Memo to Godparents. Memo. Godparents - godparents According to the Trebnik, only one godparent is considered necessary - a man for a male person being baptized or a woman for a female person. But according to an unwritten tradition, there can be two

One of the seven sacraments performed in the Orthodox Church is the baptism of a child. The rules for godparents, which have developed in Rus' over several centuries, require them to perform certain duties during this ceremony, which will be discussed in our article.

The godmother and godfather will answer to God for their godson. They will have to instruct him in the Christian faith, take him to communion, and set an example with their behavior.

Therefore, parents approach their choice with special responsibility. According to the church charter, the child’s parents themselves, monks, people married to each other, as well as non-believers and not baptized according to the Orthodox rite, cannot be godparents. During pregnancy, women should not perform this mission.

We will tell you what the responsibilities of godparents are for the baptism of a child and provide a reminder for godparents so that they can take into account everything necessary for carrying out this ceremony.

What godparents need to do when preparing for christenings

The responsibilities of godparents during a child's baptism are as follows.

The godmother buys a kryzhma (white linen or terry towel) and a baptismal outfit for the baby: a shirt for a boy or a dress for a girl and a smart cap.

It is advisable to buy products made from natural materials that do not irritate the delicate skin of children. For christenings, things are usually chosen in light shades - white or light beige, which symbolize innocence and initiation into spiritual life.

After the baptismal ceremony, the kryzhma is dried, but not washed. All these things are no longer used for their intended purpose and are kept at home as amulets throughout a person’s life, as it is believed that they protect him from diseases and troubles.

The godfather pays for the ceremony in the temple and the purchase of food for festive table, which is covered after christening. The fee for a christening usually ranges from 600 to 2 thousand rubles. This donation is voluntary, and if you are unable to contribute the required amount, the child must be baptized free of charge.

For the baptism of a child, according to established rules, godparents must also buy a cross for the baby and, in addition to it, a chain or twine. Even when the child grows up and wears another cross, these gifts will be carefully kept in the family as a reminder of the bright holiday. Both the godfather and the godmother can give such a gift.

You can also give your baby:

• spoon “for the first tooth”,
• children's Bible, prayer book, books about the lives of saints,
• “measured icon” with the image of the patron saint.

Such an icon is painted to order on a board, the height of which is equal to the height of the child at the time of baptism. She will remain with the child for life and will help him in difficult situations.

According to Orthodox traditions regarding the sacrament of baptism of a child, on the eve of this rite, the godparents must fast for several days, and then confess and take communion in church.

In addition, godparents, when preparing for the baptismal ceremony, are required to know certain orthodox prayers(“Creed”, “Our Father”, etc.), although in some parishes you will simply need to repeat the prayers after the priest.

What else should godparents remember?

Your clothing should be modest: women should not wear trousers, dresses with a deep neckline or cutouts, or short skirts to church. According to tradition, women should cover their heads with scarves, while men, on the contrary, take off their hats in the temple. All those present must wear crosses.

The prayers mentioned above will need to be read during the rite of announcement preceding baptism, when the priest says prayers directed against Satan. Godparents must read responsive prayers on behalf of the child, renouncing the unclean spirit and promising to remain faithful to the Lord.

After this, the priest blesses the water in the font and dips the child into it three times, who is then wrapped in kryzhma. There is a sign that after this you cannot wipe the holy water from the baby’s face: you need to let it dry so that he grows up happy.

The ceremony of anointing begins, when the baby’s face, chest, arms and legs are anointed with the sacred myrrh, while the corresponding prayers are read. Then the godparents carry the child around the font three times, which symbolizes the upcoming eternal life in Christ.

Finally, the priest washes off the ointment, wipes the child with a towel, and cuts strands of the child's hair in a cross shape as a sign of dedication. Male babies are then brought into the altar. At the end of the baptismal ceremony, the child is applied to one of the icons of the Savior, as well as to the icon of the Mother of God.

The rules for godparents for a child's baptism are not as complicated as they might seem at first glance. The godfather and godmother will only need to repeat certain actions during the ceremony at the request of the priest. Typically, baptism takes place within half an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how many people take part in the sacrament.

Finally, it should be mentioned that godparents should not forget to resolve organizational issues on the eve of the ceremony:

1. If you wish to take photographs or video during the christening, you will need to obtain permission from the priest in advance. As a rule, there is no ban on filming in churches, but in some parishes there are restrictions.
2. To obtain a child's baptismal certificate, you must bring his birth certificate to the temple in advance.
3. Help the child's parents organize the festive feast that takes place after the christening.

Epiphany is a church holiday, so setting a lavish table with a lot of alcohol on this day is not recommended. According to tradition, at christenings they serve baptismal porridge, pies, sweets (so that the godson’s life will be sweet), and at the end, you can offer guests an originally decorated cake.

The priest, with whom you should definitely talk on the eve of this sacrament, can tell you in more detail about the responsibilities of godparents.

Elena Samokish

First, an anecdote. Two middle-aged gentlemen and an old man collide on the street. They begin to apologize profusely. And suddenly they recognize each other! Joyful hugs, exclamations: “Oh, it’s you, professor! We haven’t changed at all!!” "And this is you, Vasya Sokolov! You have matured so much, quite an adult! Tell me, my friend, has the knowledge you acquired at my department of higher mathematics been useful to you in life?" - Well, what about the professor!!! Undoubtedly!!! Just recently, the wind blew away my expensive hat made of natural felt, bought in London, and dropped it right in the middle of a huge deep puddle. But I was not at a loss - I found a piece of wire, bent it in the form of an intergal and fished out the hat!!! Thank you very much, professor!!!" ) But I want to talk not about the useless, sometimes even exotic knowledge that we learned at the university. But on the contrary, about the knowledge that was useful to you not only as professionals, but also in everyday life. In the sense: thanks to it, you see and understand there are much more people in the world around us than those who have not received this knowledge. I’ll start with myself. Well, for example, having studied 7 chemistries quite well, I know exactly which household chemicals and cosmetics are worth buying, and which ones should you stay away from. That most of the procedures that are offered in salons are complete nonsense and a waste of money, since due to the anatomy of hair and skin they simply physically cannot work. That “herbs” are not at all harmless, but quite powerful and dangerous means, and using them without a doctor’s prescription is simply life-threatening. And that tablets are not “poisonous chemicals”, but very highly effective and much safer than “herbal” substances. What to drink coffee “for cheerfulness” is meaningless. And that green tea has 3 times more caffeine, and tomatoes have 2 times more caffeine than coffee. That absolutely all cereals must first be soaked for at least 2 hours (so that they release phytin into the water, which is poisonous and swell and open all their beneficial features). And what's left with room temperature uneaten rice during dinner, bacteria begin to multiply violently after 2 hours. And if you eat it in the morning for breakfast, intoxication (lethargy, weakness are guaranteed for you). And that you should never use sponges for washing dishes. But only non-woven cloths, which you need every day throw it away. Well, I know a lot more)) What about you? Well, for example, banking specialists - what cards should you definitely not have? Or personnel officers - what should you definitely not write in your resume?)

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Anonymka Anonymkovna 77

Good day to all! We need advice on two Russian capitals for spending leisure time with children - 6, 11 and 14 years old. About a week for each city. Well, housing options are also welcome))))
Children - the first time, I myself was about 20 years ago, so it’s also like the first time.

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Tetyana Nekrasova

When it's not needed. And when necessary, the weight is worth...

That’s how different everyone’s bodies and metabolism are. After Christmas and New Year, most people begin to lose weight. Lose the pounds gained over the holidays.
My household is now eating one and a half times more than usual, apparently their stomachs have stretched))
But they don’t know what to do with the energy either)) Son in Gym walks every day, the husband rides on a bike and demands intimacy at the first opportunity))
And I lost my appetite. I didn’t notice right away)) At work they ask if I’m going to lunch? “Yeah, now, I’ll finish the contract and go.” And then: one or two, and the working day is already over. But we have a fruit basket, so I eat pears and tangerines)))
I came home and cooked dinner (of course, I tried a couple of spoons). That's all. I don’t want to eat anymore... In general. I want a cup of tea. With lemon and honey.
I haven’t fully recovered yet, maybe that’s the problem? Ordinary, right? Today I fried a turkey fillet in an egg and cooked my favorite rice. But no appetite...
Now I weighed myself - 46 kg. For summer - absolutely normal. But now it’s winter!)))

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The baptismal period has begun and many future godparents are already asking various questions regarding the baptismal ceremony, baptismal attire, and many things that worry future godparents before the important step - Becoming second parents for the baby!

Especially for future godparents, I am posting answers to the most exciting questions.

So, baptism is necessary for a person to be saved. Baptism is a new birth for spiritual life in which a person can achieve the Kingdom of Heaven. And it is called a sacrament because through it, in a mysterious, incomprehensible way for us, the invisible saving power of God - grace - acts on the person being baptized. Like other sacraments, baptism is divinely ordained. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, sending the apostles to gospel sermon, taught them to baptize people: “Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Having been baptized, a person becomes a member of the Church of Christ and can now begin the rest of the church sacraments.

Is it possible to baptize infants, because they do not have independent faith?

It’s absolutely true that young children do not have independent, conscious faith. But don’t the parents who brought their child for baptism in the temple of God have it? Won't they instill in their child faith in God from childhood? It is obvious that parents have such a belief, and, most likely, will instill it in their child. In addition, the child will also have godparents - recipients from the baptismal font, who vouch for him and undertake to raise their godchild in Orthodox faith. Thus, infants are baptized not according to their own faith, but according to the faith of their parents and godparents who brought the child to baptism.

For God, the desire to “get to know each other better” or “not wanting to stain your passport with unnecessary stamps” cannot be an excuse for fornication. In fact, people living in a “civil” marriage trample all Christian concepts about marriage and family. Christian marriage presupposes the responsibility of the spouses for each other. During the marriage they become one, not two. different people who promised to live under the same roof from now on. Marriage can be compared to two legs of one body. If one leg stumbles or breaks, won't the other one bear the entire weight of the body? And in a “civil” marriage, people don’t even want to take on the responsibility of putting a stamp in their passport.

Can an adoptive father (mother) become a godfather to an adopted child?

Can a child’s parents become godparents to the children of their godfathers (their children’s godparents)?

Can a priest be a godfather (including the one who performs the sacrament of baptism)?

Continuing the theme of adoption, one cannot help but recall such a phenomenon as the desire of parents, for some, sometimes completely incomprehensible, reasons, to “adopt a godfather in absentia.”

How many times can a person become a godfather?

Is it possible to refuse to become a godfather? Wouldn't that be a sin?

At what age can you become a foster child?

What should you do if you quarreled with your godson’s parents and for this reason you can’t see him?

What to do if, due to objective reasons, you have not seen your godson for years?

Is it possible to abandon godparents who do not fulfill their duties, who have fallen into serious sins or who lead an immoral lifestyle?

Is it necessary to baptize a person who does not know for sure whether he was baptized as a child?

According to 84 rule VI Ecumenical Council, such people must be baptized if there are no witnesses who could confirm or deny the fact of their baptism. In this case, a person is baptized, pronouncing the formula: “If he is not baptized, the servant of God is baptized...”.

What a person who is preparing to become a Orthodox Christian? How should he prepare for the sacrament of baptism?

Can a girl be the first to baptize a girl? They say that if you baptize a girl first, and not a boy, then the godmother will give her her happiness.

Can a pregnant woman become a godmother? Would this somehow affect her own child or godson?

Is it true that in order to remove the damage caused to a person, it is necessary to cross himself again, and keep the new name secret, so that new attempts at witchcraft do not work, because... do they cast spells specifically on the name?

1. Charter for raising a baptized baby

Let the presenter or one of the relatives read “Charter for raising a baptized baby”

Mother's responsibilities:

1. Arrange regular and timely provision of the baby with fresh milk, clean diapers and new rattles.

2. Learn at least a dozen lullabies and perform them every evening. If the mother does not have hearing and voice, she is obliged to develop her vocal abilities.

3. Maintain good relations with your child’s godparents by regularly treating them to various goodies.

Father's responsibilities:

1. Protect the child’s mother from various problems and troubles so that she can regularly and timely provide the baby with fresh milk, clean diapers and new rattles.

2. Regularly exercise the muscles of the arms and legs in order to easily carry various heavy objects necessary for the child over any distance, such as a stroller, sled, bicycle, electric car, baby’s mother, etc.

3. Provide the baby and his mother with systematic rest on the sea beach under the hot sun.

4. Maintain friendly relations with the child’s godparents by regularly organizing meetings with them.

Child's responsibilities:

In response to parental care, the child undertakes not to scream in vain, not to untie the diapers, not to wake up at night, and not to get sick.

In addition, the baby undertakes to learn to walk no later than 12 months; speak – no later than 12 months; read poetry - no later than 13 months; to eat independently with a spoon - no later than 10 months, and with a fork and knife - no later than 24 months.

1. Always remember your important role in the life of your godson. Teach him only bright, kind, eternal things.

2. Don’t forget to visit your godson at least once a month

3. Never forget about your godson’s birthdays.

4. Respect your godson’s parents and maintain good relations with them.

Responsibilities of the baby's grandparents:

Strictly and continuously monitor compliance with this Charter for the upbringing of a baptized infant

The consent of parents, godparents and the baby with the contents of this charter must be sealed with strong hugs and kisses from all persons specified in the Charter.

2. Box with wishes

Take a simple box - for example, a shoe box. Decorate it by making a hole in the lid. Glue the lid to the base so that it does not open. Give all guests a paper strip and a marker. Have them write one wish, piece of advice or recommendation to the baby and place it in the box. This box will remain as a keepsake, and the current baby will be able to open it in 10-18 years.

3. Blank slate

You need to take a fairly large clean white sheet. Show it to guests and say:

A child is born pure and immaculate, like this white sheet. And then he acquires certain qualities. Let's write on this sheet only the best qualities that our hero of the occasion will have. And in such a way that there is no free space left for anything bad.

The sheet and marker are passed around, and everyone writes in one at a time. good quality, which the baby will have. And so on until there is no free space left on the sheet. You can write the following words: “Intelligence, kindness, high intelligence, thirst for knowledge, respect for elders, sociability, goodwill, faith in God, following the advice of godparents, etc. and so on.".

4. Diplomas for Godparents

The following information can be written on the front of the diploma:

Awarded the honorary title "Godmother"/"Godfather"

Godmother/Godfather is allowed:

1. Love and protect your goddaughter/godson like your own child
2. Instruct your godson/goddaughter in spiritual literacy and pray for him
3. Give your godson/goddaughter warmth and care without demanding anything in return
4. Give gifts to the godson/goddaughter in small and large quantities

Godmother/godfather is prohibited from:

1. Refuse to babysit your goddaughter/godson
2. Forgetting to congratulate your goddaughter/godson on her birthday
3. Pamper your child with too expensive gifts or money.

WITH reverse side diploma, you can put a reminder for godparents

REMINDER for godmother/godfather

1. A baby can scream three times louder than three adults. This can have a negative impact on the health of the adults around the baby, so it is necessary to provide the baby with such care that they cry as little as possible.

2. If some items need to be stored out of the reach of children, it is better to take them out of the house or at least lock them in a safe. Since any other place inaccessible to children can be gutted by a child in exactly 2 and a half minutes.

3. Not only men, but also children like the taste of lipstick. Moreover, the brighter the lipstick, the tastier it is for the baby. Keep lipsticks, especially bright ones, out of the reach of children (see point 2.)

4. A tube of toothpaste is enough to paint half a wall, not only in the bathroom, but also in the hallway.

5. If your child wants to dust or wash the floors, give him a napkin or mop, otherwise the cleaning will be done with your blouse or used diaper.

6. For some reason, the most important documents are torn first (see point 2).

7. Your stomach can fit 3 huge servings of ice cream, but remember to leave room for at least one bowl of porridge or soup.

8. In case of fire, call 01.

9. Girls are given dolls, boys are given cars, women are given flowers and chocolate, but men do not drink flowers and chocolate. The main thing is not to confuse anything!

10. A godson remains a godson, even when his own child acquires Godparents.

5. Fun with baptismal porridge

Since ancient times, rituals with baptismal porridge were part of christening script. We offer a modernized version of this ritual.

You will need a clay pot or porcelain tureen. Instead of porridge, you need to put gingerbread, sweets, nuts, etc. in the dishes. Someone dressed up as a grandmother can take the dishes with porridge to the guests. The responsibility of breaking the pot of porridge can be entrusted to the father of the hero of the occasion, grandfather or godfather. Or you can do it differently - for example, sell the right to do this.

In this case, the following conclusion is made:

Whoever breaks a pot of porridge, the angels smile on him and good luck comes. But the right is expensive! Come and buy it!

Of course, it’s better to sell not for money, but for something intangible: for example, for the best ditty about babies. Although, if desired, a small cash auction can be held.

To break a “pot of porridge,” you need to wrap the vessel in a tablecloth and hit it on the floor. This is done by the one who was given the right to break the pot. The “grandmother” distributes the shards to guests as souvenirs with the sentence:

Having received the shard, those who are not married will get married, those who are not married will get married, those without children will have children, those without grandchildren will nurse their grandchildren.

In addition to the shards, guests must receive the contents of the pot and immediately eat at least a small part of the treat.

6. Tests for godparents

Compiling on christening script, be sure to include some challenges for godparents. For example, the ones below.

Godmothers mom and dad compete in their “teaching skills”

1. Knowledge of Russian folk tales. The godparents take turns naming the tales they will tell to their godson. The last one to name wins.

2. The ability to make a toy out of nothing. Godparents are given fruits (banana, apple, tangerine), several vegetables, a knife and toothpicks. We need to make a doll. Whoever comes up with the most realistic and funniest results wins.

3. Collect toys. The godparents each stand near a separate chair. Various toys are scattered on the floor. At the same time, the godparents begin to collect toys from the floor: you need to take one toy at a time, take it to your chair, put it on it, and then go for the next toy. Whoever manages to collect the most toys in the end wins.

4. Team game “Chocolate”. Godmothers, mom and dad, select a team of 3-4 people. Godparents are given a large chocolate bar. They must divide the chocolate into “windows” and give it to their team members, who must eat the chocolate pieces as quickly as possible. Whose team eats the chocolate bar faster, the godparent wins.

5. Team game “Amulets”. The presenter reminds that a pin is considered a powerful amulet and suggests preparing amulets ribbons for the hero of the occasion. Each team is given a long, wide ribbon (blue or pink or tricolor) and a box with a large number of decorative pins. The teams simultaneously begin to attach pins to the tape. Whose team can do it faster, the godfather wins.

6. Riddles. Prepare the usual children's riddles and test your godparents. Whoever guesses the most wins.

The godfather who wins the most tests should be required to take patronage over the godfather and increase the level of his knowledge and abilities regarding raising children.

Writing a christening script for a girl or boy, do not plan noisy games, as this may wake the baby. But if the child is moved to another room in the middle of the celebration, you can sing - for example, divide the guests into two teams and arrange "battle" on the knowledge of children's songs and lullabies.

You can find a verbatim script on the Internet and simply customize it to suit yourself by adding something or removing something. I made this one (maybe it will be useful for someone): next post.

My script

We gathered for christenings,

Name day angel!

Our baby is a joy to us

He was introduced into the sacred temple.

Invited guests, sit down,

Treat yourself well.

Eat and drink slowly

For the baby's health!

(First toast “For Dima”)

Baptism is one of the seven sacraments of the Orthodox Church. New birth for spiritual life. And it is called a sacrament because through it, the invisible saving power of God - grace - acts in a mysterious way on the person being baptized. At the moment of baptism, the Holy Spirit sanctifies the entire being of a person.

Let's raise our glasses to Dmitry, who was baptized today, and wish him the most important thing - good health, great happiness and good fate.

There is an opinion that a person’s fate is influenced not only by his date of birth and zodiac sign, but also by the name he was given. All this in combination with each other determines the character and life path person.

The name Dmitry is one of the most common male names today. It holds fourth place in cities and fifth in rural areas in terms of prevalence, on a par with Andrey, second only to Alexander, Sergey and Alexey.

It received a special peak in distribution in the 19th century, after which it did not diminish in popularity.

Like most popular names now, the name Dmitry entered the Russian language along with the adoption of Orthodoxy.

In Orthodoxy, the most revered patron of Dmitriev is Prince Dmitry Donskoy (name day is celebrated on June 1), the unifier of Russian lands.

The history of the origin of the name Dmitry echoes ancient Greek mythology. The name Dmitry means "relating to Demeter." Demeter is the goddess of earth and fertility. The Greeks began to honor her as the greatest goddess when agriculture became their main occupation. According to legend, Demeter taught people how to cultivate grain fields. Therefore, it is believed that Dmitry is a fruit of the earth.

Little Dmitrys usually look like their mother. As a child, Dimka is very emotional, capricious, constantly demanding attention, very active and mobile children.

They do well at school. Studying comes easily to them and he spends very little time on it. Mainly loves technical sciences. Quite often they suffer from respiratory diseases, but as they grow older their health becomes better.

With age, Dmitry becomes surprisingly stubborn.

Acquires such qualities as courage, analytical mind, perseverance, ingenuity, hard work, sociability, practicality, enterprise, perseverance, charm, and high morality.

Has business acumen. Strives to look fashionable and stylish.

Dmitry is reliable and a good friend. She loves comfort and coziness and spares no expense on it. In addition, he is a real esthete, so his chosen one must be beautiful, smart and thrifty.

Loves to travel and leads an active lifestyle. It is difficult for him to limit himself in anything.

Dmitry tries to achieve perfection in everything he undertakes.

(Second toast “For godparents”)

But this is just in theory. In practice, it is clear that much in the formation of a person’s personality depends on his upbringing, on the atmosphere in which the child grows up and, of course, on the parents who serve as an example to their child.

Godparents accept the baptized child from the hands of the priest. Hence the Slavic name - recipients. Thus, they take upon themselves the responsibility to raise the child in the Orthodox spirit, monitor his morality, teach him virtues and pray for him. And also help parents in raising their godson.

Let's raise our glasses to our godparents. We wish them health, patience and success in such a difficult task.

Nowadays, it is customary at christenings to read out the so-called “Charter for raising a baptized child”:

Charter for raising a baptized child.

Mother's responsibilities:

Provide regular and timely provision of fresh and delicious milk, clean diapers and new toys.

Tell fairy tales and sing funny children's songs. Organize puppet theater performances based on children's fairy tales. Protect the child in every possible way and enhance the child’s intellectual development.

Maintain good relations with your child’s godparents by regularly treating them to various goodies.

Father's responsibilities:

Protect the child’s mother from various problems and troubles so that she can regularly and timely provide the child with fresh and tasty milk, clean diapers and new toys.

Regularly exercise the muscles of the arms and legs in order to easily carry various heavy objects necessary for the child over any distance, such as a stroller, sled, bicycle, electric car, child’s mother, etc.

Provide the child and his mother with systematic rest on the sea beach under the hot sun.

Maintain friendly relations with the child’s godparents by regularly organizing meetings with them.

Child's responsibilities:

In response to parental care, the child undertakes not to scream unnecessarily, not to break toys, not to wake up at night, and not to get sick.

Commits to learning to walk no later than 12 months; speak – no later than 24 months; read poetry - no later than 36 months; independently drink from a mug and eat with a spoon - no later than 48 months, and with a fork and knife - no later than 60 months.

In relation to the Godparents, the baby undertakes to honor and respect them, listen to their good advice and be sure to invite them to his wedding.

Responsibilities of godparents:

Always remember your important role in the life of your godson. Instruct the godson in spiritual literacy and pray for him.

Teach him only bright, kind, eternal things.

To love and protect your godson as if you were your own.

Give your godson warmth and care without demanding anything in return.

Give gifts to the godson in small and large quantities.

Don’t forget to visit your godson at least once every 3 months.

Respect your godson's parents and maintain good relations with them.

And remember that godparents are prohibited from:

Refuse to babysit your godson.

Forgetting to congratulate your godson on his birthday.

Pampering your child with too expensive gifts or money.

And so that our godparents do not forget, we will give them small reminders.

(Presentation of diplomas and memos).

The memo was a little book . see next magazine post

If you have been asked to be a godmother or godfather for a child, then you should realize that with the agreement you take on great responsibility, since this means not only that you will be present in the rite of this sacrament.

The rite of baptism occupies an important place in the life of every person, since it means a person’s joining the ranks christian church. During baptism, a child who has only recently come into this world is given the grace of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will contribute to the spiritual growth of the child, and from this day the child will have a Guardian Angel, who will later life will protect the person.

Godparents (fathers) bear great responsibility for spiritual education the child they received from the font. Godparents, after biological parents, are the first people responsible for the child. They should be a role model for him, regularly pray for his goddaughter or godson, help the child grow up with faith in the Father, the Lord, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teach him to believe in Christ, and fight evil. In order to truly fulfill all their obligations to the godson, godparents must themselves be baptized believers. They must have some experience of church life. During the baptism process, the priest reads the Creed and Our Father prayers; godparents should know these prayers by heart.

Close friends of the child’s parents or relatives can baptize a child. As the rules of the church say, a child must have a foster child of the same gender as himself, that is, for a boy the foster child must be a man, and for a girl, a female child. But it is allowed for a child to have both godparents; this does not contradict the canons. At the request of the parents, there can be two, three, four godparents and so on.

As it says Orthodox Church, godparents (fathers) cannot be:
Parents for their own child;
Bride and groom or husband and wife. This is explained by the fact that there cannot be married life between people who are spiritually related.
Monks and nuns.
Unbaptized people;
Non-believers (also non-believers).
Participants of various cult sects and organizations.
Crazy and immoral people. The insane cannot be godparents because they cannot vouch for the child’s faith, they cannot teach him faith in the future, and the immoral, by their way of life, do not deserve to be godparents.
Children, after all, they cannot yet vouch for the child’s faith, since they themselves are not yet very familiar with the laws of the Orthodox Church.

During baptism, godparents hold the baby to the cross. This can be done by one person, for a girl - godmother, and the boy has a godfather. If the person being baptized is an adult, then he can independently answer the questions asked of him; in this case, godparents are an optional rule. Biological parents can be present at the baptismal ceremony, but they cannot hold the child to the cross.

Before baptizing a child, godparents it is necessary to confess and receive communion so that they can hold the child to the cross with pure thoughts. On the day of baptism, the godmother should not be in a state of monthly purification. To perform the baptism ceremony, you must wear pectoral cross. Clothing must be appropriate; women must cover their heads with a headscarf or headscarf and wear a skirt below the knees. The godmother and mother of the baby are prohibited from wearing lipstick.

At baptism, the following must be present: a kryzhma (a beautiful openwork diaper in which the baby is received from the font), a baptismal shirt, and a pectoral cross. The godfather traditionally buys a cross for a child. When choosing a cross, you need to pay attention to the fact that it is smooth and cannot scratch the baby’s delicate skin. It is best to purchase a small cross on a short chain (lace), so that the child will not see the decoration on his neck and will not be distracted by it. Kryzhma is bought by the child's godmother. After baptism, Kryzhma is kept by the child’s parents for years. She is endowed with magical powers to heal the baby if he gets sick. Very often the baby’s name and the date of his baptism are embroidered on the kryzhma (in the corner).

The godmother also buys the baptismal shirt in advance. This could be a baptismal outfit, depending on the wishes of the parents. When choosing a baptismal shirt or christening outfit, you need to be guided by the fact that the material is soft, gentle, and comfortable for the child. It is advisable that the baptismal attire be white, since this color symbolizes youth, innocence and purity.
Naturally, it is best to prepare for baptism in advance - buy or sew a baptismal shirt and kryzhma, choose a suitable cross. Thus, in the church you will only need to purchase an icon heavenly patron(as a gift to a child from godparents), candles, and also make a donation or pay for the sacrament of baptism.

Anyone who wants to prayerfully share the joy of this sacrament and those who care about such an important spiritual event in the life of this family can be present at the baptismal ceremony.