It would be a great honor for any woman to become a godmother, but in addition to the honor, there also comes a huge responsibility. The obligations of the godmother consist not only of directly taking part in the rite of Baptism and congratulating the godson on the occasion, but also in providing him with certain assistance throughout his life’s journey.
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Holy Baptism
A person’s acceptance of the Christian faith passes through the sacrament of Baptism, the meaning of which is to free a person from original sin. This ritual is performed only once in a lifetime. This tradition arose many centuries ago, and although it has undergone certain changes, it has still retained the basic rules and canons.
The essence of Christianity is ritual immersion in water, because it is believed that a person immersed in water becomes cleansed of his sins. The Epiphany rite, like several centuries ago, is performed by a priest. In most cases, this sacrament takes place in the Church, but it is not prohibited to perform it at home. As a rule, Baptism takes from forty-five minutes to an hour. According to established traditions, it is strongly recommended that a child be given only a Christian name.
Interview before christening for godparents
An interview before a christening is a mandatory requirement for godparents. The interview is conducted by the priest himself. He talks about what prayers you need to know, what to buy and bring, and how in general you should prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism. Before baptism, godparents fast for 3-4 days, refusing meat and dairy foods, as well as sexual relations. After the interview, a certificate of completion is issued (if the godparents are from another city, they can go to their church and come to the ceremony with this certificate).
Requirements for a godmother
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The woman who is planning to be taken as a godmother must be warned about this in advance of the ceremony. After all, she needs not only to know the text of the prayer, but also to understand the very essence of Baptism. And, it goes without saying that only a woman who reveres Orthodoxy, who lives according to God’s commandments, can receive such a high honor. She must have knowledge of certain prayers that define the essence of Orthodoxy. First of all, these are the prayers to the “Heavenly King”, “Rejoice to the Virgin Mary”, “Creed” and, naturally, “Our Father”.
What to engrave on a silver personalized spoon for a christening?
Silver spoon for christening
Giving a silver spoon to a baby, as a tradition, originated in Ancient Russia and symbolized a prosperous life in the future. For a child, it will be the first tableware. The first use of the spoon begins in the temple itself; it is used to try soaked bread, in pomegranate or any other red juice. The engraving on a silver spoon may be different, but when presented at a christening, it should preserve the memory of this ceremony. What kind of engraving can be done?
- Orthodox baby name
- date of baptism
- name day date
- Orthodox cross
- Guardian Angel image
- prayer
Responsibilities of a Godmother
From the moment a woman becomes a godmother, she is entrusted with the responsibility of praying to the Almighty for the support of the baby and helping the child become Orthodox as he grows up. Accordingly, the godmother is supposed to be with the child more often and help him overcome complicated life situations.
The godmother should teach the New Testament and talk about God in accessible words, pray together with her godson in the Church, constantly receive communion both herself and involve the child in this rite. It is also necessary to congratulate the godchild annually on his birthday and Angel Day.
Throughout life, the godmother is supposed to spiritually instruct her godson and demonstrate an example of the Christian way of life.
What do guests give at christenings?
Gifts
Gifts from guests can be different, most importantly functional and practical. The baptism ceremony is a significant day in the life of a child and it is better to give an item or souvenir of a corresponding theme. Eg:
- Bible (there are special children's Bibles with many illustrations that explain spiritual life in accessible language)
- Ladanka
- Blanket with embroidered prayer
- Silver gifts (ware and cutlery)
- Educational and educational toys
- Bed linen, bath accessories
- High chair, walker, playpen, swing
- Money and more
Preparing for baptism
Preparations for Holy Epiphany must begin in advance. The woman chosen by the named mother two or three days before this ceremony is obliged to confess and receive communion. On the day of baptism, she should not eat or engage in carnal pleasures. Also, by the beginning of the sacrament of Baptism, the named mother must know exactly the prayers “Our Father” and “Creed”.
It should be emphasized that the future godmother is obliged to make or buy baptismal clothes and a towel for Holy Baptism, and on the day of christening she must wear a breast cross.
Where to perform the sacrament
Having decided on the godparents, you need to decide where the sacrament will be held. It does not matter which temple or church is chosen. The main thing is to be Orthodox. The next step will be a conversation with the priest, who will repeat the algorithm of actions and the needs of the christening. When choosing a temple, you can give preference to options that have a separate baptismal sanctuary. Usually they are free from drafts and strangers. It is important that there are not many babies in one day. As an option, they agree on individual baptism.
Responsibilities of the godmother at baptism
The requirements for the named mother when baptizing a girl and a boy have been slightly changed.
This difference lies in the actions after dipping the child into the water: if it is a boy, then the godfather takes him, and if it is a girl, the godmother takes her. All other responsibilities are the same.
- Thus, during baptism, it is required that the godmother be dressed in a discreet long-cut dress, and her head must be covered with a scarf.
- After lowering the child into the water, the woman needs to take her goddaughter in her arms and dress her in white clothes.
- The godmother should hold the child while walking around the font and during the prayer service, as well as during the anointing with oil.
- The godmother must understand that after Holy Baptism she is destined to become a spiritual mentor in the difficult life path of her godson.
Who buys a cross for a boy's christening?
Cross on a child
IMPORTANT: the godfather buys a cross for a boy’s christening
Guidelines for choosing a cross:
- any metal, but generally preference is given to silver, gold and wood
- small size
- no sharp corners (rounded ones are best)
Responsibilities of the named mother after baptism
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After the completion of the Baptism ceremony, the named mother must take care of her godson, she is entrusted with responsibility before God for raising the child according to the principles of Christian morality. The named mother should also send prayers for the health of her godson, constantly take care of him, attend church with the child and, if necessary, unconditionally support the child.
The godmother is obliged to actively participate in the spiritual development of the godson, regardless of whether it is a boy or a girl. Responsibility in raising a child especially increases if some kind of grief has happened to the biological parents. The named mother is obliged to know the prayers herself, read them and teach her godson. The godmother needs to prepare the child for first communion and encourage him to attend church regularly and without coercion.
Choosing godparents
Godparents, or godparents, are the spiritual mentors of the godson. Believers and truly religious people should be elected to these responsible “positions.” It is a common belief that only an adult can become someone's godfather. It's a delusion. A girl over 13 years old can become a godmother, and a boy who has already turned 15 can become a godfather. Children must be baptized. In our country, most often two godparents (mother and father) are chosen for a child. In fact, the sacrament of baptism can be performed with one recipient, he must be of the same sex as the baby. It is believed that a person who has been asked to become a godfather for a child has no right to refuse. The church has its own restrictions on the choice of recipients. People who have close relationships, such as husband and wife or a couple in love, cannot become godparents of one child. It is also unacceptable to choose recipients who profess a different faith. Before inviting someone to be your godparent, think twice. After the sacrament of baptism, he will officially become a member of your family and a relative of the child. The godfather and godfather must be present at all family holidays, communicate regularly and participate in the life and upbringing of their godson constantly. You can consult with godparents whether it is necessary to celebrate the child’s christening and how best to organize it.
How is the sacrament of child baptism performed?
Based on the fact that after the birth of a child, the biological mother is considered “unclean”, she is not allowed to be in the Church until the cleansing prayer read by the clergyman on the fortieth day after birth. Therefore, the main burden of responsibilities during Baptism falls on the godmother. She holds the child in her arms, undresses and dresses him, and, if necessary, consoles him.
Despite the generally accepted collection of donations for the rite of baptism, in certain cases priests must perform this sacrament without donations.
As a rule, baptism takes place in the Church, but if the child is unwell, a priest is invited home to perform the specified rite, although after recovery the child must be brought to church for churching.
We must not forget that if the child’s name is in the Saints, it remains unchanged at Baptism. In other cases, the child is named after the Saint on whose day the sacrament is performed.
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Considering that the rite of Baptism marked the beginning of a spiritual connection between godparents, based on the strictest prohibition of carnal relations between spiritual relatives, marriages between the godfather and the godson’s mother are not allowed.
Also, biological mother and father cannot be godparents to their child.
The rite of Baptism itself begins with the priest reading out prohibition prayers, thereby driving Satan away from the child in the name of God. Then the godfather and mother, on behalf of the baptized person, renounce Satan three times, three times proclaiming union with Jesus Christ as God and King. The Creed is recited, which sets out the foundations of the confession of Orthodoxy. After this, the priest blesses the water and oil - oil, which is used to anoint the child.
Having taken the baby out of the water, after dipping it three times, he is placed in the kryzhma - baptismal swaddling cloth (it should be noted that instead of immersing the child in water, you can simply douse or spray him with water). Then the rite of Confirmation occurs and tonsure is performed - cutting off a small lock of hair from the baby. The end of the rite of Baptism and the putting on of a cross on the child’s body marks the birth of a new Christian. A person can be baptized only once throughout his life - this is due to the fact that a person is physically born only once.
What kind of cake is needed for a boy’s christening: photo
The christening cake should be church themed and decorated with Orthodox symbols - the crucifix, Easter symbols, the name of the child and his successors, etc. In addition to these symbols, the cake can be decorated with a figurine of an angel and corresponding inscriptions. For boys it is made blue.
Christening cake Christening cake Christening cake
How the ceremony goes - step by step
- At the beginning of the ceremony, the priest reads prohibition prayers, in this way, in the name of the Almighty, driving out Satan from the person being baptized.
- Then the baptized person, or named parents on his behalf, renounces Satan three times, three times declaring reunion with Jesus Christ as God and King.
- The Creed is read three times, which sets out the essence of the confession of the Orthodox faith.
- Then the priest consecrates the water and oil - oil. Oil is used to anoint the person being baptized, after which he will be in the tree of the Church of Christ.
- Three times the baby is lowered into the water, from which he is placed in a baptismal swaddling cloth - kryzhma.
- Next comes the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- During the reading of the Gospel, tonsure is performed: the priest cuts off a small lock of hair from the child.
- At the end of the ceremony, as a sign that the baby has already become a Christian, he is given a cross.
- Prayers for a child's baptism;
- Rules for baptism - on what dates it is possible;
- How to dedicate a cross.
Parents' toast at a boy's christening
Congratulations on christening from parents
Today our little angel received a guardian angel. And we want him, together with us, parents, to accompany our child throughout his life, covering and lending his wing in difficult moments! Health to you, baby, happiness and goodness! With the holy sacrament of baptism!
Our dear boy was baptized , And as if he had been renewed, May he grow up joyful, May he be known for his strength and courage, And may he grow spiritually, May he save his soul, May he help mom and dad, Never lose heart, May his soul pray to God
Even at times of sadness, Let him not dare to lose heart, Let him not give up his hands. Happiness, peace and love Live in peace with people. The angels are protecting you, beckoning you to the Kingdom of God. Answer their call, call all people there!
What should a godmother wear? Appearance of the godmother at the christening
It is required to respect church traditions, among others, those that relate to observing the rules of strict clothing when attending the rite of Baptism. It is mandatory for godparents to have crosses that were consecrated in the church.
The godmother is prohibited from arriving at the ceremony in trousers; she must wear a dress that covers her shoulders and legs below the knees, and a scarf on her head. Immodest clothing and flashy makeup are not permissible; it is not recommended to come in high heels, as this will lead to great inconvenience, because the child will need to be held in your arms for a long period.
What should a godmother know about a boy’s christening?
Baptism is one of the most ancient church rites, which has a long history. In accordance with established traditions, the church charter provides for certain rules for the baptism of boys, and spells out the responsibilities of the priest, godmother and other participants in the ceremony during this ceremony.
We will talk about how this sacrament of baptism of boys takes place, what you need to know about the peculiarities of its performance by the child’s godmother and much more.
Most often, young children are baptized on the 40th day after birth. This tradition developed back in the Old Testament church, when on the 40th day a child was brought to the temple.
This ritual in Orthodox churches is carried out on all days of the week (usually on Saturday), at any time of the year, including in winter, because the water in the font is warm, and children do not catch a cold after baptism. Anyone who is not indifferent to the fate of the baby can be present when the sacrament is performed.
According to the church rules established at the baptism of boys, it is not at all necessary that he have two godparents. One is enough: a godfather for girls and a godfather for boys. If you have been invited to become the godmother of your friend's or relative's son, you will have to perform a number of responsibilities along with the godfather.
The godfather pays for the ceremony in the temple and the purchase of food for the festive table, which is set after the christening. The child will also need a pectoral cross, which one of the godparents can give him.
The responsibilities of the godmother regarding the baptism of the boy are that she buys the baby a baptismal outfit - a shirt and a beautiful cap with ribbons and lace. The shirt should be comfortable and easy to put on and take off. It is preferable to use clothes made from natural materials that absorb moisture well and do not irritate the baby’s skin.
Also, in order to receive a child from the hands of the priest after the font, you will need a white towel - kryzhma.
All these things can be bought at the church store. In the old days, they were embroidered with your own hands, and if you master this art, you can embroider on these products. According to tradition, after christening they are no longer used for their intended purpose, but are kept throughout a person’s life as a talisman protecting him from troubles and illnesses.
What should a godmother do during the baptism ceremony of a boy?
On the eve of this ceremony, she should fast for several days, and then confess and receive communion in the temple.
Also, the godmother will need to know certain prayers by heart (“Creed”, etc.). They are read before baptism, during the rite of announcement, when the priest pronounces prohibitory prayers directed against Satan.
The words sound: “Cast out from him every evil and unclean spirit hidden and nesting in his heart...”. The godparents read answering prayers on behalf of the child, renouncing the unclean spirit and promising to remain faithful to the Lord.
Then the priest blesses the water, takes the baby in his arms and dips him into the font three times, reading prayers. After this, a cross is put on the baby and his face, chest, arms and legs are anointed with the sacred myrrh, while the corresponding prayers are read.
Finally, the godparents carry the child around the font three times, which symbolizes the eternal life ahead of him in Christ. The priest washes off the myrrh and wipes the child with a towel, and then cuts off strands of the child’s hair as a sign of dedication.
As for the rules for the baptism of boys, they are practically the same as for girls, with the difference that girls are not brought to the altar during this sacrament. At the end of the ritual, the child is applied to one of the icons of the Savior, as well as to the icon of the Mother of God.
The duties of the godmother when performing the rite of baptism of a boy are to hold the child in her arms during this sacrament until immersion in the font. Then all the ritual actions are performed by the godfather, the godmother should only help him if necessary.
During this ceremony, she must maintain emotional contact with the child, and be able to calm the baby down if he cries.
The whole ceremony lasts from half an hour to an hour and a half (depending on how many children are baptized in the church that day). In order not to get tired, the godmother should not wear high-heeled shoes. In addition, her clothes should be modest: trousers, dresses with a deep neckline and cutouts, and short skirts are not suitable for this.
According to tradition, a woman's head in an Orthodox church should be covered with a scarf. Also, the godmother, like the rest of those present at this ceremony, must wear a pectoral cross.
What else does a godmother need to know when baptizing a boy? During this sacrament he is given a Christian name. Previously, children were baptized, choosing their names according to the Saints. This can be done today, but only at the request of the parents.
Also, according to Orthodox rules adopted for the baptism of boys, you can choose a consonant name for the child (for example, Robert - Rodion). Sometimes they give the name of a saint whose commemoration day falls on the day of baptism (for example, January 14 - Basil the Great).
The godmother's responsibilities during the boy's christening may include coordinating this and other organizational issues. So that a good memory of this event remains, you can arrange photo or video shooting at the christening.
If you decide to hire a photographer, find out in advance whether it is possible to take pictures in the temple using flash. As a rule, there is no ban on filming in churches, but some parishes still have restrictions.
After the ceremony in the church, the child’s parents set the festive table, and the godmother can help them with this.
You should not have a lavish feast with alcoholic drinks on this day, because baptism is a church holiday. It is better to organize a small celebration only for close people. You can serve ritual dishes at the table - porridge, pancakes, pies, as well as sweets - so that the boy’s life is sweet.
What else should a godmother remember in connection with the baptism of a boy? Now she takes spiritual responsibility for the baby, and will have to take part in his life along with blood relatives.
Godparents, who are responsible for the new church member before God, will have to instruct the godson in the faith: talk with him on religious topics, take him to communion, and also set an example of behavior and give him advice in various life situations.
Prayer “Creed” for a child’s christening
Prayer
- I believe in one God the Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only begotten, who was born of the Father before all ages; Light from Light, true God from true God, born, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, to Whom all things were. For our sake, man and our salvation came down from heaven and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became human. She was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried. And he rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And again the coming one will be judged with glory by the living and the dead, His Kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-Giving One, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke the prophets. Into one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I hope for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the next century. Amen.
Congratulations on the christening of a boy from his godparents in verse and prose, in his own words
Congratulations on christening from godparents
I have long dreamed of being a godfather, And I took the child in my arms, I gave him my heart, And I began to pray hard. Let it now grow to joy, And let there be sweetness in the soul From spiritual grace, And love, which means in life
A lot of everything, Grace protects him, God's Angel covers him and the saints help!
Today we baptized the boy, We made a promise forever, That we will raise him like our own son, so that the light does not fade.
The Divine Light is the one that illuminated your infant face today. May the holy power of the Lord protect you every moment!
“I wish you to make your son happy”
May guardian angels always fly silently over your son. Luck and fortune never leave him in life.
SMS congratulations on the christening of a boy
Please accept my sincere congratulations , In honor of your baptized son. He received a Guardian Angel, and there will be light in his monastery. Let only good people meet, All dreams and desires come true. And so that on his every birthday, the Lord sends him a blessing.
Place some food on the table, pour wine into glasses: Today we will celebrate the baptism of a wonderful boy -
No other reason will bring you so much joy! Congratulations on your son's baptism! Let him grow smart and strong!
His nose is breathing peacefully, snoring slightly in his sleep, and the baby’s relatives have gathered around him. Everyone wishes you happiness, long years and peace, Holiday in your home - your son has been baptized!
A big and important step has been taken today! May the grace of the Lord be near! Let your glorious boy grow up with joy, He is now Orthodox, like all of us!
