The modern world is full of dangers, anxieties and difficulties that torment not only our flesh, but also our soul. Our spiritual world is subject to constant influence from the outside. To protect their children both spiritually and physically, Orthodox parents try to perform the sacrament of baptism in infancy.
Understanding the importance of the ritual, young parents approach the baptismal ceremony with all seriousness. Therefore, a number of questions related to the Sacrament often arise. One of the main ones is is it possible to baptize a child without godparents?
Baptism is one of the most important church sacraments, which can be performed even on an infant.
Godparents are the main figures in the sacrament of baptism
It is not difficult to answer the question asked if you understand the very concept and meaning of the sacrament of baptism. By performing baptism, a person not only converts to the Orthodox faith, but participates in the act of spiritual rebirth. Thus, just like at physical birth, the sacrament of baptism requires parents, who are godparents.
It is important to remember that spouses and couples cannot be godparents, since future godparents will be bound by a spiritual relationship that is not possible if there is another relationship between them.
To the question “how many godparents should a child have?” the answer will follow the same logic - in the Orthodox tradition it has developed to have two godparents. However, the church allows baptism without one of the godparents, if there is no person who is ready to take on the responsibilities of a godparent. In this case, it is better for the child to have a receiver of the same sex.
It is more important for girls to have a godmother
According to the church canon, a girl must have a godmother, and a boy must have a godfather. Although the church does not prohibit it if a boy has only a godmother, and a girl only a godfather.
The main thing is that none of the adoptive parents is a biological or adoptive parent. Therefore, answering the question: “Is it possible to baptize a boy without a godfather?”, the answer will be positive. True, the church will most likely insist on observing traditions.
It is more important for a boy to have a godfather
Christenings without godparents - superstitions and traditions
The sacrament of baptism is one of the most important rites of Orthodox Christians. Therefore, it must be carried out according to all the rules.
If you follow the ritual, then both biological parents and godparents must be present at the ceremony. It is impossible to say exactly how the church feels about the absence of the latter in a particular case.
Some priests refuse to perform the ritual if these people are not present, while others are ready to write down their names from the words of the parents. People call this “absentee christening.”
“Absentee christenings” were practiced until 1917. Everyone could ask the Tsar of Russia to act as a godfather and present an approving written answer to the priest.
Therefore, if you want to perform this ritual, but for some reason could not find godparents, most likely the priest will refuse, but it’s worth trying to talk.
Godparents are the spiritual mentors of the godson
When a child is baptized, godparents play important roles; they serve as the main mediators between the child and God. They read prayers during baptism, renouncing the devil for the child, accepting Christ and the Orthodox faith. That is why during the baptismal ceremony there cannot be “absentee godparents”; the physical presence of recipients is necessary.
Godparents take the main role in the baptism ceremony
Participation in the Sacrament is only one of the responsibilities of godparents. Becoming godparents, they must first of all participate in the spiritual life of the godson, educate him according to the Orthodox faith, instill virtues and encourage the performance of good deeds.
Godparents need to introduce their godchildren to the Sacraments of Confession and Communion, show how to pray correctly, explain how worship takes place, what its meaning is, tell about the saints and their lives, read spiritual literature together and much more. It is the godparents who should bring their godchildren to the temple, not the parents.
Godparents
must participate in the spiritual life of the child, raising them according to the Orthodox faith
Sometimes such a serious responsibility scares future adoptees, and some people think: is it possible to refuse to be a godmother or godfather? Whatever choice you make, the church will not condemn you.
However, it is worth remembering that a person is given tests from above and, if you have been chosen as godfather, no matter how difficult it may be, it is better to accept the offer and ask God for help. After all, perhaps because of your refusal, the child will not be baptized at all.
Rules for choosing godparents
We have already answered the question of whether it is possible to baptize a child without godparents, according to Orthodox canons. What are the rules for selecting receivers?
There is no point in choosing just anyone to play the role of godparent. This issue must be approached with full responsibility. In the church there are rules for choosing children, which parents must take into account.
People who are in a civil marriage cannot become spiritual mothers and fathers. The fact is that the church considers relationships not registered in the registry office or church to be a sin.
Also, the child’s parents cannot become adoptive parents. People who were not baptized in the Orthodox Church are not allowed to attend the sacrament of baptism. The same applies to atheists, that is, those who do not believe in God, or worship other deities, practice magic, witchcraft.
People who are in intimate relationships with each other are also not suitable for the role of godparents. The reason is obvious. Receivers should be close only spiritually, but not physically.
Children cannot be godparents - boys under 15, girls under 13. The Church believes that at this age they already understand what responsibility is entrusted to them.
Priests, nuns and monks cannot be chosen for the role of successors. It is also prohibited to invite people with mental illness to be godparents, since they do not bear responsibility for their actions.
You need to choose the person you trust, because he will be the child’s second parents throughout his life. It will no longer be possible to refuse this role, even if the recipient has taken the wrong path. All that remains for parents is to pray for their baby’s godfather, so that the Lord will show him the right path.
You need to weigh all the pros and cons in advance, so as not to be upset later because of the wrong choice or haste. Parents also need to insist that the prospective godparents take communion and confess in church, so that before the ceremony they cleanse their souls and hearts from sins and earthly dirt.
It’s great if the intended recipient fasts for several days, reads the Gospel or Holy Scripture, and prays.
You should also abstain from intimacy for several days. Godparents will need to read the “Creed” during the sacrament. Therefore, the prayer must be read in advance, or better yet, memorized.
If parents do not know whether, according to Orthodox rules, it is possible to baptize a child without godparents, you can look at the forum dedicated to the issues of administering the sacrament.
It’s best to go to church in advance, talk to the priest and get an accurate answer to your question.
In a desperate situation, you can perform the sacrament of baptism without godparents
Parents try to perform the rite of baptism in infancy in order to protect the soul of the newborn. Usually the baptism of a child is a holiday for which parents and relatives prepare.
18 years
People who have reached this age can be chosen as godparents
The tradition of baptism is possible without a biological mother or without a father, but it requires the presence of at least one godfather. But there are times when it is urgent to baptize a baby due to a serious illness. So that, in the event of death, the soul of the baby rises to God.
If in such a situation it is impossible to find godparents, the church allows the sacrament to be performed without godparents. In this case, the priest himself, if he gives his consent, can take the role of godfather.
In a hopeless situation, even a layman has the right to baptize a baby by saying prayers and sprinkling the baby’s head three times with holy water. However, if the child recovers after baptism by a layman, the baptismal rite should be supplemented with Confirmation in the church.
In difficult situations, baptism can be performed at home
What exceptions to the sacrament are there?
The main situation when it is allowed to perform a sacrament without spiritual mentors is a serious illness of the infant. If the baby cannot attend church, then it is allowed to baptize him within the walls of a medical institution. In this case, a nurse or doctor can replace the child’s godfather. After recovery, it is allowed to perform the sacrament according to all church canons - with the participation of spiritual mentors.
There are other situations when the Baptism of a child without mentors is allowed. The clergy claim that the baby is not to blame for the impossibility of his godparents being present at the sacrament. He, like other children, has the right to accept faith.
Respectable cases in which a child is allowed to be baptized without the participation of one or both spiritual parents:
- If the godmother begins menstruation, and it is impossible to find a replacement for her. During menstrual periods, women are prohibited from attending church.
- Urgent departure of the godfather or his serious illness.
If the spiritual parents are not present at the sacrament, then the priest pronounces the words of renunciation for him. If the priest does not agree to take on the role of godfather, then you can ask another clergyman to do this. Even the clerk serving the priest can read the words of renunciation.
Unbaptized godchildren are not allowed
When choosing future adoptees, the child’s parents often refer to close friendship or kinship. Therefore, one of the frequent questions they ask is: can an unbaptized person become a godfather?
The answer lies in the very meaning of the sacrament of baptism. Can a person who has no concept of the Orthodox faith, who does not believe in God, who does not know church canons, traditions and sacraments, spiritually educate and instruct a future godson? The answer will be no.
Therefore, it is not reasonable to entrust the spiritual development and fate of a child to an unbaptized person. If the prospective godfather seriously intends to fulfill his duties and the duty of a godfather, and is ready to accept the Orthodox faith, then he should first be baptized.
godparents must be Orthodox Christians
Baptism is rebirth, it is given to us only once in our lives
Another question that concerns parents: is it possible to rebaptize children, that is, baptize them a second time?
The sacrament of baptism is a detachment from the “old man” and rebirth into a new one, who takes the new path of the righteous, and his life will be in Christ. Baptism is likened to Jesus accepting the death of a martyr and resurrecting the Savior, so that after death our soul becomes immortal.
Just like the resurrection of Christ, rebirth can only happen once. By performing the rite of baptism, a person accepts Orthodoxy and becomes a member of the Church. Therefore, a person can only be baptized once in his life.
Baptism is a new birth that can be performed once in a lifetime
Moreover, the Orthodox Church accepts the baptism of other faiths if they have an institution of priesthood and similar rites. Similar denominations are Old Believers and Catholicism.
Is it possible?
Is it possible for an adult to be baptized without godparents?
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 on the responsibilities of a godmother or father, it is possible to perform the sacrament of baptism without one of the parents. In this case, it will be more important for a girl if she has a godmother, and for a boy - a 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 on the responsibilities of godparents 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 in different churches the question of whether it is possible to baptize a child without godparents is answered differently.
Still, it is better to try to ensure that your child has two godparents, just like two siblings (see How to choose godparents). Indeed, 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?
You can become a godmother or godfather 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 spiritual kinship between godparents; it is impossible in the presence of a marital relationship. 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, therefore, even if a couple lives in a civil marriage and they are not registered as husband and wife, they cannot be the child’s godparents.
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 the Catholic Church, confirmation is performed separately from baptism at a later 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 sacrament in which the invisible grace of God is communicated to the believer under a visible image. 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 the 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 of fasting 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 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 of a large number of heresies, baptism was preceded by a long period of instruction in the 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 for women in the Old Testament are associated with these days. 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 birth mother; a woman in uncleanness, if necessary, can be present at the sacrament, but should not touch the shrines.
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. All these are rumors that have nothing to do with Holy Scripture and Holy 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 (see Choosing a name according to the calendar).
Author of the article: Tatyana Ratnikova, theologian and religious scholar
When choosing a name for your child, use a special church calendar
Recently, it has become popular to name newborns with original and unusual names. At the same time, parents are not always guided by the church calendar to choose the name of the heavenly patron.
Therefore, during baptism, it may happen that the name given at birth will not be on the list of Orthodox saints. Then the baptism ceremony is performed under a different name, and the child will have two names. You can find a suitable name in a special church calendar - the calendar.
If the child's name is not in the list of Orthodox saints, it can be selected in the calendar
However, you should not resort to deliberately assigning a different name at baptism, as this may lead to some confusion in the child’s future life. When tonsured into a monastery, a person in adulthood is able to independently decide on a name change.
The sacrament of baptism is an important step in the beginning of a new existence.
It is important not to forget that baptism itself is not the achievement of an immortal soul and its salvation. Only following God's commandments, comprehending virtues and performing good deeds will help the soul ascend to God. And godparents are the main mentors and guides on this spiritual path.
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