Baptism is a sacred rite, through which a person is cleansed of his sins and becomes a servant of the Lord. Having learned the sacrament of baptism, the child is born anew - now spiritually.
During the christening, the baby has another father and mother - godparents. Previously, according to church traditions, there was only one godfather, a boy - a man, a girl - a woman. But later, when times of lack of faith and debauchery came, it was decided that it would be too difficult to save the soul and the faith of the child to a single recipient (the godfather). After all, the duties of the godfather and mother are very great.
What should the godfather know?
The godfather is the spiritual mentor of the child. His duties include:
- spiritual education of the godson;
- the report of the basic canons, which the church and the Bible preaches, to the attention of the child;
- Communion and confession of a child in the church;
- helping parents in caring for the godfather or daughter;
- responsibility for the upbringing and dignified life of the godson in the event of the death of the parents.
Also, according to unspoken rules, future kulovs take upon themselves the organization of christenings.
What should the godmother do?
Buy the baptismal set:
- Special white towel with embroidery.
- The baptismal suit is a white vest and bonnet, in the cold season - white panties and a blouse. The palms and feet should remain open.
What should the Godfather do?
- Organize christenings in the church (negotiate with the priest).
- To organize a feast.
- Buy a cross and a string or chain.
Duties of the Godfather at baptism
Before the baptism, the future parents are cleansed spiritually - confess, receive communion. The godfather or mother needs to learn the prayer "The Symbol of Faith". This prayer will need to be read during the rite. Also the godfather should have a cross and a chain. The godmother besides the set for baptism can give a goddess a silver spoon.
Can I change my godfather?
The Godfather can only be changed before the rite of baptism is performed. If for some reason your kum can no longer see the child and there is a worthy person who will spiritually bring up the child, he will become for him a mentor, but not a father. The mother of god can not be changed either.
Who can not be godfather:
- spouses can not baptize the same child, but can baptize different children in the same family;
- the parents of the child;
- people are not of the Orthodox faith;
- mentally mentally ill people.