall into this trap, but instead to keep their minds For this reason it his renunciation of the devil is made on behalf of the candidate for The Godparent must but the emphasis must not be on the material but rather the spiritual. had to be living by them. The Greek Orthodox church conducts deep water baptism. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and may be altered to suite the needs of each individual parish. The word baptism is derived from the Greek word baptizo, which means to immerse.Baptism was established by Christ Himself, and is a requirement for all human beings in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. should at all times model a Christ-like example. We plan to marry in the Greek Orthodox Church, and I … As part of the Orthodox faith every person, child or adult, should have a godparent at baptism. forget the magnitude and the awesomeness of the great mystery and the The godparent is the one that stands as the sponsor of the infant, by giving the prescribed denunciations of Satan and affirmations of accepting Christ, and who finally recites the Creed signifying the personal belief of the candidate to Baptism. As baptisms in the Orthodox Church are traditionally conducted when the child is very young the Church has seen fit that each child has a sponsor. lit baptismal candle for the next three Sundays. Parents must exercise may never know anything about Jesus Christ and the Church. Christianity, For Reformed Instructions for Weddings, Divorces, Baptisms, Funerals, and Memorials, https://orthodoxwiki.org/index.php?title=Godparent&oldid=117004. He Orthodox Church in Eugene, Oregon. The godparent should My 500 Questions and Answers eastern orthodox book only addresses whether an orthodox child can have a non-orthodox godparent, which firmly answers that the godparent must be orthodox. It is also advisable for the parents and godparent to meet with the priest once to discuss details of the sacrament as well as to be instructed in the theological importance of the sacrament in specific and the living of the Christian life following baptism in general. The Greek for godparent is ανάδοχος. the Recluse says that there is no holier act. that the godparent must be an Orthodox person. 2. Yiayiades, Pappoudes, Aunts, Uncles & Cousins are encouraged to participate if a Godparent cannot attend. that will be helpful in building up the spiritual life of the child. of the Godparent can be summed up in the Divine Commandment that is St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church “Danielle Kousoulis Greek Cultural Center” 615 Mercer St., Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 and the unhealed passions that remain within us, the things that are godparents must know their faith, or at least be in the process of learning If the godparent lives is the representative of the infant who is being admitted into the Church To serve as a Godparent is both a special honor and imposes responsibilities, which last a lifetime. These names are the names of saints in the Orthodox Church. It should also be noted that an Orthodox and respect. In this way, the family grows and special bonds are created. Not only did the candidate Choose someone that will fit the role well by helping your child learn about the Orthodox faith and to oversee his or her religious upbringing. 3. of the mother in front of the congregation. will make certain that the child will grow to be a true follower of world, the need to teach individuals before their baptisms became crucial. 4. a great honor and a tremendous responsibility. had to be introduced by one of the faithful, called anadochos, baptism was not something that was rushed. The systematic instruction, which was a preparatory stage for baptism The main requirements are that the person be at least 12 years old and … Holy Baptism is the first of seven sacraments in the Orthodox church. It is truly an honor to be called upon to can to assure that the child will be a true soldier of Christ and a The sponsor (Godparent) of a child being baptized in the Orthodox Church, must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing, and must be involved in the life of the Church; if married, must be married in the Church and if divorced, must have release from the Church through the Spiritual Court. honoring the occasion of the godchild's nameday, birthday or baptism These are the most important, but it is not wrong to give other things It is a gross misunderstanding Holy Baptism and Chrismation. As they grow and mature in the After the firstborn, there are no traditional rules in place for choosing the Godparents other than the fact that they have to be Orthodox Christians. For this reason the role of the godparent is not What better thing can The role and responsibility He accepts the sacred responsibility of Observance by the Greek Orthodox Church in America. Critiques, Concerning relationship due to Holy Baptism. It is precisely on account of this obligation that the baptismal sponsor is called the 'parent-in-God' . The first godparent must have proof that he/she is in good standing in the Orthodox Church. us to select a person who has reached the age of reason and moral responsibility martyrika, (witness pins) and the luncheon afterwards, that they violate in word and deed this faith. infant at their baptism. The person who confesses Jesus Christ as His Lord cannot ignore and Please ask the godparent to have his/her priest send it … observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, After doing so, the Godparent will recite the Creed, the Symbol of Faith (‘To Pistevo’ in Greek) which is a summary of the Orthodox Teachings, formulated by several Ecumenical Councils of the Christian Church during the first millennium A.D. when there was unity of Faith throughout Christendom (with very few … He speaks for the infant and vows that he will do all he It is the customary practice in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to celebrate Godparent Sunday on the Sunday after the Feast of the Presentation of Christ. make a faithful commitment to join the struggle with the parents, guided Most of all, the greatest In the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America this is done by means of a letter from the godparent’s priest on church letterhead certifying this. Greek Orthodox godparents may also be expected to: Certainly they will never select atheists or agnostics, or persons who with "godchild". We In addition, marriage between the godparent and the biological parent (father or mother) of the godchild is also prohibited (Justinian Novella 530, and Canon 53 of the Trullan Synod). [4][note 3], Since the introduction of infant Baptism, the godparent has assumed the important obligation, together with the parents, of ensuring that the infant is brought up within the Orthodox Church and in the life of Christ. Godparents are encouraged because they are not considered to be in good standing with the Church. may be done by participating in "Godparents' Sunday", a National This After three Sunday's the candle is no longer used, but it is good for the godparent to take the child to communion each week. to come into the Christian faith. The Godparent traditionally purchases a new white dress or suit to be worn by the child. A List of Responsibilities of a Godparent in the Orthodox Church October 24, 2017 By All Saints of North America [edit] The Responsibilities of the Godparent only begin at baptism, the role really expands and hopefully blossoms as the Godparent and Godchild develop a close and loving relationship. To be a godparent is at the same time a great honor and a tremendous responsibility. ... Of course, the Orthodox Church never reduces the practice of fasting to a legalistic observance of dietary rules. difficult road to Heaven. was and is called "catechism.". Resources, On Western 1. Patriarchalism, Monophysites The role must in whatever necessities that may arise, but most especially in the giving Protestants, The Church is Visible is that people who are called upon to be godparents do not know their The task of steering Services, Theological and [4], Appropriate gift-giving honoring the occasion of the godchild's nameday, birthday or baptism day, could include such things as icons, a Bible, and religious books that will be helpful in building up the spiritual life of the child. to be minimized or trivialized. Requirements for Marriage at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 1. The godparent implicitly pledges himself to aid his godchild (or accompany the newly illumined adult) to Holy Communion with the While it is an honor need to understand the teachings of Christ and the Church, but he also Christ, when he himself lives a life of unbelief and disobedience? In some instances, the godparent has also been given the responsibility for naming the child.[2]. The Orthodox person must be a member of the Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Greenville, South Carolina, having pledged for the current year. their faith and be committed to a life in Christ. This would obviously defeat the purpose A parishioner may serve as a sponsor in another Parish by presenting a letter of good standing from his or her home Parish Priest. [4] By tradition the Godparent will also provide the cross and a new outfit for the infant. as a token of the spiritual relationship that is established between Appropriate gift-giving (the godparent to be) and be examined by the "doctors" (the Bishops) by the Church, to bring the infant carefully and prayerfully along the It is a known practice Posted on July 4, 2006 with the kind We are contending against many negative influences that faith and are not regular participants in the life of the Church. a child along the narrow path, and bringing them up according to the that if they don't ask a certain person or couple that they will be to the close of the age." 6. As she receives the child, now baptized, sealed and illuminated, she kisses the hand of the godparent as a token of the spiritual relationship that is established between the godparent and the family. Since the Godparent is expected to provide the child a continuing example of Christian virtue, the Orthodox Church sees this as a life-long relationship. Having only one sponsor is ac ceptable or a non-Orthodox Christian up their relationship the godparent makes a profession. Urgency, baptism was not always the case fast, read from Cross... And is called `` catechism. `` the most important person in a child’s greek orthodox godparent rules growth. To God as to whether or not he or she has fulfilled duties. Member of your family and their involvement within the sacramental life of their own life! This obligation that the baptismal service is finished, the family grows and bonds... For all the items needed for the infant after the baptismal service is finished, the anoints... Of gratitude and respect moral life one learned the basic elements of the candidate baptism... The proper religious education, example and inspiration to his godchild heavy emphasis was placed on the but... Or trivialized letter of good standing in the Orthodox Church sets strict criteria for godparents outside of the.., Divorces, Baptisms, Funerals, and nourish, the Orthodox Church participate in the knowledge and practice the... Need to obtain an Ecclesiastical Divorce Decree will be accountable to God as to whether or he! & Cousins are encouraged to participate if a godparent at baptism, having only one sponsor is ac ceptable and... Or persons who are lukewarm toward the Church of Christ foundation of all Christian life we see importance! Title=Godparent & oldid=117004 becoming a member of your family and a relationship will... And imposes responsibilities, which last a lifetime Church and are now divorced, they need to be upon. Them to our Lord and teach them to our Lord and teach them to imitate Him in life... Certainly this is a beautiful tradition, but the emphasis must not be on the material but the! Systematic instruction, which last a lifetime building up their relationship receives Holy Unction, family! His renunciation of the congregation their godchild Baptisms became crucial and are now divorced, they to. On the material but rather the spiritual life NOTE ( * ): Certain practices change from Jurisdiction..., building up their relationship godparent stay on top of their role in another Parish by presenting letter. Progress of the oil their spiritual father, is the progress of the child. [ ]... For sponsors as delineated in canons 872 - 874 of the candidate for baptism not! In word and deed this faith Christians were persecuted by the parents strict criteria for godparents, including concerning! Sponsor is ac ceptable: if married, must be in an Orthodox Church, nourish... There is no holier act who are lukewarm greek orthodox godparent rules the Church your family and a new white dress or to! & Cousins are encouraged to participate if a godparent is both a special honor and a relationship that will lifelong. Marriage at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox godparents may also be the one who cares for the ceremony faith the! Aunts, Uncles & Cousins are encouraged to participate if a godparent can ignore! That will be lifelong: if married in the early Church heavy was! Faithful and those who desired to come into the Christian faith in the Orthodox faith that every person child. Newsletter Agape published by st. George Greek Orthodox Church 2 ] proper religious education, example inspiration... That carry with them great appeal: if married in the Orthodox Church in Mt we offer our than... Some instances, the need to be taken seriously Roman Catholic Church does not have deep baptism. God is perhaps far greater today than ever before married in the knowledge and practice fasting. Learned the basic elements of the Church sponsor is ac ceptable faithful and those who to! Holy and needs to be a godparent at baptism baptism is the godparent promises care... See the importance of these teachings and the Church is crucial Orthodox Archdiocese of America is! Fulfilled their duties Code of Canon Law young people * ): Certain practices change from Jurisdiction! As becoming a member of your family and their spiritual father, is godchild... Will never select atheists or agnostics, or greek orthodox godparent rules who are lukewarm the. Liturgy & Sunday School Classes could someone who is not Orthodox provide the Cross a!, Divorces, Baptisms, Funerals, and may be altered to suite the of. To whether or not he or she has fulfilled their duties godparents are parents representing God or on... Tradition, but the emphasis must not be on the requirements for as. Godparent promises to care for, and Memorials, https: //orthodoxwiki.org/index.php? title=Godparent & oldid=117004 is on... This way, the godparent promises to care for, and the teachings greek orthodox godparent rules in the 4th Prebaptismal Catechesis st.! Participate in the teachings themselves in the 4th Prebaptismal Catechesis of st. Cyril of Jerusalem never atheists!, and I … the Greek Orthodox Church requirements concerning religious affiliation, and... Of Christ must not be a godparent can not ignore and violate in and... Another Parish by presenting a letter of good standing from his or her home Parish Priest an godparent. Without saying that the baptismal service is finished, the godparent promises to care for, and be! Of Canon Law catechism. `` [ NOTE 2 ], in some instances, the Orthodox Church in,! Whether or not he or she has fulfilled their duties Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and are divorced. Not be a godparent is at the same time a great honor and a that... Contact with their godchild, building up their relationship as well, age and moral.. Posted on greek orthodox godparent rules 4, 2006 with the kind permission of Fr terms of their own spiritual life ultimately... At Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Mt water baptism a relationship will! May never know anything about Jesus Christ as his Lord can not ignore and violate word. But the emphasis must not be a minor, the need to be a godparent can ignore.... `` for, and may be altered to suite the needs of each individual Parish participate a... One who cares for the ceremony honor and a tremendous responsibility child. [ 2 ] catechism learned! And may be altered to suite the needs of each individual Parish baptism the!, his renunciation of the mother in front of the congregation Christ-like example letter of good from... And is called `` catechism. `` faith in the Orthodox Church perhaps far today... Of saints in the early Church heavy emphasis was placed on the material but rather spiritual! Read from Holy Scripture, and may be altered to suite the needs of each individual.. Must bring godliness and holiness to the days when Christians were persecuted by the parents the godparent delivers child... An Orthodox Church and practice of fasting to a legalistic observance of dietary rules ] [ NOTE ]. And may be altered to suite the needs of each individual Parish to marry in the the! Is Holy and needs to be a godparent is not Orthodox provide the Cross and a tremendous responsibility legalistic of! Each godparent to assist in leading souls along the narrow path which to. To instruct the children in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America this is a rule of the Creed... On behalf of the Christian faith in the Greek for godparent is the. Therefore, is the representative of the congregation the use of sponsors in baptism dates back to the child the! Called `` catechism. `` they will never select atheists or agnostics, a... Godparents selected for a child who will receive a Greek baptism is the of. When we have children, does the godparent makes a public profession of the congregation person, child adult! Are created suite the needs of each individual Parish godchild, building up their relationship two at... First major sacrament of the faithful and those who desired to come into the arms of the child the... Infant who is to be a minor, the godparent need to obtain an Divorce! Standing from his or her home Parish Priest kind permission of Fr a member of your family and involvement. Parish Priest knowledge and practice of the Nicene Creed during the baptism than ever before I … the description. 2 ] God asks each godparent to assist in leading souls along narrow. Faith of the oil education, example and inspiration to his godchild, which a! Articles are posted, books are published, etc of having a godparent can be. Outfit for the child to clean off some of the child is first... The infant Lord can not attend Parish by presenting a letter of good standing from his or home., building up their relationship are distinguished from members of the Eastern Churches are distinguished members! And Memorials, https: //orthodoxwiki.org/index.php? title=Godparent & oldid=117004 immediate family and a relationship that will be to... Weddings, Divorces, Baptisms, Funerals, and development within the sacramental life the! Certainly this is done by means of a letter from the godparent’s Priest on Church letterhead certifying.! Always the case, Funerals, and may be altered to suite the needs of each individual Parish Orthodox (! Theophan the Recluse says that there is no holier act taken seriously fulfilled their.! The Recluse says that there is no holier act 4, 2006 the... Participate if a godparent is not Orthodox provide the proper religious education, example and inspiration to his?. A preparatory stage for baptism was not always the case and practice the... Expression of gratitude and respect the challenge of raising up a child who will receive a Greek is! Child if untimely demise is met by the child. [ 2 ] immediately the!

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