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Can a stepbrother be a godparent? Question about christenings

How to baptize a child correctly, what rules to follow.

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

The question regarding the choice of godparents and the baptism procedure itself has always been and remains relevant, since both the godfather and the godmother are given to the child alone and for life. Moreover, it is spiritual parents who face the most important task - to raise their child in accordance with generally accepted standards of morality and, of course, faith. Well, today we will talk in detail about all the nuances of the baptism procedure and choosing godparents, so that you no longer have to worry about this.

What are godparents for?

How many people know why a baby needs godparents? How many people think about this question? Unfortunately no.

Most couples, when choosing godparents for their children, think about the wrong things at all.
It is customary for us to take people who are well known to us as godfathers. Most often these are friends or relatives. Not the least factor when choosing godparents is their financial condition, while you need to pay attention to completely different things.
It must be said that talking about the question: “Why are godparents needed?” comes after the answer to the question: “Why baptize a child at all?” Agree, it is quite logical. This is where we will start.
According to Orthodox beliefs, every person comes into this world with original sin. We are talking about the violation of that very prohibition by Adam and Eve. So this one original sin– kind of congenital disease, without getting rid of which, the baby will not be able to grow up healthy and happy.
Take off given sin, is possible only by accepting faith. Many parents try to baptize their baby as soon as possible, but in principle they do not understand why they need to do it this way. Here is your answer, children are baptized as soon as possible so that they are with God, and he bestows them with all kinds of blessings.

Now let's move on to the question of why we need godparents:

As a rule, every person is baptized almost immediately after birth. Due to their age, a child, and in principle even a teenager, cannot objectively assess the importance of this step, and, indeed, cannot follow this faith, because they simply do not know it.
This is exactly why we all need godparents. Godparents receive babies directly from the font and become full-fledged spiritual parents (godparents, godparents).
Second parents must teach the child to live “by the rules.” In this case we're talking about not so much about the rules of life in society, but about the foundations of the Orthodox faith. Godparents must guide the child on the right path, take care of him and love him as their own own child, and if one day the godson stumbles, give him a helping hand. Also, adoptees should always pray for their godson and ask the Lord to be favorable to him.
Based on the above, we can conclude that when choosing godparents for your child, you need to look not at the availability of money and opportunities, but at what kind of life these people lead and whether they are actually believers.

How to choose a godfather and godmother for a child: rules, who can be godfather, godmother and at what age?

When choosing a godfather for a child, few people think about what he should be like. We are more inclined to evaluate the future recipient according to other criteria: a friend, relative, responsible or not, lives in this city and will be able to see the child often or not, etc. However, the church puts forward its own rules and they must be followed.

IMPORTANT: Of course, the godfather must be baptized. This condition is mandatory and is not subject to any discussion. After all, how can an unbaptized person who does not believe in God and, accordingly, does not understand the commandments by which everyone who came to this earth must live, teach all this? small child? The answer is obvious.

Moreover, the recipient must be a church member. However, in our time, few people even know the meaning of this word. If we talk in simple words, then a person who is considered to be a churchgoer is one who is not just baptized, but who actually believes, lives as a Christian, and tries to follow all the fundamentals of his faith.

Regarding age. There are no clear boundaries here, but the church is inclined to believe that the recipient must be an adult. Why is this so? The point here is not about 18 years, but about the fact that adults are considered to be old enough and responsible enough to take such a serious step. By the way, we are not talking about civil coming of age, but about church coming of age. Despite this, you can become a godfather earlier, but this issue must be discussed with the priest, who will give permission for this.

The godmother should be chosen in the same way as the godfather:

The spiritual mother must be a believing Orthodox Christian, and accordingly she must be baptized.
It is also necessary to consider how a woman lives. Does she believe in God, does she go to church, can she raise her child as a believer? Orthodox Christian.
In addition to church restrictions, future parents should pay attention to other things. When choosing a godmother for your baby, you must understand that in fact this woman will be a second mother for your child and, accordingly, you must completely trust her.
You should not take unfamiliar or dubious people as godparents for your baby. Godparents must be responsible and trusted people.

Who should you not take as godparents to your child?

If you are very concerned about this issue, then we recommend that you consult with a priest; he, like no one else, knows the answers to all your questions. However, generally speaking, the church prohibits taking such people as godparents:

A monk or a nun. Despite this, the priest can become the child’s adopter.
Natural parents. It would seem that who else but the parents themselves can give their child best education and provide assistance? But no, parents are strictly forbidden to baptize their children.
A woman and a man who are married. The Church not only does not approve, but strictly forbids ignoring this rule. Because people who baptize a baby become relatives on a spiritual level and lead accordingly worldly life after that they won't be able to. It is also forbidden for already established godfathers to marry - this is considered a huge sin.
It is clear that people who suffer from mental disorders and are seriously ill cannot be accepted as recipients.
And one more rule, which we talked about briefly earlier. Age of godparents. In addition to adulthood, there are two more age thresholds: a girl must be 14 years old, and a guy must be 15. In principle, given condition There’s no point in speculating too much, because it’s already clear that a child cannot raise a child, so it’s impossible to take people of that age category as godparents.

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

The Church does not give a clear answer to the question of how many times a child can be baptized, and this is quite logical:

Fatherhood is a very big responsibility and the more children you baptize, the greater this responsibility becomes. That is why a person must answer such a question for himself. Ask yourself the question: “Will I be able to give this godson as much attention as he needs?”, “Do I have enough spiritual and physical strength raise another child?”, “Won’t I have to be torn between all my godchildren?” When you honestly give yourself answers to such questions, then you will understand whether you can baptize another baby or whether you will have to refuse.
By the way, many people ask the question: “Is it possible to refuse to be a godfather, godmother?” The answer is that it is possible, moreover, even necessary, if you do not want to do this or cannot for some reason.

A person who has been offered to baptize a child must clearly understand that after the Sacrament of baptism he will become a family member for the child, his second parent, and this implies enormous responsibility. It’s not just coming to a birthday party, wishing Happy New Year or St. Nicholas, no, it means constantly participating in the child’s life, developing him, helping him in all his endeavors. Not ready for such responsibility? Refuse immediately, because this is not considered a sin or something shameful, but becoming a recipient and not fulfilling your direct duties is a church sin, for which God will definitely ask.

Is it possible to baptize a child without godparents, godmother, godfather, with only one godfather?

In ancient times, only one godparent baptized a child. Boys - man, girls - woman. This is due to the fact that once upon a time everyone was baptized as adults and, accordingly, in order not to be embarrassed, they took man's godparents same sex with yourself.

Now, when baptism occurs at a stage when the baby is still completely immature, two recipients of different sexes can baptize him at once.
At the request of the parents, either only a man or only a woman can baptize a newborn. For boys it is a man, for girls it is a woman. The Church does not prohibit this practice; moreover, initially everything was done this way.
There are situations when parents want to perform the Sacrament of baptism without any recipients at all, and this is quite possible. In this case, they are baptized without godparents at all. However, initially this nuance should be discussed with the priest, so that later you do not have any surprises.

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

The Church gives a very succinct answer to this question. It is possible and necessary if it was offered to you and you want it. There are no prohibitions against being a godfather/godmother for two children in a family at once, and this phenomenon is quite common. The main thing when making such a decision is to objectively assess your capabilities and if you are ready for such responsibility, go ahead.

Can a pregnant, unmarried woman be godmother to someone else’s child?

How much controversy this question causes, and superstitions too, by the way:

For some reason, we generally believe that a pregnant woman does not have the right to baptize her baby. However, this assertion is completely unfounded. The Church in no way prohibits to the expectant mother to become the recipient of a newborn; moreover, it is generally accepted that this is even useful for a pregnant woman. Therefore, you should not believe in prejudices; if you are faced with such a situation and do not know how to do the right thing, just contact the church, they will explain everything to you in detail.
The same goes for unmarried woman. The fact that a woman is not married does not mean that she cannot be a good adopter for the baby.

Can a grandfather or grandmother of a grandson or granddaughter be the godfather and godmother? Can a sibling, sibling, sibling be a godfather or godmother of a sister or brother?

Most often, we choose our friends and acquaintances as godparents, but some people express a desire to have their children baptized by their relatives.

Orthodox faith does not prohibit grandparents from becoming godparents for their grandchildren. Moreover, purely from an educational point of view, this is very good. Grandparents have lived a life, have a rich life experience, and grandchildren are sacred to them, so they will definitely be able to raise a newborn in accordance with all the rules and foundations of Christianity.
The ban on baptism did not affect the brothers/sisters of a newborn baby. The Church allows and approves the baptism of children by their siblings and cousins.

Everyone knows that younger children always want to be like their older brothers and sisters and imitate them in every possible way. In this case, the subject of imitation will have to help his godson in every possible way and set only a positive example.
The only thing worth thinking about is the age of possible godparents. After all, recipients must be responsible and relatively experienced people.

Can a husband and wife of the same child be godparents? Can godparents get married?

The church is very strict regarding this issue. It is strictly forbidden for a child to be baptized by a married couple. Moreover, future godfathers are also prohibited from marrying in the future. In simple words, between people who baptize the same baby there should only be a spiritual connection (godparents), but not an “earthly” one (marriage). It cannot be any other way in this case.

Conversation before baptism for godparents: what does the priest ask before baptism?

Few people know, but before the Sacrament of baptism itself, future recipients must attend special conversations. In practice, we can see that sometimes such conversations are not held at all or are held, but not the number of times that is necessary.

As a rule, during such conversations, the priest explains to the future godparents the foundations of the Orthodox faith and talks about what responsibilities they will have in relation to the godson.
Those who do not know the basics of Christianity are advised to read Scripture. This will help future spiritual parents better understand faith and, accordingly, understand what is required of them in raising a child.
The priest also tells that the recipients must endure a 3-day fast, and after that confess their sins and receive communion.
Directly at the Sacrament of Baptism itself, the priest asks the future godparents whether they believe in God, whether they renounce the unclean and whether they are ready to be godparents.

Christening of a boy and a girl: requirements, rules, responsibilities and what you need to know for a godmother?

If you have been offered to become a child’s godmother, it is a great honor and responsibility. Therefore, you must know the following rules and requirements for you:

Of course, the main requirement for a woman who will baptize a child is to be baptized and to sincerely believe in God.
Next, a few days before the celebration itself, you need to confess and receive communion. You should also refrain from any carnal pleasures. And besides all this, you should know the “Creed” prayer. Read this prayer at baptism you will only if you baptize a girl.

Your responsibilities to the baby as a godmother:

The godmother takes responsibility for raising the child
Must teach him to live in accordance with Christian rules and principles
I must pray for him before God and help the baby in everything
Also, the godmother should take the child to church, not forget about the day of his birth and baptism
And, of course, I should be a good example for him

Besides this, what else does a godmother need to know? You can probably only add responsibilities regarding organizational issues:

It is generally accepted that it is the spiritual mother who must bring the child a kryzhma (a special baptismal towel) and a baptismal set, which, as a rule, consists of a shirt, a hat and socks, or panties, a jacket, a hat and socks.
It is important to know that the kryzhma must be new; it is in this towel that the priest will place the newly baptized child. This attribute is a kind of protection for the child and can later be used as a talisman.

Christening of a boy and a girl: requirements, rules, responsibilities and what you need to know for a godfather?

It is also important for future godfathers to know certain rules and responsibilities associated with the baptism ceremony of a baby:

Just like with the mother, the godfather must be an Orthodox Christian and be baptized.
The main duty of a spiritual father is to be a worthy example, this is most important if the child being baptized is a boy. He must see before him a worthy example of masculine behavior. Also, the godfather must take the godson to church and teach him to live in peace with all the people around him.
It is accepted that the future recipient should buy the baby a cross and a chain or thread on which the cross can be attached. It would also be a good idea to purchase a baptismal icon. It is the godfather who must pay all the costs of baptism, if any.
It is better to solve all these worries and troubles in advance, so that later you do not have to do everything at the last moment.

Christening of a boy and a girl: what should a godmother do at a christening?

It is immediately necessary to clarify that the future godmother must be present at the christening of a girl, but the godfather can be present in absentia.

Directly at the christening itself, it is the godmother who will receive the goddaughter after immersion in the font. Initially, most likely, the godfather will hold the baby.
After the child is given to the godmother, she must dress the girl in a new outfit.
Next, the successor holds the baby both while the priest reads prayers and when he performs Chrismation.
Sometimes priests ask to read a prayer, but most often they do it themselves.

Everything will be the same with the boy, but after dipping him into the font, he will be handed over to his godfather. Also, when a boy is baptized, he must be brought behind the altar (after 40 days from birth).

Christening of a boy and a girl: what should a godfather do at a christening?

The responsibilities of a godfather are not much different from those of a godmother:

The spiritual father can also hold the baby.
After the priest receives answers to all traditionally asked questions, the recipient may be asked to recite a special prayer. But again, most likely the priest himself will do it.
The godfather helps undress the child before immersing him in water, and then dresses him. If the child being baptized is a girl, then after this ceremony she will be handed over to her godmother, but if it is a boy, then her godfather will hold her.

Is it possible to change godparents, godfather, godmother for a child, boy, girl? ?

All people come into this world only once, and exactly the same number of times are allowed to be baptized.

The Church prohibits changing godparents; moreover, in fact, there is no such possibility, because there is no such ritual.
That is why attention has been repeatedly drawn to the fact that baptizing a child is a huge responsibility, which you cannot simply take up and refuse afterwards.
Godparents do not change under any circumstances. Even if over time you stopped communicating with your godfathers, even if they left and cannot see the baby often, they still remain his godparents and are responsible for him.

How many godparents should a child have? Can there be two godmothers and two godfathers?

We discussed this issue a little earlier:

Nowadays, two people are most often taken as godparents: godfather and godmother. However, you can do it differently.
You can take only your godfather or your godmother as your godfather. At the same time, it is worth remembering that for a newborn baby it is more important to have a receiver, but for a boy it is still more important to have a receiver.
If for some reason you don’t want to take godparents at all, or you simply don’t have anyone to take, then you can baptize a child without any godparents at all.

Moreover, you can ask the priest to become your baby’s godfather, but you must take into account the fact that it is unlikely that a person distant from your family will be able to pay due attention to the child.
Could there be 2 mother's godparents or 2 godfathers - a rhetorical question. This must be clarified directly with the church in which you want to baptize the child and with the priest who will conduct the ceremony. Such cases are known, however different churches, no matter how strange it may sound, they can give you a different answer.

Can a Muslim be godfather to an Orthodox Christian?

The answer to this question is very obvious. Of course not. After all, how can a Muslim teach a child the Orthodox faith? No way. The only thing a Muslim can do is stand in church during the Sacrament of baptism, if it is performed on his relative.

As you can see, the issue regarding baptism and the choice of godparents is very relevant and is actively discussed. There are many rules and prejudices, which in our time for some reason stand on the same level as church customs, which is why if you don’t know what to do correctly in a given situation, contact the church, they will explain to you in detail all the points that interest you.

Video: About infant baptism and modern lifestyle

Baptism is the most significant event in the life of every Orthodox person. And of course, you need to take a responsible approach to choosing godparents. After all, they are second parents and play important role in a person's life. There are many superstitions about godparents. And many people wonder: who can be a godfather and who cannot. Let's try to answer the most frequently asked questions on this topic.

Can children be godparents?

By church rules, children from the age of seven already bear full responsibility for their actions. They are no longer allowed to take communion without confession. Therefore, if a child is sufficiently churched, he can become a godfather. But, choosing in godparents of the child, think carefully. Godmother or the father must raise his godson in the Orthodox faith, and the child himself is still just learning the basics of Orthodoxy. Still, it is better to choose an adult, accomplished person as godparents. After all, if something happens to the child’s blood parents, the minor will not be able to take responsibility for the godson. If you nevertheless decide to take a minor as godparents, it is better that this is a child who has reached the age of 15.

Can there be one godfather?

There are situations when a christening has already been scheduled, an agreement has been made with the priest and guests have been invited, but one of the godparents cannot attend the baptism. Or you couldn’t find a second receiver at all. What to do in such a situation? The Church allows baptism with one godparent. The second one can be recorded in absentia on the baptismal certificate. But there is one here important point. When a girl is baptized, a godmother must be present, and for a male infant, a godfather must be present. During the sacrament, the godfather (of the same sex as the child) will recite on behalf of the baby a vow of renunciation of Satan and union with Christ, as well as the Creed.

Can a sister be a godmother?

If the sister is a believer, an Orthodox person, she can become a godmother. But it is desirable that the godmother is already quite an adult, because she will have to bear responsibility not only for herself, but also for her godson. Many who have adult sisters take them as godparents. After all, no one will take care of his godson as much as dear person.

Can an ex-husband be a godfather?

This more of a question morality. If you have ex-husband beautiful preserved friendly relations, and he is not the natural father of your child, he can become the godfather. But if your ex-husband is the child’s natural father, then he cannot be the adopter, since natural parents cannot be the adopter of their child. Well, again, the godfather becomes practically a relative, so discuss with your current husband whether he will be against your such a close relationship with ex-husband.

Can the godfather's wife be a godmother?

The godfather's wife cannot be the godparent if we are talking about the same baby, since the church prohibits spouses from being the godfather of the same child. During the sacrament, they acquire a spiritual connection, which means that there cannot be an intimate relationship between them.

Can a brother be a godfather?

Native or cousin may become a godfather. The Church does not prohibit close relatives from being godparents. The only exceptions are the child's parents. Grandmothers, brothers, aunts and uncles can be godparents. The main thing is that these people are Orthodox, baptized, and take a responsible approach to fulfilling the duties of godparents. That is, to teach a child the basics of Orthodoxy and raise him to be a believer, an honest and decent person.

Can husband and wife be godparents?

During the baptismal ceremony, a woman and a man become spiritual relatives, which means they cannot be married. Because marriage implies physical intimacy, which cannot exist between spiritual parents.

If the godmother and godfather are spouses, they are prohibited from participating in the sacrament of baptism of one child. Moreover, a man and woman cannot baptize the same child if they are just planning to get married. If they do become godparents of one baby, they will have to give up their close relationship in favor of raising a godson.

A husband and wife can baptize children from the same family. A man can become the godfather of one child, and the wife can become the godmother of another baby.

If a husband and wife unknowingly become the adoptive parents of the same child, the spouses need to contact the ruling bishop. As a rule, there are two ways out of this situation: recognition of the marriage as invalid, or the spouses will be given penance for a sin committed out of ignorance.

Who definitely cannot be a receiver?

Before choosing godparents for your baby, you need to know who the church clearly prohibits from taking as godparents:

- the child’s blood parents;

- spouses;

- not baptized and atheists;

- people of other religions;

- monks;

- mentally retarded people;

- sectarians.

Choosing godparents is a very important point. And here you need to be guided primarily by the interests of the child, and not by your own. Often, best friends or “necessary” people are chosen as godparents, without really delving into how much the person is a church member.

If you want your child to be raised in the Orthodox faith, choose only believers who know prayers and regularly attend church services. If people do not visit the temple and believe, as they say from time to time, then great doubt arises in serious attitude to the sacrament and their duties.

It often happens that people's paths diverge, and the godfather cannot take part in raising the godson. But he is still responsible for this child, so the recipient must pray for his godson or goddaughter all his life.

Is it possible to refuse to participate in Baptism? They say that if you refuse to be a godfather, then you refuse the cross.

Of course, it is not worth giving up the cross that the Lord gives to every person to strengthen his spiritual strength. Yes, this is impossible, because, refusing one cross, a person immediately receives a new one, which most often turns out to be heavier than the previous one. However, the duties of godparents can hardly be considered a moral test from which it is a sin to refuse.

The very name “godparents” (in the rite of the sacrament of Baptism they are called more neutrally - godparents) shows that their responsibilities are very serious. They consist in caring about the right spiritual development godson, in his upbringing in accordance with moral principles Orthodox faith. Godparents guarantee before God that their godson or daughter will grow up to be a decent, worthy, believing person, that he or she will feel the need to live a full life church life. In addition, godparents are obliged to help their godchildren with ordinary everyday needs, to provide them not only spiritual, but also material assistance.

If some circumstances do not allow you to confidently accept such responsibility, if there is no sincere love in your heart for the intended godson, it is better to refuse the honorary offer to become a godfather.

Two years ago, my relatives asked me to become a godmother. Now they demand gifts from me, tell me where and what I need to buy, without asking what my current financial situation is, what I can or cannot buy. What should I do?

Perhaps we should remind our godfathers of the Russian proverb: “Stretch your legs according to your clothes.” By becoming a godmother, you, first of all, accepted the responsibility to raise your godson in the spirit Christian values. These, by the way, include moderation in meeting material needs. Try to conscientiously fulfill this basic duty: teach your child to pray, read the Gospel with him, explaining its meaning, attend divine services. Gifts, especially those that bring spiritual benefit and delight the child, are, of course, also a good thing. But in to the fullest You did not assume any obligation to replace your natural parents. In addition, another proverb is true: “There is no judgment.”

Can my sister, whose son I baptized, become the godmother of my child?

Maybe. There are no canonical obstacles to this.

My husband and I are not married. But we have become godparents our relative, who was baptized as an adult. I didn’t immediately get into the ritual, but then I found out that it wasn’t possible. And now our marriage is falling apart. What to do?!

The circumstance you are talking about can under no circumstances be grounds for divorce. On the contrary, try to save your marriage. If this fails, continue to diligently fulfill the duties of godparents together with your ex-husband.

What should the child’s parents do if his godfather has forgotten about his godson and does not fulfill his duties? What should I do?

If the godfather is a relative or close friend of the family, it is worth reminding him of the responsibility that he bears before God for the correct Christian upbringing of his godson. If the godfather turned out to be random, and even not a church person at all, you should only blame yourself for a frivolous attitude towards the choice of a successor.

In this case, the parents themselves must diligently do what the godfather is obliged to do: raise the child in the spirit of Christian piety, accustom him to participate in divine services, and introduce him to the cultural wealth of the Orthodox Church.

Can I adopt my godson's child?

You can; There are no canonical obstacles to the adoption of a godson.

We decided to take relatives as our son’s godparents: our baby’s uncle and cousin, between them they are father and daughter. Please clarify, is this allowed? Let me explain that the choice was made consciously, and these are the people, in my opinion, who can be spiritual mentors for our child.

Your choice is quite acceptable if the intended godmother is not a minor child. After all, adoptees take on adult responsibility; they are obliged to raise their godson in the spirit of Christian values, which means they themselves must know what these values are, love the Church, worship, and live a church life.

Is it possible, being already the godfather of the eldest child in the family, to also become the godfather of the youngest?

If the godfather responsibly and conscientiously fulfills his duties towards his godson, then he may well become a godfather for his godson. younger brother (Bulgakov S.V. A clergyman's handbook. M., 1913. P. 994).

Please tell me whether siblings can be godparents. And one more thing: can a 12-year-old girl be a godmother?

Siblings can be godparents of the same child. A twelve-year-old girl can also become a godmother only if she was raised in Orthodox tradition, has a strong faith, knows the doctrine of the Church and understands the godfather’s responsibility for the fate of his godson.

Are there dogmatic or canonical obstacles to nepotism between spouses; in other words, can my wife and I become godparents to our friends’ child? Can godfathers and godfathers who were not married at the time of Baptism subsequently become husband and wife? I heard that there is no consensus in the Church on this matter.

Article 211 of the Nomocanon prohibits a husband and wife from being children of the same child. However, some decrees of the highest church authority of the Russian Orthodox Church(see about this: Bulgakov S.V. A clergyman's handbook. M., 1913. P. 994) cancel the specified requirement of Nomocanon. In the current situation, in my opinion, we should adhere to more ancient tradition, especially since in the Russian Orthodox Church it for a long time was considered the only correct one. In the case where the child’s parents absolutely desire to have spouses as his adoptive parents, they should submit a corresponding petition to the Ruling Bishop of the diocese in which the sacrament of Baptism is supposed to be performed.

Recipients of the same child who were not married at the time of Baptism are not considered to be spiritually related. Therefore, in the future they can enter into legal marriage without any obstacles ( Bulgakov S.V. Handbook of a clergyman. M., 1913. P. 1184).

In fairness, it should be noted that there is an opposite opinion on this matter, which was held, for example, by St. Philaret of Moscow. If a priest refuses to marry the successors of the same child, one should also contact the Ruling Bishop of the diocese where the wedding is expected to take place.

Can the godfather have other godchildren?

It is allowed to have any number of godchildren. However, when inviting a godfather for your child, you should think about whether he can adequately fulfill his duties, whether he has enough love, mental strength and material resources for the proper Christian upbringing of his godson.

My cousin had a son with a congenital heart defect 10 years ago. The doctors said that the situation was bad, and the sister decided to baptize him right in the hospital. She was lying in a special box, where no one except doctors was allowed. Only the priest was allowed in to baptize the child. I was only told later that I was registered as a godfather. Later, in Moscow, the child underwent surgery, he got back on his feet, thank God. And in January, my friend’s son was born, and he invited me to become godfather. Can I be a godfather?

I repeat, it is allowed to have any number of godchildren. However, it should be remembered that the responsibilities of godparents are very serious. Baptism is a church sacrament in which Divine grace itself acts. Therefore, you were not just “registered” as a godparent, perhaps without your knowledge, but you were given responsibility for the correct Christian upbringing of your godson. Having several godchildren is quite difficult. But, if you feel love for these children, the Lord will give you spiritual strength and the opportunity to become a worthy godfather for them.

Newspaper “Orthodox Faith” No. 7 (459), 2012

The godparents for the son were chosen by the wife - the sister and her husband, without realizing the responsibility of this title. According to church canons, can I revoke my godfather status? How to do this?

The most important thing in this situation is that the Sacrament of Baptism has been performed, and it is effective regardless of the dignity or unworthiness of the godfather. According to church canons, a husband and wife cannot be godparents for the same child, so your sister’s husband is not automatically a godfather. It is impossible to appoint a new godfather, and it is not necessary. It is important that your son is raised in Orthodoxy, regularly attends church, and receives communion. The main responsibility for raising a child lies with the parents, and only then with the godparents.

Priest Alexander Ilyashenko

Is it right for a husband to become a woman’s third or fourth child?

This is generally a tragedy of our time, which is rooted in Soviet times. A one-and-a-half-year-old child was sent to a nursery, where he was raised by women, and women taught him at school again... And where are the parents? They have been at work since eight in the morning and return home by seven or eight in the evening. All communication between the guys and men was limited to weekends and vacations, best case scenario. Hence the lack of will of entire generations. And then, dear women, you cannot seize the initiative. They complain: “It’s easier for me to drive a nail myself than to ask my husband to do it. I will spend less time on this, I will do it faster and more accurately. By the time you explain to him... two weeks will have passed. Now I need to hang this mirror, this picture, this shelf!” Let two weeks pass, but he will do it with his own hands.

Priest Igor Fomin

Between the godparents of my granddaughter (after baptism) sympathy arose, which turned into intimate relationships. I heard that any relationship between godparents is not allowed, because... are considered a sin. Can this sin, committed by the successors, affect the fate of their goddaughter - my granddaughter?

Yes, such relationships between godparents are not allowed and are considered a sin. But their sin will not affect the fate of your granddaughter. Pray, try to give her communion more often, raise her as a Christian, and may God’s mercy accompany you and your granddaughter!

Can siblings be godparents to one child?

Yes, a brother and sister can be godparents to the same child. Remember that it is important not only to baptize a child, but also to raise him in Orthodoxy and regularly receive Holy Communion Christ's Mysteries.

We want to baptize our little son, but we cannot find believing godparents. Why can’t natural parents be godparents? Can the eldest be godmother? sister baby?

Talk to the priest of the temple where you will baptize the baby, perhaps he will suggest you good godparents from the same parish. Church canons prohibit parents of a child from being adoptive children, older sister maybe a godmother. But the first demand for raising a child in faith is from the parents. Before baptism, it is good if the parents confess and receive communion, and in the future they regularly begin the sacraments.

My husband has epilepsy and the disease was passed on to his first child. Doctors said that future children could inherit this disease. Is it possible for me to give birth to another man, since I really want a big family.

Having a child from another man is grave sin, from which everyone will feel bad, in addition, the fruit of sin can be a sick child. Trust in God’s mercy, ask Him for patience, love, spiritual purity, and faith. May the Merciful Lord give you healthy children according to your faith.

Try to regularly confess and receive the Holy Mysteries of Christ, and give your child communion as often as possible.

Priest Alexander Ilyashenko

Is it possible for officially divorced spouses to reconcile and live together without re-registering the marriage at the registry office, or is this regarded as fornication?

If you are married to your spouse, then there is no problem, live in peace. If not, then in order for your cohabitation not to be regarded as fornication, you need to register with the registry office. A marriage registered by the state is not adulterous cohabitation. And if you and your spouse are baptized, then think about getting married. Then your marriage will be sanctified by the Church and thoughts about the sinfulness of your life together will not arise at all.

Priest Dionisy Svechnikov

Who did you make godparents? We are going to baptize a child, but I can’t choose godparents. They never challenged each other's choices, because... if so, then it’s correct)) the first one was baptized by my husband’s sister, she doesn’t know why he chose him, he wasn’t even a close friend.

did you baptize your child and if so at what age and if not then why. This is not very welcome, but is not prohibited. I read today that it is impossible for only the eldest daughter to be baptized by an institute friend and a family friend who was a witness at our wedding.

Christening. Please tell me, who knows why you can’t take a husband and wife (spouses in general) as godparents? And the last question, is it really possible to baptize no more than THREE children? To each other? No, they were originally from different kinds(families). If for your children - yes...

And you are also mistaken in that “THIS” did not exist before you - your husband had a friend BEFORE YOU, didn’t he? everyone needs something from us! That you can’t just be friends, you have to baptize your children? Anyway, the godmother is the child’s father’s sister. So why couldn’t you make a godparent a family member...

So, should we baptize a child, or should we first be baptized ourselves? Get baptized everyone, why not? It definitely won't make you any worse. Will it be better? Then, God willing, Orthodox friends will appear who can become worthy successors.

I baptized my first, the parents came to the choice so- mom for my part, dad for his. he chose his childhood friend, me my. my friend is married, so their marriage is excluded. and with the second, she wanted a second girlfriend, but communication was reduced to a minimum, she was with the children. Why not?

about christenings. Our godfather’s wife seriously dealt with this issue: what is possible, what is not. But I remember some things: taking godparents from the same family at the same time (husband and wife), baptizing each other's children (I - yours, you - mine), baptizing more than one child at a time...

Who cannot be appointed as a godparent? Choosing from friends or relatives one who will accept this honorable duty of Baptism. 1. Is it possible to baptize a child without a godmother and godfather? But she didn’t call her godfather, for some reason she was categorically determined that only her own people were needed.

And even if you find another church for rebaptism (they say it’s not possible in the same one), etc., you go around all church canons - aren’t you afraid to leave your child without an angel at all??? I encountered this situation from a slightly different perspective: my friend also...

off-baptism. Girls! Tell me, who knows whether it is possible to be godparents to a husband and wife. At the wedding there must be either an unmarried bridegroom with a witness, or a married couple.