How many times can you be a godparent in Orthodoxy. The rules of the sacrament of baptism: how many times can you be a godmother or godfather for a child

Today, almost every family professing the Orthodox faith seeks to introduce this faith to their newborn baby. Most parents perform the rite of baptism of the baby in the first year of his life.

Baptism is one of the seven sacraments of the Orthodox Church, during which the soul of a child dies for a sinful life and is born again for a spiritual existence in which he can reach the Kingdom of Heaven. Usually, christening becomes the main holiday in the life of a newborn and his family, they prepare for it for a long time, choose a temple, a priest and godparents, or godparents.

Sometimes, during the choice of godparents, parents have a question whether a person can be godfather several times. Perhaps mom and dad want to invite the same people who baptized their oldest child. Or one or both potential godparents have already become spiritual mentors for a baby born in another family.

In this article, we will tell you whether it is possible to be the godfather of several children, and also in what cases it is impossible to become the godparents of a newborn baby.

How to choose the right godparents?

To begin with, it is worth noting that it is absolutely not necessary to invite both a woman and a man to the role of godparents. For each child, only one godchild of the same sex as the godson himself is enough. Thus, if you have a boy, take care of choosing a godfather, and if you have a girl, a godmother. If you doubt the choice of a second successor, it is better not to invite anyone at all.

Godparents are spiritual guides for the baby. It is they who in the future will have to teach the child the basics of Orthodox life, introduce him to church attendance, give him instructions and follow the righteous life of his godson. Spiritual mentors, together with the parents of the baby, are responsible for him before God, and in case of misfortune with mom and dad, they must take the baby into their family and raise it on a par with their children.

When choosing, pay attention to their lifestyle. People who in the future will become something more than just friends or relatives for your child should lead a righteous and humble life, attend the temple, pray and be pure in their thoughts. No need to invite as godparents, mom and dad, people with whom you are interested in communicating, or those whom you are afraid to offend with your refusal.

Who can't be a godmother?

First of all, the parents of the baby themselves cannot be godparents, while other relatives can act in this role without any restrictions. This requirement also applies to adoptive parents who have adopted their children. If you invite both the godmother and the godfather, please note that they are not married. Finally, the most important and obvious thing is that people who profess a faith other than Orthodoxy cannot be godparents.

Is it allowed to be the godfather of several children at the same time?

As for whether it is possible to be a godmother or godfather several times, the church does not impose any restrictions on this. You can easily invite your eldest child or other children to the role of godfather, if you are sure that this particular person will become their spiritual mentor and friend and will fully fulfill his duties before God.

Meanwhile, baptizing two children at once, such as twins, may not be entirely convenient for the godparent. Indeed, according to tradition, the godson must hold the godson in his arms throughout the ceremony and take him from the font. Thus, if the baptism of two children will take place at the same time, it is better to choose your own godfather for each baby.

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Ancient Apostolic tradition gave rise to the custom of baptism. A person who accepts the faith of the Lord must have godparents. The Orthodox Church requires that the recipients be believers so that they can give an account of their actions and teach the faith of their godchildren, making a vow before the Almighty at the ceremony.

At the sacrament, you need to know the Symbols of Faith, be able to competently answer the questions of the priest, unite in spiritual kinship with the Lord, having renounced Satan in your thoughts. In our country, there are few people who would not know that there is a rite of Baptism, even fewer of those who did not take part in it at least once in their lives.

Secular people do not always fully understand the essence of what it means to be baptized and to be godparents, so they set the mass, find out the details of the future action. One of the important questions that interests future sponsors is: "How many times can you be a godmother?"

The rite of baptism according to church canons

According to the clergy, the Russian Orthodox Church does not limit a person in his desire to baptize, therefore there are no clear limits in this matter. It is believed that the godmother becomes closer in spiritual kinship than the one that gave life. She should become a real example for the goddaughter or godson, she should protect her godchild and help him not to stray from the true path. Indeed, during the ceremony, the godmother pronounces the words of renunciation of Satan for herself and for her named son or daughter, therefore, according to the Orthodox Church, she bears full responsibility for the child. Another thing is when a woman is asked to be a godmother several times. The question arises by itself: “Can the godmother bear so much responsibility?”

Before you take on the role of a godmother, it is better to talk with the ministers in the temple so that they explain in more detail the essence of your duties, the main covenants of God, etc. For many people who "live in the world", the concept of baptism is limited to buying a cross in the church and a towel in which the child is wrapped after the font. And from the church point of view, the godmother must herself observe God's laws and teach them to her godfather.

Relatives of the godson can also be godparents. It is unacceptable for both godparents to be spouses or have an intimate relationship with each other.

To be a godmother twice - to remove the cross from the first godson?

The church also refutes the popular belief that, having visited the godmother for the second time, the cross is removed from the first godson. Orthodox priests do not support these rumors, comparing the rite of baptism with the birth of a second child: a woman, having become a mother for the second time, does not abandon her first child and bears responsibility for him all her life.

The decision to baptize is yours...

Before you ask yourself whether it is possible to be a godmother several times, think about the fact that you, like no one else, will be responsible to God for your godchildren, you will have more responsibilities (and this, of course, is not about Easter cakes and eggs). Ask yourself: “Am I able to live according to the Sacred Laws of the Orthodox Faith?”, “Can I teach my godchildren righteousness and piety, and introduce them to the basics of the Orthodox Church?”, “Will I be able to pray for them until the end of my life and be held accountable for their deeds at God's Judgment?" These questions are not taken out of thin air, they are asked in the church at the interview when you have expressed a desire to become a godmother.

How many times to be a godmother, of course, you decide. The main thing is that the desire should come from the heart, and also not be spontaneous and thoughtless. No wonder they say that godparents are more connected with their spiritual children than with the parents who gave them physical life...

Today, most believing families professing Orthodoxy continue the tradition of baptizing their own children. Most often, the rite of baptism is successfully performed on a newborn baby no older than a year old, and the closest people are urged to become godparents. Every woman will be flattered by such a request, but an urgent question often arises: is it possible to be a godmother to several children at the same time?

Who do parents choose to be godmother?

Many will be surprised to learn that it is not at all necessary to appoint two people at once as mentors to a child. For a little girl, it is enough to choose only a godmother, but for a young boy - a godfather, in other words, a person of the same gender as the baby. If there are doubts about the second mentor, it is better to refuse his appointment altogether.

The godmother is exactly the person who must guide the entrusted godson on the true path all his life, introduce him to the established Orthodox traditions, teach him to attend church, and bear responsibility for him and for his actions before God. Therefore, it is imperative to choose a godmother mature woman, not only close to the family, but also one that leads the right way of life, has qualities that will become a positive example for the crumbs.

Who is not suitable for the role of a godmother?

It is forbidden to baptize a child by the blood or adoptive parents of the baby and people belonging to another faith, or atheists. All other relatives and friends have the right to become spiritual mentors.

Also, a couple of godparents cannot be married to each other. This is explained by the fact that the relationship between the godfather and the godmother must be at the highest, spiritual level. You have to choose only one of them. If, by chance, this happened, a petition should be submitted to the diocesan administration, which will decide whether it is worth dissolving the marriage or imposing repentance on the godmother and godfather for the sin committed through negligence.

Is it possible to be a godmother to several children at once?

There are no prohibitions on the right to become a godmother for several children, because there are more than one native babies. Therefore, often parents choose the same people to be the godmother for all their children. The problem can only arise during the baptism of twins, since the recipient, according to the prescribed traditions, is obliged to hold the baby in his arms throughout the ceremony. So it is better to assign a separate godmother to each baby.

It all depends on the attitude of the future godmother: will she be able to lead more than her only child through life? Perhaps this is a person who is able to be the godmother of several children overnight and instruct four or more godchildren.

Is it allowed to baptize children if something happens to the godmother?

According to church traditions, baptism is performed on a person only once, therefore parents are required to approach the issue of choosing a mentor very seriously, especially if she is the godmother of several children in the family. If, over time, the godmother strayed from the true path, began to lead a rampant sinful life, or changed her religion, the godson and his family are left to pray for her.

You can solve the problem only by turning to a deeply religious, serious person with a request to take custody of the child. Then she will be considered a godmother.

Baptism in Orthodoxy is a special sacrament. It is also called spiritual birth. During the ceremony, the newborn receives a guardian angel as the protector of his soul, who will protect him throughout his life. According to church traditions, it is recommended to baptize a newborn on the eighth day of his life or on the fortieth. A special role in this ceremony is assigned to the godparents. They have a very serious task. They will have to spiritually educate their godson, introduce him to the Church and the Orthodox faith. Therefore, church ministers recommend taking the choice of spiritual successors very seriously.

According to the laws of the Russian Orthodox Church, godparents cannot be:

The godparent and godmother of the newborn must not be married;

Biological parents cannot baptize their child;

People belonging to other religious concessions cannot become spiritual recipients of the Orthodox;

A pregnant woman and a woman who is menstruating at the time of baptism;

Crazy, immoral and unbelieving people;

Strangers or unfamiliar people who agreed to this only because they were persuaded by the parents of the newborn;

Minor children.

In any of the above cases, the clergyman has the right to refuse to conduct the sacrament of baptism. Of course, you can lie. But after all, the future of the child will depend on this decision.

Who can be godmother and godfather?

As a rule, both a woman and a man become godparents at the same time. But if the child has only one godparent, then the church recommends choosing a godfather by gender. That is, a woman should baptize a girl, and a man should baptize a boy. This is not a strict requirement. Situations are allowed when a man becomes a spiritual recipient for a girl, and a woman for a boy. Before performing the sacrament of baptism, the clergyman will talk with the selected candidates. It is important that godparents are truly believing Orthodox people. So that you can completely rely on them in the duties of the spiritual upbringing of the child.

Receivers must come to the sacrament of baptism with pectoral crosses. The godmother should be with a covered head, with covered shoulders and in a dress no lower than the knees. There are no strict requirements for a godfather. But it is better to refuse T-shirts with shorts. There should not be any headgear on the head of a man. It is strictly forbidden to come to the rite of baptism in alcoholic or drug intoxication.

How many times can you be godparents?

When asked how many times one can be a godmother or father, the church does not give a definite answer. There are no strict restrictions. The godparents decide on their own whether to become a spiritual successor again or not. When making such a decision, you need to remember that the godparent takes on a very serious responsibility. After all, he will have to not only introduce the child to the Orthodox faith, but also take care of him throughout his life.

Why godparents cannot become husband and wife and how many times can you be a godfather

Priest Dionisy Svechnikov

What is baptism?

Baptism is one of the seven sacraments of the Orthodox Church, in which the believer, when the body is immersed three times in water with the invocation of the name of the Most Holy Trinity - the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, dies to a sinful life and is reborn by the Holy Spirit for Eternal Life.
This is a new birth for spiritual life, in which a person can reach the Kingdom of Heaven. And it is called a sacrament because through it, in an incomprehensible way for us, the baptized person is affected by the invisible saving power of God - grace.
Is it possible to baptize infants, because they do not have conscious faith?
- But don't the parents who brought their child for baptism to the temple of God have it? Will they not instill faith in God in their child from childhood? In addition, the child will also have godparents - godparents from the baptismal font, who vouch for him and undertake to raise their godchild in the 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.
When should children be baptized?
- There are no definite rules in this matter. But usually children are baptized on the 40th day after birth, although this can be done earlier or later. The main thing is not to postpone baptism for a long time unless absolutely necessary. It would be wrong to deprive a child of such a great sacrament for the sake of the circumstances.
How many godparents should a child have?
- Church rules prescribe to have a godparent for the child of the same sex as the person being baptized. That is, for a boy - a man, and for a girl - a woman. In tradition, both godparents are usually chosen for the child: father and mother. It will also not be a contradiction if, if necessary, the child has a godfather of a different sex than the baptized person himself.
What are the requirements for godparents?

The first and main requirement is the undoubted Orthodox faith. After all, they will have to teach their godson the basics of the Orthodox faith, to give spiritual instructions. The godparents have a huge responsibility for the spiritual upbringing of their godchildren, for they, together with their parents, are responsible for it before God.
How do future godparents prepare for baptism?
- There are no special rules for preparing recipients for baptism. At some churches, special talks are held, where all the provisions of the Orthodox faith regarding baptism and reception are explained to a person. A good preparation will also be the study of the Holy Scriptures, the basic rules of Christian piety, as well as a three-day fast, confession and communion before the sacrament of baptism.
Usually the godfather takes care of the payment (if any) for the baptism itself and the purchase of a pectoral cross for his godson. The godmother buys a baptismal cross for the girl, and also brings the things necessary for baptism. Typically, a christening kit includes a baptismal shirt, a sheet and a towel. But these traditions are not binding.
Can spouses or those who are about to get married become godparents?

The spiritual relationship established between the recipients in the sacrament of baptism is higher than any other union, even marriage. Therefore, spouses cannot become godparents for one child. By doing this, they will question the possibility of the continued existence of their marriage. But one by one, they may well be godparents to different children from the same family. Cannot become godparents and those who are going to marry, because. becoming godparents, they will have a spiritual degree of kinship, which is higher than the physical. They will have to end their relationship and limit themselves only to spiritual kinship.

Can people living in a civil marriage become godparents?
- According to church canons, people leading an immoral life ("civil" marriage should be regarded in this way) cannot be recipients from the baptismal font. And if these people decide, finally, to legitimize their relationship before God and the state, then they will all the more not be able to be godparents to one child. Despite the apparent complexity of the question, there can be only one answer to it - unambiguously: no.
Can an adoptive father (mother) become a godfather to an adopted child?
- According to the 53rd rule of the VI Ecumenical Council, this is unacceptable.
How many times can a person become a godfather?
- In the Orthodox Church there is no clear canonical definition as to how many times a person can become a godfather during a lifetime. After all, this is a great responsibility for which you will have to answer before God. Its measure determines how many times a person can take on the reception. For each person, this measure is different and, sooner or later, a person may have to give up a new perception.
Is it possible to refuse to become a godfather?
- If a person feels internally unprepared or has fundamental fears that he will not be able to conscientiously fulfill the duties of a godparent, then he may well refuse the parents of the child (or the baptized person himself, if it is an adult) to become their child's godfather. There is no sin in this.
When is there no need for godparents?

There is always a need for godparents. Especially for children. But not every adult baptized can boast of a good knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and church canons. If necessary, an adult can be baptized without godparents, because. he has a conscious faith in God and can quite independently pronounce the words of renunciation of Satan, combine with Christ and read the Creed. He is fully accountable for his actions. The same cannot be said for babies and young children. The godparents do it all for them. But, in case of extreme need, you can baptize a child without godparents. Such a need, of course, can be the complete absence of worthy godparents.

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

According to Canon 84 of the 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 not baptized, the servant (slave) of God is baptized ...".

Can a pregnant woman become a godmother?
- Of course you can. Such a delusion has nothing to do with church canons and traditions and is also superstition. Participation in church sacraments can only be to the benefit of the expectant mother. I also had to baptize pregnant women. Babies were born strong and healthy.

Is it true that if wax with cut hair sinks at baptism, then the life of the person being baptized will be short?
- No, it's a superstition. According to the laws of physics, wax cannot sink in water at all. But if you throw it from a height with sufficient force, then at the first moment it will really go under water. Fortunately, if the superstitious godfather does not see this moment and "fortune telling on baptismal wax" will give a positive result. But, as soon as the godfather notices the moment the wax is immersed in water, lamentations immediately begin, and the newly-made Christian is almost buried alive. After that, it is sometimes difficult to get out of a state of terrible depression the parents of a child who are told about the "sign of God" seen at baptism. Of course, this superstition has no basis in church canons and traditions.
According to the site pravmir.ru