It is one of the most important days preceding this great sacrament. From how far the choice of parents of the child is, the path of spiritual increase, which he has to go through a lot. Therefore, we will try to understand this matter with all the fullness, and if possible, avoid mistakes.

When should the baby be baptized?

The first and most important event in the life of a newborn is the rite of saint baptism. As for how many days after the birth of a baby, it should be done, there is no strictly installed rule. But taking into account the spiritual significance of the sacrament, it is recommended not to postpone it for a long time without serious reasons, and try so that the sacrament was committed in the first year of the child's life.

As in the process of making a rite and in the further spiritual life of the newly-ended, the godpieces appointed by him play, who take on the duty to raise him in the spirit of Orthodoxy. That is why the question of how to choose a godfather for a child becomes important to choose the child to fully fulfill the mission entrusted to them.

Who can not be among the godfather parents?

It should be noted that when prescribing the godparents there are certain limitations. First of all, the parents of the child cannot act in this role and, in addition, persons consisting of kinship. Also, church rules prohibit the entrusting to people who are among themselves in marriage or involve it to join it after a while. The reason is quite obvious. - These are people in spiritual relationship, and physical proximity between them is unacceptable.

Continuing the conversation about how they choose the godfather for the child, it is necessary to emphasize that they cannot be of various kinds of inners, including even Christians of other denominations (Catholics, Protestants, Lutheran, etc.). And, of course, you should not trust this to people at all unbelieving or declaring their faith, but unresolved and not visiting the church.

As for the age restrictions imposed on possible candidates, girls can be the godfather from thirteen years, and the boys are from fifteen. It is believed that, subject to the right and proper religious education at this age, they are already able to realize responsibility entrusted to them and with the times to become their kid.

Finally, from among possible candidates, persons suffering from mental illnesses should be excluded, since they cannot be responsible for their actions, and those who are immoral (from a church and universal point of view) lifestyle. The godparents can also be monks and nuns.

On whom to stop your choice?

However, the question of how choose the godfather for the child is not limited to the list of those who are not suitable for this role. Much more important than others. You should know who you can choose the godfather for the child, and in this regard there are no clearly defined borders, and there are only recommendations emanating from the life experience of previous generations of Orthodox Christians.

Before you stop on someone's choice, you should first think if they will pray for their scene or a skeleton all their lives, because it is one of them is one of their main responsibilities. This is especially important in the first years after baptism, as the child is still small and cannot contact the creator in prayers. In addition, it is believed that the prayer of those who took the baby from the Holy Flying, has special graceful power and is heard.

A god can be any relative of the child, regardless of his parents or just the one whom they know and respect. But it is necessary first of all to be guided by whether the chosen one will be a good adviser and a good spiritual educator of the child.

In order to fully understand how you choose the godfather for the child, you should outline that the circle of responsibilities that is assigned to each of them. This will help to avoid in the future many chagrins and disappointments associated with hasty and ill-imaginity of the decision.

According to the existing tradition, the godparents should be a day or two before the mysteriousness of the sacrament to go to the church and there to confess and compete to remove the goods of earth sins, able to prevent the establishment of spiritual unity with the gosson. Directly on the day of baptism, they impose a voluntary post, excluding both food and the fulfillment of marital duties.

During the commission of the sacrament, they read the "Symbol of Faith", and if the rite takes place above the girl, then the godfather is reading the prayer, and if over the boy, then the godfather. In this regard, it is important to carefully prepare, learn the text and learn in advance from the priest when you should read the prayer and how.

Correctly choose the godfather for the child is extremely important and in relation to the help that is expected from them during the commission of the rite. And first of all it refers to the godmother. It, among other things, must take care of the gift of the child, and about the various things necessary for the commission of the sacrament, such as a baptismal shirt, a towel, and, of course, a native cross, which will be on him. By the way, it should be noted that during the commission of the sacrament, its presence is necessary, while the congestion can participate in it only in absentia.

Psychological aspect of the choice of the mother's mother

It is very important to take into account the fact that after the ablution in the affiliation of the child takes his godfather in his hands, and here it is necessary to take care that this is not the cause of stress for the kid. It is very desirable that the candidate for this role will first keep him in her arms, and her features were familiar. The same can be said about the godfather. In the entire spectrum of issues related to how choosing the godfather for the child, this takes one of the main places.

Responsibility for the subsequent spiritual life of the child

According to church teaching, the relationship of the child with those who took him from the holy font is considered even closer than with real parents who gave him life. They have to keep the answer for him on a terrible court for him, and therefore their duty is the steady concern for the spiritual increase in their godfather.

This side of their duties in front of him and in front of the church includes not only conversations for religious topics that can expand the knowledge of the godfish in the field of Orthodoxy, but also the acquisition of the child to visiting the Church and participate in worship. Moreover, in order to achieve the best result, the godparents must steadily increase their own spirituality and be a lively and convincing example for the child.

Substitution of faith of the ruffle

It is very regrettable that today the true Christian faith is often replaced by the so-called uniform. Leaving aside the foundation of the teachings of Jesus Christ, preaching humanism, sacrifice in the name of the near and repentance as the compassion of God's kingdom, people hope to get momentary earth goods by the fulfillment of certain rituals.

If the ancient pagans such naivety were exclared by their ignorance, now, when the Lord gave us the Holy Gospel, it remains only to regret those who are to the question about why they cross the child, without thinking, answer: "In order not to hurt." And it's all! Not a word about the fact that they wish his unity in the spirit of God with the Creator of the Universe and the possibility of inheritance in the life of the eternal life.

How to choose a godfather for a child if the parents are unbelievers?

In addition, in recent years has become fashionable, and the unbelieving parents often carry them to the holy font, making it only in order to keep up with others. Despite this, the Church welcomes the baptism of a newborn, regardless of those reasons who managed him by their parents, although it wishes them more responsibly approach the holy sacrament, which is the spiritual birth of their little man.

That is why the question of how to choose the godparents for the child is of particular importance, because it is their religiosity that the real father and mother are not able to give. In his decision, there can be no general councils, since in each case it individually and depends on the environment of loved ones and friends in which young parents live. It is among these people who should look for those who are able to help the child to become a path of spiritual increment.

The question generated by the superstition

Sometimes you have to hear a rather strange question about how to choose a godfather for a child in and in general, is it possible to perform this sacrament in a year, which in your calendar February 29? This question is strange, first of all, because, according to the priests themselves, there is no such thing in the Orthodox Church as a leap year, and therefore there are no restrictions related to it, be it weddings, christenings or other ordinances. The appearance of the people in the people is that he brings unfortunately, is the fruit of superstition and empty speculation. Believers, people should have only fear of God and hope for His mercy, and not afraid of some.

Usually they are chosen from the nearest friends or relatives.

The godparents should not be among themselves husband and wife, or the bride and groom. Between them, after baptism, spiritual relationship arises (funny words "Kum" and "Kuma" is now about them!), And every sex life is excluded.

Traditionally, asked to lead or two diverse criss or the cross of the same sex as a child. But this is just a tradition that is rooted from those times when people were baptized by adults and bare, and there was something to be shy.

In principle, the godfall is needed in order to instruct his kid in spiritual life, and it may well be not the floor as the baby.

Great Parents: Training

In some dioceses, they require the godders to make parents who, before this mission, are constantly visiting the temple, short-term courses have passed - nothing like a library for beginner believers. Otherwise, what will they teach their congestion or daughter?

As a rule, this is 2-3 classes that spend the Batyushki themselves or the most valid parishioners, and in these classes can be asked any questions about faith. In some temples are limited to the issuance of small books about the sacrament.

It is not required with chrooped godded parents, the priest will simply ask them if they know the commandments, asked to read a few prayers.

In any case, you see, a person who takes responsibility for your baby must understand at least what it consists. And in any case, the perception should know by heart a prayer of the faith, to read it at the appropriate moment.

Godparents: Rules

In the church language of the godparents, they refer to perceptions. They serve as guarantors of the faith of a baby, and they lie responsibility for the spiritual education of the child. Subsequently, upon reaching a child of conscious age, they must explain to him the foundations of Orthodox faith. It is necessary only one perception - the godfather for the boy and the godfather mother for the girl. However, in the root tradition, the baby often choose two godfather - a man and a woman.

Great parents can not be:

  • Children (boy under 15 years old, girl under 13)
  • Native parents of baby
  • Unbelievers or confessing other religions people.
  • Cross parents of crumbs should not be among themselves married or plan an union. But at the same time, her husband and wife are allowed to be perceptuals of various children of the same parents, but at different times.

What should godparents?

Many mothers believe that the godparents are now obliged to economically support the family. This is not true. Along the canons, the goddes are obliged to take care of the upbringing of the kid. Let's say, refuse to buy an expensive toy or payment of vouchers to the south, godparents can, but refuse to mom in help to travel with a child to church on weekends - no. It is believed that for the upbringing of the godfather with a person asked the same as for the upbringing of the native.

How to baptize the child, what rules to keep.

In the life of every child, his parents are the most important people. After all, it is the parents that are the people who give us life, love, care and attention. This fact is indisputable and known to us all since childhood. However, do not forget about spiritual parents or, as we used to call them about the godf.

The question regarding the choice of the godpieces and the very procedure of baptism was always and remains relevant, since both the godfather dad and the godfather is given to the child alone and for life. Moreover, it is before spiritual parents that the most important task is to bring up a baby in accordance with the generally accepted norms of morality and, of course, faith. Well, today we will talk in detail about all the nuances of the baptism procedure and the choice of godparents, so that you no longer have to worry about this.

What are the godparents?

Are many people know why baby needs godparents? How many are thinking about this issue? Unfortunately no.

  • Most couples, choosing the godfather to their children, think absolutely not about what it would be worth it.
  • We are taken to take people in Kumany people who are familiar to us. Most often these are friends or relatives. Not the last factor when choosing the godfather is and their financial condition, while you need to pay attention to completely different things.
  • I must say that talking about the question: "Why do the godparents need?" It is standing after the answer to the question is: "Why do why baptize the child?". Agree, it is quite logical. Here we will start with this.
  • According to Orthodox beliefs, each person comes to this world with original sin. This is a violation of the ban on Adam and Eve. So this original sin is a kind of congenital illness, without getting rid of which the baby will not be able to grow healthy and happy.
  • Remove this sin, perhaps only accepting faith. Many parents try to chrish the baby as soon as possible, but in principle they do not understand why it is necessary to do this. Here you are the answer, the kids are as soon as possible that they were with God, and he gave them to all sorts of benefits.

Now we go to the question, why do we need a godail:

  • As a rule, each person's congestion almost immediately after birth. By virtue of its age, the kid, and in principle, and the teenager cannot objectively assess the importance of this step, as well, and cannot follow this faith, because they simply do not know it.
  • It is for this that we all need a godfather. The godfall perceive the kids straight out of the fonts and become full-fledged spiritual parents (godparents, perceivers).
  • The second parents must teach the child to live "according to the rules". In this case, we are not so much about the rules of life in society, how much about the basics of the Orthodox faith. The goddes must instruct the baby on the way true, take care of him and love him as a native child, and in the event that the skeleton once gets sharpened - to stretch his help hand. Also, perceivers should always pray for their scene and ask the Lord to be favorable to him.
  • Based on the foregoing, it can be concluded that choosing the godfather for your child, it is necessary to look at the presence of money and opportunities with them, but what way of life these people lead and whether they are actually believers.

How to choose a godfather and godfather for a child: rules who can be a godfather, meter and how many years?

Choosing the godfather for the baby, few people think about how he should be. We are more likely to evaluate the future perception of other criteria: a friend, a relative, responsible or not, lives in this city and can often see with a child or not, etc. However, the Church puts forward its rules and they need to follow.

Important: Of course, the godfather should be baptized. This condition is mandatory and any discussions are not subject to. After all, how can a unresolved person who does not believe in God and, accordingly, does not understand the commandments, according to which everyone should live, who came to this land, to teach this whole little child? The answer is obvious.

  • Moreover, the perception must be choking. However, in our time, few people know even the meaning of this word. If we speak with simple words, then the person who is not just baptized, but really believes, lives in Christian and tries to follow all the basics of his faith.


  • Regarding age. There is no clear boundaries here, but the church is inclined to the fact that the perception must be adult. Why is that? The point here is not in 18 years, but the fact that adults are considered quite adults and responsible for such a serious step. By the way, we are not talking about civil majority, but about the church. Despite this, the godfather can also be before, but this question needs to be discussed with the father, which will give permission to this.

The godmother should choose analogous to the crossed father:

  • The spiritual mother must necessarily be a believer Orthodox Christian, respectively, it must be baptized.
  • It is also necessary to take into account how a woman lives. Whether she believes in God whether he goes to church whether the kid can raise the believer Orthodox Christian.
  • In addition to church restrictions, future parents should pay attention to other things. Choosing a godfather to your baby, you must understand that in fact this woman will be the second mom for your child and, accordingly, you must trust it.
  • Do not take into the godfather for the baby unfamiliar or dubious people. Cross must be responsible and proven people.

Who can not be taken to the godfather to her child?

If you really have taken care of this question, then we recommend that you consult with the priest, as no one knows the answers to all your questions. However, if we speak in general, the church forbids taking such people to the godparents:

  1. Monk or a monk. Despite this, the father can become a toddler perception.
  2. Native parents. It would seem, well, who are the parents themselves can give the child the best upbringing and assist? But no, the parents are strictly forbidden to baptize their babies.
  3. A woman and man who are married. The church does not just approve, namely strictly prohibits the ignore this rule. Because people who cross the baby become relatives on the spiritual level and accordingly, to keep worldly life after that they will not be able. It is also forbidden to marry the already authorized coumen - it is considered a huge sin.
  4. It is clear that it is impossible to take people who suffer from psyche disorders and are seriously ill.
  5. And one more rule, which we previously spoke in brief. Great age. In addition to the majority, there are two more age thresholds: the girl should reach 14 years old, and the guy is 15. In principle, it is not worth a lot about this condition, because it is clear that the child cannot educate the child, so taking into the godparents of such age Categories can not.

How many times can you be a godfather, godmother? Is it possible to refuse to be a godfather, the godfather?

The church does not give a clear answer to the question of how many times you can baptize the child and it is quite logical:

  • Perception is very big responsibility and the more children you baptize, the more this responsibility becomes. That is why a person must answer this question himself. Ask myself a question: "Will I be able to give so much attention to this kick, how much will it take?", "Do I have enough spiritual and physical forces to raise another child?", "Would you have" breaking "between all the gods?" . That's when you honestly give yourself answers to such questions, then you will understand whether you can paint another kid or you have to refuse.
  • By the way, many wonder: "Is it possible to refuse to be a godfather, the godfather?". The answer is, moreover, it is even necessary if you do not want to do this or cannot for some kind of reasons.


  • The man who was offered to baptize the kid should clearly understand that after the sacrament of baptism, he will be a native man for a child, his second parent, and this implies a lot of responsibility. This is not just to come for a birthday, congratulate a Happy New Year or the Saint Nicholas, no, it means to constantly participate in the life of the baby, develop it, help him in all his endeavors. Are not ready for such responsibility? Refuse immediately, because this is not considered a sin and something shameful, but to become a perception and not to fulfill his direct responsibilities - this is a church sin, for which God will definitely ask.

Is it possible to baptize a child without the godfather, the godfather mother, the godfather, with one godfather?

In the old days of the child, only one perception was baptized. Boys - man, girls - woman. This is due to the fact that once for a long time, everyone was baptized by adult people and, accordingly, in order not to be shy, took themselves into the godfather of the same sex with them.

  • Now that baptism occurs at that stage, while the baby is still completely inconspicuous - two perceivers of different sex can be baptized.
  • At the request of parents, baptize the newborn can either only a man or only a woman. For boys is a man, for girls - a woman, respectively. The church does not prohibit such practice, moreover, it was originally done that way.
  • There are situations where parents want to hold the sacrament of baptism at all without perceivers and this is quite possible. In this case, congestion without the godfall in general. However, initially this nuance should be discussed with the priest, so that you did not have any surprises.

Is it possible to be a godfather, the godfather in two or several children in one family?

The church very concisely gives an answer to this question. You can and need if you suggested that, and you want it. There are no prohibitions to be a godfather / godfather at once in two children in the family, no, and this phenomenon is completely common. The main thing, taking such a decision, objectively assess its capabilities and if you are ready for such responsibility - forward.

Can a pregnant one who is unmarried to be a godfather from a foreign child?

How much disputes is the question, and superstitions by the way too:

  • For some reason, we assume that a pregnant woman does not have the right to baptize the baby. However, this statement is completely unreasonable. The church in no way forbets the future mother to become a perception of a newborn, moreover, it is believed that for a pregnant woman it is even useful. Therefore, you should not believe in prejudice, if you encountered such a situation and do not know how to do it right, just contact the church, everything will explain in detail there.
  • The same applies to the unmarried woman. The fact that a woman is not married does not mean that she will not be able to be a good perception for the baby.

Could be a godfather and godfather grandfather grandfather, grandchild, granddaughter? Can a native, cousin, a native, cousin be a godfather, sister's godmother, brother?

Most often, we choose as our friends and buddies as the godfather, however, some people reveal the desire that their children baptized their children.

  • Orthodox faith does not prohibit grandparents and grandfathers to become the godfather for their grandchildren. Moreover, purely from the point of view of education is very good. Grandmother and grandfather lived life, have a rich life experience, and grandchildren are holy for them, so someone who will be able to raise a newborn in accordance with all the rules and foundations of Christianity.
  • Battlements for baptism did not touch the brothers / sisters of the newborn baby. The church allows and approves the baptism of children with their relatives and cousins \u200b\u200band sisters.


  • Everyone knows that younger kids always want to be similar to their older brothers and sisters and imitate them in every way. In this case, the subject of the imitation will have to help your goddly in every way and show only a positive example.
  • The only thing about how to think is about the age of possible godfall. After all, perceptions must be responsible and relatively experienced people.

Could there be a godfather husband and wife, have one child? Can the godparents get married?

Regarding this issue, the church is very strict. It is strictly forbidden that the child is baptized married couple. Moreover, future kums are also forbidden to marry further. If we speak simple words, there should be only a spiritual connection between people who cross the same kid (godfather), but not the "earthly" (marriage). In this case, in this case can not be.

Conversation Before baptism for the godfather: What does the father ask before baptism?

Few people know, but in front of the sacrament of baptism, future perceptions should go to special conversations. In practice, we can see that sometimes such conversations are not conducted at all or are conducted, but not the number of times necessary.

  • As a rule, during such conversations, the priest explains the Futive Cross of the Basics of Orthodox faith, talks about what responsibilities they will be in relation to the gossip.
  • Those who do not know the foundations of Christianity are advised to read the Holy Scripture. This will help future spiritual parents to understand the faith and, accordingly, understand that they are required in the upbringing of the baby.
  • Also, the father tells that the perceptions should withstand a 3-hdnerable post, and after that confess their sins and compete.
  • Directly on the very sacrament of baptism, the father asks for future godfall about whether they believe in God, whether they are opposed to the unclean and are ready to be perceptuals.

Boy and girls christening: requirements, rules, duties and what you need to know for the godfather?

If you were offered to become a child's godfather, it is a great honor and responsibility. Therefore, you need to know the following rules and requirements for you:

  • Of course, the main requirement for a woman who will baptize the child is to be baptized and sincerely believe in God.
  • Next, a few days before the celebration you need to confess and compete. It is also worth refrain from any carnal joy. And in addition to all this, you should know the prayer "Symbol of Faith." You will read this prayer when baptism you will only if you baptize the girl.

Your duties before the baby as a godmother:

  • The godfather takes responsibility for the education of the child
  • Must teach it to live in accordance with Christian rules and stands
  • Must pray for him before God and help the baby in everything
  • Also the godfather should led the child to the church, do not forget about the day of his birth and baptism
  • And, of course, there must be a good example to him


What else do you need to know the godmother? You can, perhaps, only duties regarding organizational issues:

  • It is believed that it was the spiritual mother who should bring a child a kick (a special baptismal towel) and a baptismal set, which, as a rule, consists of a shirt, hats and socks or socks, sweaters, hats and socks.
  • It is important to know that the kryzhma should be new, it is in this towel of the new-stop child will put the father. This attribute is a kind of protection for the child and can be used later as the overag.

Captures of the boy and girls: requirements, rules, duties and what you need to know for the godfather?

The future godfather is also important to know certain rules and duties associated with the rite of baptism of Baby:

  • Just like with mom, the godfather must be an Orthodox Christian and be baptized.
  • The main responsibility of the spiritual dad is a worthy example, most importantly, if a child who is conceding - a boy. He must see a decent example of male behavior. Also, the godfather should drive a kid to the church and teach him to live in peace with all the people around them.
  • It is accepted that the future perception should buy a kid and a chain or a thread, which will be wearing a cross. It is also not superfluous to acquire a baptismal icon. It was the godfather that should pay all the costs of baptism, if any.
  • All these worries and troubles are better to solve in advance, in order not to do everything at the last moment.

The bars of the boy and the girls: what should the mother mother do in the christening?

Immediately need to clarify that the future godfather should be present on the christening, but the Godfather may be present in absentia.

  • Directly on the christenings themselves, the godmother will take the godfather after immersion in the font. Hold your baby initially, most likely there will be a godfather dad.
  • After the child is given to the godfather, she must wear a girl in a new outfit.
  • Next, the perception holds the baby and while the priest reads prayers, and then when it makes a world-making.
  • Sometimes priests are asked to read prayer, but most often they do it themselves.


  • Everything will be like a boy, but after dipping him to the font, he will be passed to the hands of a cross father. Also, when baptized the boy, it is defined for the altar (after 40 days from birth).

The bars of the boy and the girls: what should the godfather do in the christening?

The duties of the godfather are not much different from the duties of the godfather:

  • Spiritual dad can also keep baby.
  • After the priest receives answers to all traditionally asked questions, perceptions will be asked to tell a special prayer. But again, most likely it will make the father himself.
  • The godfather dad helps to undress the child before diving into the driver, and after wear. If a child who is conclusive girl, then after this rite will be passed to the hands of the godfather, if the boy is to keep the godfather.

Is it possible to change the godfather, the godfather, the godfather mother of a child, boy, girl ?

All people come to this world only once, exactly the same amount is allowed to be baptized.

  • The church prohibits changing the godfall parents, moreover, in fact there is no such possibility, because there is no such rite.
  • That is why it has repeatedly appealed to the fact that the baby is baptized - this is a huge responsibility, from which after you can not just take and refuse.
  • Gasps do not change under any circumstances. Even if over time you stopped communicating with Kumany, even if they left and cannot often see the baby, they still remain his godfather and bear responsibility for him.

How many crosses should have a child if there can be two godfather moms and two godfather?

Previously, we have already discussed a little bit:

  • In our time, most often take into the godfather of two people: the godfather and the godfather mother. However, you can do in a different way.
  • You can take in Kumany only the Cross Pope or the Cross Mom. It should be remembered that the presence of perception is more important for a newborn baby, and for the boy is still a perception.
  • If for some reason you do not want to take the godfather in general, well, or just take you no one, then you can drink a child and without perceivers at all.


  • Moreover, you can ask for the father to become a godfather to your baby, but you must consider the fact that a person has hardly removed from your family can pay due attention to the child.
  • Maybe there are 2 godfather moms or 2 godfall dads - a rhetorical question. It is necessary to specify directly in that church in which you want to baptize the child and the priest who will hold the rite. Cases are known, however, different churches, no matter how strange it sounds, can give you a different answer.

Can there be a Muslim process of the Orthodox?

The answer to this question is very obvious. Never there. After all, how can Muslim be able to teach the child of the Orthodox faith? In no way. The only thing that can make a Muslim is to stand in the church during the sacrament of baptism if it is committed on his relative.

As you can see, the question regarding the baptism and the choice of godded parents is very relevant and is actively discussed. There are many rules and prejudices, which in our time for some reason stand at one stage with church customs, which is why if you do not know how to do the right thing in a particular situation - contact the church, you will explain in detail all the moments that interest you.

Video: On the baptism of babies and about the modern lifestyle

Baptism is one of the important events in the life of an Orthodox person. It is believed that he receives some pass to the kingdom of God. This is the moment of the spiritual birth of a person when his former sins are released, and the soul is cleared. Special attention should be paid to the choice of godfather for the child, as they have an impact on the spiritual life and salvation of the believer. Therefore, the godfather, the obligations and responsibility of which are to be in all of the above, should be worthy.

The role of the godfather in the life of a child

Now consider in more detail what the godfather play in Orthodoxy plays the same role, the responsibilities of which are not only in gifts for the holidays. The most important thing that he should do is to assist in the spiritual life of his kid. So, consider responsibilities in order:

  1. Show for him a worthy example of your life. This means that in the presence of a kid can not be eaten alcohol and smoking cigarettes, talk words. You need to be noble in your actions.
  2. Mandatory prayers for their scene, especially in difficult moments.
  3. Visit the temple with the child.
  4. Be sure to spiritual education of the godfather (stories about God, Bible training, etc.). If there are problems in life situations, then provide full assistance.
  5. The responsibilities of the godfather also includes material support if necessary (if parents have a difficult situation with money or work).

What do you need to know to choose the godfall parents?

So, how to choose a godfather, or perception? What should be guided? First, you should know that in the spiritual life of the child, the godfather of one with him is most important (for the boy - the godfather, for the girl - the godfather's mother). However, on the well-established tradition in Kumany, they choose two.

Of course, the decision, who will be a spiritual educator of the child throughout his life take on the family council. If there are any difficulties in choosing, then consult with a father or spiritual father. He will surely tell a suitable candidate, because it is a rather honorary duty.

It is very important that the godparents will not be lost in life so that they continue to fade into the child throughout their lives. Both the godfather and the godfather, the duties and functions of which are described above, are responsible to the Lord.

Based on all this, Christians who older than fourteen years are suitable for the role of spiritual parents. They take responsibility for the further spiritual life of the baby, making prayers for him, and after teaching to live in the Lord.

Who can't be a godfather?

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

  • Those who are going to become spouses in the future or are already those in the present.
  • Parents kid.
  • Those who accepted monasticism.
  • Unresolved people or unbelievers in the Lord.
  • You can not take into the godparents who have mental illness.
  • Those who confess the other faith.

All this should be considered before the godfather will be chosen. Its duties are quite extensive, therefore, the person who agreed to him should be clearly aware.

Necessary Objects for Rite

To tell more detail about what items are needed for this rite:

  • Kryzhma. This is a special towel on which the cross is embroidered or simply depicted. It is wrapped in a child during a world-formation, as well as when prohibitive prayers read. Sometimes on such a towel embroidered the name of the baby and the date of his baptism.
  • Bractile diaper. This is not a completely necessary attribute, but should be when it is cold. This diaper wipes the baby after dipping in the font, and after again wrapped in the hryon.
  • Clothes for baptism. It can be a baptismal set (dress) for a girl or a special shirt for a boy. It is desirable that this clothes have gained a darity of the baby.
  • It is necessary to have a native cross for a future Christian. Usually his godfather becomes. Responsibilities for baptism for him, of course, are not limited to this acquisition, but they will be written below.
  • It is necessary to take a converter with a crucified baby hair.
  • You should also purchase icons for the child and make a donation to the temple (this is an optional condition).

Is there special preparation for perceptions before ritual?

Also should be paid to the preparation for christening. The most correct step is to appeal to the confessor or father for the advice. However, you should know that usually before the sacrament it is necessary to confess and compete. Before that, you need to follow the post (about the number of days you have to tell the father). Perhaps additional actions will be needed, like reading prayers, spiritual literature, etc. It is also desirable not to visit noisy parties at this time, various entertainment places, refuse to view the TV. All free time is desirable to pay prayer.

If you are first in the role of the godfather, it is advisable to get acquainted with how the sacrament is going on what prayers are read, what the order of chants. This is necessary because when you become a spiritual educator of a small person, you need not just a formal presence. Sincere prayer is needed, which should not stop and after the completion of the sacrament, because this is the essence of the formation of the godfather.

In more detail about what the godfather the duties has during the commission of this rite will be described below.

Presents

Considering the question about the duties of the godfather in the christening, it should be said that on this day it is customary to give gifts, both kids and kuma. Optionally, you can give a gift to parents.

For a child, it is appropriate to give as a developing toy and something more important for spiritual life, for example, a Bible for children with pictures. By the way, a gift can be stated in advance with my parents, because something else is more important at this moment.

There is one main gift that his godfather should be presented to the baby. Responsibilities during baptism is not only to hold the baby, but also show the first example of the reverence of the Lord. After all, children understand everything from birth at the level of feelings. In addition to reading a prayer, such a gift is becoming a native cross, which is baptizing. His must buy and give a perception.

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

How was the christening in distant times?

Previously, like now, the christenings were a very significant event in the life of people. Make this sacrament necessarily no later than two months from the kid's family, and sometimes before, on the eighth day. It happened because previously there was a high mortality rate of babies, so for loved ones it was very important to chrish the child before it happens the irreparable so that his soul would hit heaven.

The celebration of the admission of a little man to the church was made with a lot of guests. This was especially noticeable in large villages. A lot of people gathered for such a holiday who came with hotels and best wishes for a baby. At the same time, they brought mainly various pastries - Culebs, pies, pretzels. In the house where a little man lived, a lush table was covered for guests, and the alcohol was almost no (there could be only red wine in very small quantities).

There were traditional festive dishes. For example, baked in a caress rooster for a boy or chicken for a girl. Also, there was a lot of figure baking, which symbolized wealth, fertility, longevity.

At the table was made to invite an obsession that took the baby. Also could call the father who performed the baptism rite. During the festival, they sang numerous songs, wanting the child in all the best to the child. They accompanied all guests, giving each sweets.

How is the baptism? Responsibilities of the godfather

Now consider how the rite itself passes, what should be done at this time and what are the responsibilities for each of those present. Nowadays, this sacrament usually occurs on a fortieth day after birth. Parents or future goddes must go to the selected temple in advance and sign up for the selected date, as well as coordinate the process itself. After all, individual christening or general can be held.

The responsibilities of the godfather in the baptism of the girl alone, the boy - others (although they differ slightly). If the child is not yet a year and he cannot stand himself, then he is holding him all the time. The first half of the rite (before dipping in the font) of the boys keep the godmother, and girls are fathers. Already after diving, everything changes. Since the boy is the main thing for the boy, then it is he who takes a baby in the hidge, and his mother takes a girl. And until the end of the rite, everything continues.

The service itself lasts about forty minutes (more time is required if there are many people). She begins after the Liturgy. The mysteriousness begins with the imposition of hands on the bison and reading of special prayer. After that, you should renounce Satan and his affairs. For a kid who does not know how to talk, adults are responsible.

The next step in the rite will be the consecration of water in the font. Before immersing the baptized in it, it should be acknowledged with a barefoot (back, chest, ears, forehead, legs and pens.) Only after that there is a dive in the font. The priest reads prayers at the same time. This action symbolizes dying for peace and resurrection for the Lord. So there is a cleansing.

The child is then transmitted to the crossed, wrapped in the hryon (as mentioned above, the boy is passed to his father, and the girl is a mother). Now the kid is acknowledged by the world.

So now you know the responsibilities of the godfather with the baptism of the boy and the girl. As you can see, they differ slightly.

Baptism at home

In addition to baptism in the temple, there will be no reprehensible to commit this sacrament and at home, in a family circle. However, it is better to do it in a place. It comes from the fact that after the baptism of boys should be made to the altar (girls are simply applied to icons).

After the rite is perfect, the little man becomes a full member of the church. All of all it can be felt only in the temple. Therefore, homemade christening is possible only in the event of the inability of the baby to withstand the rite in the church. Also they are committed when a child is in mortal danger (illness, etc.). If all the sacrament takes place in the home setting, the godfather of the duties to baptism is the same as if the rite was accompanied in the temple.

Church life of new Christians

It should be known that after baptism for a person only his spiritual life begins. The first acquaintance with the church rules begins with the prayer of his mother and the godfather. That is the case, the Word of God is invisible to the baby. And already in the future, when he sees everything himself, it is possible to attach him slowly to family prayer, explaining its value.

Especially it should be said about baptizing accessories. Kryzhma and special clothes (if you purchased it) should be stored separately and not to use in everyday life. The baptismal shirt (dress) can be worn at the moments of the child's disease (or just shock in it). The icon, which was used during the sacrament, you need to put a baby near the crib or home iconostasis (if any). The candle is used in special cases and also store all life.

The duties of the godfather when baptism are just beginning. In the future, when the child is growing, you will need to go to the temple, communion and services. Of course, it can be done with my parents, but better if it is the godfather. By the way, you need to take a child in the temple from the small years. It is there, in the Lona of the Church, he will be able to realize all the greatness of God. If he does not understand something, you need to patiently explain the difficult moments.

So there is an addictive and beneficial effect on the soul of man. Church chants and prayers soothe and strengthen. During maturation, complex questions may arise. If the godparents or parents cannot give answers to them, then it is better to turn to the father.

Conclusion

So now you know what the godfather is obligations. They need to treat them with all seriousness from the very beginning, as soon as you have made such a sentence. If necessary, consult with a father about what you should do for the baby, how to educate in spiritual life and what support to render. Be careful, because from now on, you and your godfather are connected forever spiritually. For his sins, you will also answer, so you need to take up with a special importance. By the way, if you are not sure about your abilities, it is better to give up this.

Godfather and mother, kum and kuma- perceivers from the font baptism.In the Russian traditional tradition, the godfares played a significant role throughout the human life, since spiritual relationship, in which the perceivers and their gods were entered into the baptism, was even stronger than the blood. Proverb: "Spiritual relationship Plotsky's forest."

The godparents are responsible before God for the spiritual and moral state of his gods. Since the mysteriousness of the sacrament, the godparents became the intermediaries between the gods and the world of saints. Their prayers were considered effective, sometimes they were even attached to a lot of power than the prayers of their native mother.

To spiritual relationship with the godfather (in folk terminology - nepotism)they entered the baptism and parents of the baptized, and the nearest relatives of him. All of them were called Kumami (the baptized and the godfather between their Kumami were not called).

Peace-related persons could not engage in marriage.Church legislation after the XVII century. Significantly narrowed the range of persons related to marriage prohibitions. In the village of XIX century. Only marriages were officially prohibited between the sensory and the mother of the scene and the perception and the father of the godders. The traditional tradition was significantly expanding the circle of persons on which spiritual relationship was distributed and respectively marriage bans. Marriages were forbidden not only between the godded parents and the gods, but also between Kumany. Bans spread over the second generation. Intimate connections between spiritual relatives were considered in the peasant environment in the heavily. "After all, Kum with Cumou stood from the total font before God, entrusted to the baby and renounce him from Satan, and instead of themselves go to the paws of Satan and the baby burned there, directly, that the sin is unpredictable, because it defuses an innocent baby" ( Yaroslavl lips.).

Kumping as a relationship system included certain norms of behavior. According to reviews from different places, among people connected by spiritual relationship, a large restraint and respect is noticed. " Mandatory was considered mutual assistance. Between the sorry families should not be quarrel; They were considered as a great sin. Children were brought up in the spirit of special respect for the godfalls. According to the deep conviction of Russian people, "sin unforgivable offend the godfather. God happiness will not give. "

By custom, Kumany visited each other to large holidays, primarily on Easter.On this day, the godfather had to bestow their gods with painted eggs, and the parents of the gods, in turn, carried gifts. The godparents were the indispensable participants of all holidays in the house of their gods. In addition, it was customary to treat Kuma and Kum, whenever they came.

A special role was assigned to the godfather on weddinggods. They were consulted before marriage. They blessed the bride and groom after their parents and fulfilled the role of a planted father and mother. In the absence of parents, the godfather replaced them. When the orphan bride went on the cemetery to ask for the blessings from the dead parents, she was accompanied by the godfather. Often they were performed in the wedding rite honorary functions of the Swhahi, thousands.The godfather, like parents, were blessed when sent to military service or on long-distance travel.

According to the established Russian tradition, the godfather brought a piece of white matter to baptism, on which they put after the font, "risks", or "reception." The godfather paid for the molding and giving a native cross - a symbol of faith and protection against unclean. The constant wearing of the Cross for the Russian man was mandatory and natural. The absence of it was considered to believe that the sacrament of baptism was not committed on this person, that is, he does not belong to the Orthodox faith.