Many parents decide to baptize their child in infancy. There is an opinion that the sooner a child comes to know the Church and God, the sooner a guardian angel will begin to protect him.
What is the sacrament of baptism?
The child must be baptized. First of all, this is the rebirth of man. The body is immersed in water three times, while turning to Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. On sinful earth a person dies, but appears and is reborn for eternal life. There is an opinion that if a person has not undergone this mysterious rite, he cannot calmly attend church.
As a result, it turns out that at baptism a person is saved from everything evil and unclean. From this moment on, the guardian angel does not leave people, but follows them everywhere. Even if a person gets into trouble, this means some kind of warning. Then you need to stop and think about what you are doing wrong.
Many people wonder whether it is possible to baptize a child without godparents. After all, not every person has such friends who can be trusted with the fate of their baby. For some reason, every church has different answers. Let's talk about everything in order.
At what age should a child be baptized?
Almost all parents think about this immediately after the birth of their baby. We figured out what child baptism is. What else do you need to know? Parents often wonder at what age a child should be baptized. There are absolutely no restrictions for this.
There is an opinion that it is best to baptize a baby as early as possible. The church accepts children from the first days of life. Sometimes there are cases that the baby was born weak and needs help. Then the priest is asked to come straight to the hospital to see the mother and baby. Often after baptism the baby quickly recovers.
As for the mother, after giving birth she should not visit the temple for 40 days. The little toddler needs dear person at the moment of the sacrament of baptism. Therefore, parents baptize the child when the mother can attend church, that is, on the 41st day from the birth of the baby.
If parents trust their baby to their godparents, then it is better to baptize him without his mother on the eighth day. It was at this age that Jesus was given to serve God. As it became known, in any case the child must be baptized. What you need to know about age is described in the article. Now we need to figure out what is needed for this sacrament.
Preparing supplies for baptism
First of all, a cross is needed, which indicates that the child has undergone the necessary ritual. According to tradition, it is given by the godfather. Today there is big choice pectoral crosses. They can be purchased at the temple. Crosses can be simple, silver or gold. If they are bought in a simple store, then before the ceremony they must first be consecrated.
The godmother purchases a kryzhma (a special towel for baptism) in advance. They don’t sell it in the temple. As a rule, parents choose clothes for baptism. It should be made of soft, pleasant fabric. Remember that godparents will undress and dress the baby before and after the ceremony. Therefore, clothes should be such that they can be easily taken off and put on.
Kryzhma is a child’s heirloom that will last a lifetime. Therefore, it must be made of high-quality material. There is an opinion that there is an invisible force in the kryzhma, which helps to cure diseases. If your baby is not feeling well, then take out a baptismal towel and dry your baby in the evenings after bathing.
If you are wondering whether it is possible to baptize a child without godparents, the answer is yes. That is, this does not mean that the baby will have no one. The father can choose godparents.
Child baptism ceremony
The rules are the same everywhere. Previously, parents were not allowed into the church for the baptism ceremony. Today, only mothers cannot cross the threshold of the temple. The father can film on camera the entire ceremony that occurs with his child. If you don't have suitable pair, ask the priest if it is possible to baptize a child without godparents. The priest will tell you where to find suitable parents for this rite.
Parents with babies must appear for baptism ahead of schedule. The child must get used to the atmosphere. Then he will be calm and will easily endure the sacrament.
At the time when it is time to enter the temple, the godmother should bring the boy, and the father - the girl. The child must be placed in a specially designated place for babies and completely undressed. Sometimes it is allowed to leave the diaper on. Then the godparents wrap the little man in kryzhma.
When the dressing procedure is completed, the godparents bring the baby to the font to perform the ceremony. The priest reads prayers, and the godparents must repeat some words after him. Father tells you everything, so don’t worry. At the moment of prayer, the godparents must repeat the renunciation of the devil three times. Before God they swear to fulfill all the commandments and take care of the godson.
After reading the prayers, the water is blessed, into which the priest dips the baby three times. Sometimes it just gets your head wet.
Surprisingly, children do not get sick after such a ritual. After all, water is holy, it can even heal the sick.
Then the priest cuts the child's hair with a cross, and the parents carry the baby around the font 3 times. Only after this, the godmother and father dress the baby and take him to his parents. This is how the rite of baptism of a child ends. The rules are the same in every temple.
Is baptism possible without a godmother?
Every priest can answer this question. If you baptize a boy, then he must have a mentor who will replace his father. That's why he needs a godfather.
As for the girl, she needs a mentor when her mother is not around. That's why she needs a godmother. Choose a second mother for your daughter consciously. The girl must trust her and be able to ask her godmother for help at any time.
Now you know the answer to the question of whether it is possible to baptize a child without a godmother. However, there is an opinion that the church should take care of every person. Even if there are no godparents, they should not deny the child Baptism.
Is it possible to baptize a child in absentia?
As mentioned earlier, children and their parents undergo the sacrament of baptism. They read prayers and take vows. That is why there should be no baptism in absentia. After all, if a person is not next to the child during the ceremony, does not hold him in his arms, he cannot rightfully be considered a godfather or mother.
If you don’t have loved ones to whom you can entrust your child, go to the priest and ask for help. He won't refuse you. The priest can offer strangers for baptism so that the ritual takes place according to tradition. If you do not agree, then the priest himself may well become a father before God to your baby. In this case, baptism will take place; godparents are not needed. The father will baptize the baby, only the ceremony will be a little different.
What godparents need to know
If you have decided to take this step consciously, then you must understand all the responsibility that falls on your shoulders. This does not mean that you should celebrate once a year only at your baby's birthday. Godparents are obligated to raise their son or daughter spiritually.
After the baby’s baptism, you become the closest person to him after his biological parents. Even grandparents fade into the background. You must understand that if trouble happens to the biological parents, the godparents are obliged to take care and continue their upbringing. Under no circumstances should you renounce your godson. This is a great sin.
Parents who have made commitments to God must guide the child on the right path, help him in Hard time both morally and financially. Try to teach your child to pray. He must know the commandments of God and keep them.
Conclusion
In the article we tried to figure out whether it is possible to baptize a child without godparents. Now you know that the church accepts any person.
However, remember that your child’s godparents must be baptized. Not everyone understands why children are baptized and why it is necessary. Remember, God can help when the sacrament of baptism of a child has passed. From this moment on, the guardian angel is nearby and helps to overcome difficulties.
Many children are baptized as infants. By the time they reach adulthood, they remember nothing about their sacramental ritual. Again he turns to the rite of the sacrament of a person when he is asked to become a godfather (godparent), or has to baptize a child, and this is more difficult to do. Parents face a mission of choice godparents. But there are cases when it is difficult to select recipients and the ceremony must be carried out without them or with one recipient. Therefore, the question: “Is it possible to baptize a child without godparents?” is very relevant and the priest's response is of great importance.
Rite of the sacrament without two godparents
According to the church charter and traditions, the baby must have a godfather of the same gender as the godson, and the second godfather is chosen by the parents at will. Traditions are established for Orthodox faith have two foster children for the child.
The ritual of the sacrament is performed for children at a young or adult age. IN at a young age an infant cannot fully realize his faith and make a promise before the Lord God. Therefore, godparents take on this role. They represent the interests of the baby and say prayers and promises to the Lord for him.
Important! An exception will be when the ritual of the sacrament can occur without a single recipient. This includes situations where baptism needs to be carried out without delay.
So, if the child is in serious condition and cannot get to church, in this case there will be no time for godparents and the baptism will be carried out by a priest in the hospital room. After the child has recovered, he can be given a standard sacramental rite, with the presence of godparents and compliance with all customs and rules. There have been cases when lay people become recipients. It can be medical workers or just patients in the hospital.
Attention! There are no strict rules regarding the fact that children are not allowed to be baptized due to the absence of godparents. It is not the child’s fault that there were no suitable adopters. He has the right to accept the Orthodox faith without godparents!
As for adults, it is easier for them to do without godparents. It is easy to verify this by reading the process of conducting the ritual of the Sacrament, where a person converting to the Orthodox faith must answer questions from the clergyman and recite prayers and oaths. An adult does not require outside help from recipients in performing the ritual.
There is no need to despair about the absence of godparents. Tradition and statutes established the presence of two successors, but it is prohibited to prohibit joining the church. The clergyman himself will act as godfather.
Rite of the sacrament without a recipient
If we turn to the church canons, then strict rules, regarding the baptism of a child with one recipient, no. It is realistic for a boy to do without a godmother, but it is worth thinking about a godfather, since he is the same gender as the child, he should have an advantage in the ritual. The same applies to girls, but then preference is given to the godmother. It would not be right for a girl to do without a godmother.
If you have problems choosing one recipient, then you can try to register the child without godparents in absentia. Godparents will not be present at the sacramental ceremony, but godparents for the child will be registered. This will be a kind of formality.
Attention! Before deciding to baptize a child without a godparent, you must first go to church and consult with a clergyman; some may not allow the sacrament to be performed.
Although it would be a violation church rules, since every child and adult can accept the Orthodox faith, despite the current situation.
It is worth paying attention to the baptism of two or more children. In this case, it is not necessary to select a godparent separately for each baby. It will be enough to choose an advantage; a girl cannot live without a godmother, and both girls must have one. And vice versa, if these are boys, then there must be a godfather, and there is only one mother for two.
Before baptism, you must first agree on the day of the sacrament, because a child can be baptized during Lent, but not always on weekdays. Only weekends remain. You need to carefully consider the choice of godparents for two children, because there are a number of prohibitions, and not everyone can become a godparent. This is not how you can be a recipient:
- mother or father of the child;
- spouses;
- a person who has no Orthodox religion, Catholics may be an exception;
- a person who is far from church life and does not believe in God.
It is permitted by church regulations to baptize children without godparents and with one godparent. It is worth coordinating these nuances with the clergyman in advance, because not everyone treats this with understanding.
Hello! Godfathers and mothers must know, love, and fully participate in the child’s life, so the option of taking strangers is definitely not suitable. If you don’t have one of your close friends or acquaintances, for example, another daughter or son, you can offer it to your nephew or niece, aunts or uncles. In some cases, it is allowed for a child to be baptized by his grandparents. Do not forget that the purpose of baptism in infancy is to represent the interests of the baby and say prayers for him before the Lord, praying for his health and future well-being. Therefore, a person must be decent, fear God “not in words”, and regularly attend the Holy Church.
IN special cases a child has the right to accept the Orthodox faith without godparents - in the arms of his own parents!Answer
my daughter is finally pregnant, we waited 5 years. This is what I think: is it possible to baptize children without a godfather or godmother? Why I ask: My daughter's godmother is at her baptism. when she was 12 years old, she gave it up. I remember that she herself wanted to be a godmother, in a new house, we didn’t know each other, so we sat on a bench with the children…. met. She turned out to be an Old Believers, I don’t even know how to write correctly... We are even afraid to meet her on the street, so as not to jinx her... Who can answer me, I don’t want any of the strangers, but I don’t have any relatives
Answer
You know, here we are all accustomed to relying on some customs invented by people. But no one pays attention to the Bible. Read in the Gospels how Christ himself was baptized. I don’t remember something, but it was said about the godmother. There's not a word about it there.
Also, read the Acts of the Apostles, when everyone was baptized in the Holy Spirit, is there any mention of a godmother or even a father?
The only godfather a Christian should have is Christ.
All other things are not from Christ.
By the way, all this was converted from pagan beliefs. This is not Christian, including godfathers and mothers.
Now, I can even go and be baptized, and there will be no godmother or father.
I was baptized in childhood, but consider that I was not baptized, since no one asked my permission for this. In general, a person must be baptized precisely of his own free will and in consciousness. And when a child is baptized against his will, he still does not understand anything, we can assume that he was not baptized.
God gave each of us the right to choose, but no one asked the child whether he wanted to be baptized or not.
What they say is that if a child is not baptized, then in case of death he will not be joined to God, and will automatically go to hell, this is the same nonsense as the fact that there are little green men on Mars, or that there are golden valley (Eldorado).
Here you can think logically: how can a child who has not yet committed any sin end up in hell? In order to punish, you must have a pretext for this, because they punish for actions, and not just like that.
God's concept of justice is completely different from that of humans.
Therefore, one should conclude: it is possible to baptize a child, both without a godfather and without a godmother.
Yes, and interesting fact: I don’t remember from the Bible that a child’s hair must be cut with a cross. This is again from paganism.
After all, in paganism they worshiped stones natural phenomena, making imaginary images from stones and wood. So everything switched to crosses and icons.
God always knows who is worth what, and will never think bad things about a person if the person had none of this on his mind. The Lord sees all our hearts, He even knows what we are just about to think about.
Therefore, I will say this: if it is not possible to baptize a child with a godmother, you can do this without her.
In general, if it’s good, then let the child grow up and decide for himself whether to be baptized or remain unbaptized.
It is his right to make his choice.
I would do the same with my child, because I don’t believe in pagan nonsense. And at least I have no doubt that this is nonsense. For me, the Lord Christ is more valuable than the blood of our pagan ancestors.
One more thing: a child’s guardian angel already appears from the beginning of his conception in the womb. Again, the pagan idea of God is about defenselessness, that only when some ritual is performed will a guardian angel appear.
Orthodox priests claim that in order to carry out the Sacrament of Baptism, a child must have a godparent of the same sex. The baby's mother and father choose the second godfather or godfather at their own discretion. This is explained by the fact that the baptismal rite for infants is carried out according to the faith of his godparents. However, there are still exceptions to the rules - when a sick child in intensive care is baptized, the presence of godparents is not necessary.
In the Orthodox Church there is also such a concept as “absentee baptism.” In this case, christenings are carried out without the presence of godparents, but the names of godfathers are recorded on the child’s baptismal certificate. Meanwhile, not all priests agree to conduct baptisms in absentia, explaining their position by the fact that the absence of godparents at the Sacrament of Baptism is a sin before God.
If parents want to baptize their baby, but have not found people who can become godparents for their child, then the role church father The priest himself can perform it. The main thing is that the godfathers are baptized and religious people.
It happens that one of the church parents cannot attend the christening. In such a situation, the rite of baptism can be performed with the permission of the priest.
The clergy argue that it is not at all necessary to take acquaintances or girlfriends to play the role of church parents. They can be close relatives - a brother, a sister from the husband's side, nephews, aunts, uncles, and even grandparents. Therefore, if a family was forced to move to another city where there are no relatives, then close relatives can still come to the christening. Plan a celebration for the day when your chosen godfathers can attend the christening. If relatives refuse this role, then ask the priest who will conduct the baptism ceremony to be godfather for your child. Orthodox clergy will not refuse this request.
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To answer the question whether it is possible to baptize a child without godparents, it is enough to read the sequence of the sacrament of Baptism, then a lot will become clear to us. The sequence is compiled for adults, that is, it contains places where the person being baptized says prayers and answers questions to the priest. When we baptize a child, the godparents are responsible for him and read his prayers. Therefore, it is obvious that the sacrament of Baptism of a child cannot take place without adults. But an adult is able to profess his faith himself.
Is it possible to baptize a child without one of the godparents?
The question of whether it is possible to baptize a child without a godmother can be answered in the same way as the question of whether it is possible to baptize a child without a godfather. If it was not possible to find a person capable of taking over the father, it is possible to perform the sacrament of baptism without one of the parents. In this case, it will be more important for the girl if she has godmother, for a boy - godfather.
Is it possible to baptize a child without godparents?
In this case, baptism can only be performed under the following circumstances:
- The child's life is in danger, he is in serious condition. At such a moment, baptism can be performed by a priest or any layman by pouring holy water on the baby’s head three times and saying the words: “God’s servant (me) (name) is baptized in the name of the Father. Amen. And the Son. Amen. And the Holy Spirit. Amen". If after baptism by a layman the baby survives and recovers, then you need to turn to the Church and complete the Sacrament of Baptism with Confirmation.
- If no godfather is found for the child, the priest can take over and say prayers for the child himself. If the priest knows the baby, then he will be able to take care of him and instruct him in the faith, but if not, then he will remember the godson in prayer at every service. Not all priests take on such responsibility, so different temples The question of whether it is possible to baptize a child without godparents is answered differently.
And yet, it is better to try so that your child has two godparents, just like two relatives. After all, in later life he will need to see not only the example of the life of his parents, but also other people who visit the temple and try to live according to God’s commandments.
Is it possible to baptize a godfather's child?
Become a godmother or godfather possible for any child, unless, of course, he is your own. There is even a pious tradition in Orthodox families of baptizing each other’s children: this makes it easier to maintain connections and communicate with godchildren.
Is it possible for godfathers to baptize a child?
Of course, people who become godparents for one child can become godparents for another, there are no obstacles to this.
Is it possible to baptize a child at home?
It is advisable that the baby be baptized in a church, because after baptism there is still a prayer for churching: the boy is brought into the altar, the girl is placed on the soleya, from where her mother receives her.
There are times when a child is sick or there is no temple nearby, and it is not possible to take the child far away. You can invite a priest to your home, then the priest will read the prayers for churching when the baby is brought to church. Bringing the child to church after baptism and giving him communion is the responsibility of the godparents and birth parents.
Is it possible to baptize two children?
Yes, if a family is baptizing two or more children at the same time, you can ask the same people to be their godparents. It will be even better this way, because two children have the same natural parents and will also have the same godparents.
Is it possible for spouses to baptize a child?
This question cannot be answered affirmatively. There is such a thing as a spiritual relationship between godparents; it is impossible if there is marital relations. Therefore, a husband and wife cannot baptize a child.
Is it possible for a couple to baptize a child?
Godparents must have a spiritual relationship with each other, so even if the couple lives in civil marriage and they are not registered as husband and wife, they cannot be the godparents of the child.
If young people do not have a marital relationship, but intend to get married in the future, they will also not be able to become godparents of one child.
Is it possible for relatives to baptize a child?
A child can be baptized by any relatives, except for the mother, father and relatives who are spouses, since spouses cannot be godparents.
Is it possible to refuse to baptize a child?
If you have many godchildren and you know that you will not be able to properly care for the new godchild, you are in another city or another country, and you do not know the child’s family well, it is better to refuse to baptize the baby. But if there is a possibility that the child will not be baptized at all because of your refusal, it is better to agree and ask God for help.
Is it possible to baptize several children?
If parents are baptizing several of their children, then it will be very desirable that the same people be godparents. Then the children will have the same godparents, just like their relatives. It will be easier for godparents to take care of raising all the children together. It is possible to baptize several children at the same time - not siblings.
Is it possible to baptize a child twice? Is it possible to baptize a child a second time?
Such questions are rare, but still asked in the Church. The Sacrament of Baptism itself is performed on a person only once. After all, the meaning of this sacrament is a person’s acceptance of the Orthodox faith and his recognition as a member of the Church. But there are several cases when such a question may arise:
- If children do not know whether they were baptized or not. This happens if a child has lost his natural parents, or there is a possibility that the child was secretly baptized by one of his relatives. In this case, it is necessary to inform the priest about this, then the sacrament of Baptism is performed according to a different rite. The priest says the words: “The servant of God (name) is baptized (if not baptized) in the name of the Father. Amen. And the Son. Amen. And the Holy Spirit. Amen".
- If the child was urgently baptized by a layman. Such baptism is performed if there was a danger to the child’s life, but he later recovered. Then you need to come to Church and complete the sacrament of Baptism with Confirmation.
- If the child was baptized in a different faith. The Orthodox Church recognizes the sacrament of Baptism in other denominations as valid in cases where the sacrament of Baptism is performed according to a similar rite and if in this denomination the institution of the priesthood and apostolic succession in the ordination of priests have been preserved. Only Catholicism and the Old Believers can be classified as such confessions (but only that direction where the priesthood has been preserved). After baptism in the Catholic faith, you need to complete the sacrament of Baptism with confirmation, since in Catholic Church Confirmation is performed separately from baptism in more late age(about 15 years).
Is it possible to baptize a sick child?
If a child is seriously ill, then baptism is necessary; it can even be performed in a hospital or at home. If the baby's life is in danger, then as a last resort, he can even be baptized by a layman.
Is it possible to baptize a child in absentia?
Baptism, like any sacrament, is a sacred ceremony in which the believer is under visibly the invisible grace of God is communicated. The sacrament of Baptism requires the physical presence of the person being baptized, the priest and the godparents. A sacrament is not just prayer; performing a sacrament in absentia is impossible.
Is it possible to baptize a child during Lent?
IN Orthodox Church There are no days when a child cannot be baptized. The baptism of a child can be performed on any day agreed upon with the priest and godparents. Usually the question of whether it is possible to baptize a child during Lent arises due to the fact that the sacrament of weddings in the Church is not performed during Lent. Fasting is a time for repentance and abstinence from fasting food and marital intimacy, therefore there are restrictions for weddings, but not baptism. Is it possible to baptize a child during Lent? Of course, yes, and on any day of Lent, and on holidays, and on the eve fast days and holidays.
Is it possible to baptize a child on Saturday?
Sunday services are held in all churches, urban and rural. Therefore, most often baptism is performed on Saturday: after baptism, you can participate in the divine service and give the child communion the next day on Sunday.
Is it possible to baptize a child at Epiphany?
In the Ancient Church due to the spread large quantity heresies preceded baptism a long period instructions in faith, it lasted up to 3 years. And the catechumens (learners) received baptism on the Epiphany of the Lord (at that time this holiday was called Enlightenment) and on Holy Saturday before Easter. The celebration of Baptism on these days was a great holiday in the Church. If you decide to baptize a child on Epiphany (Epiphany), then not only will you not violate the canons of the Church, but you will also follow the ancient Christian tradition.
Is it possible to baptize a child with menstruation?
The days of a woman’s purification in the Church are called impurity; many restrictions are associated with these days for women in Old Testament. Today, it is not appropriate for a woman in uncleanness to touch sacred objects (icons, crosses) or to receive sacraments. Therefore, when choosing the day for a child’s baptism, it is advisable to take this circumstance into account. However, baptism is performed on the child and not on his godmother or dear mother, a woman in uncleanness can, if necessary, be present at the sacrament, but should not touch sacred objects.
Is it possible to baptize a child under a different name?
There is a belief that the baby should be baptized under a different name, and no one should know his baptismal name, otherwise the child’s energy will be spoiled. These are all rumors that have nothing to do with Holy Scripture and Sacred Tradition. The child can be baptized with another name, but most often this is done if the child’s real name is not in the list of names of Orthodox saints
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