Briefly:

• The godfather, or godfather, must be Orthodox Christian. A godfather cannot be a Catholic, a Muslim, or a very good atheist, because main responsibility godfather - to help the child grow in the Orthodox faith.
• There must be a godfather church man, ready to regularly take his godson to church and monitor his Christian upbringing.
• After baptism has been performed, godfather cannot be changed, but if the godfather has changed greatly for the worse, the godson and his family should pray for him.
• Pregnant and unmarried women CAN to be godparents of both boys and girls - do not listen to superstitious fears!
• Godparents the child's father and mother cannot be, and husband and wife cannot be godparents of the same child. other relatives - grandmothers, aunts and even older brothers and sisters can be godparents.

Many of us were baptized in infancy and no longer remember how it happened. And then one day we are invited to become a godmother or godfather, or perhaps even more joyfully - our own child is born. Then we think once again about what the Sacrament of Baptism is, whether we can become godparents to someone and how we can choose godparents for our child.

Answers from Rev. Maxim Kozlov to questions about the responsibilities of godparents from the site ““.

- I was invited to become godfather. What will I have to do?

Being a godfather is both an honor and responsibility.

Godmothers and fathers, participating in the Sacrament, take responsibility for the little member of the Church, so they must be Orthodox people. Of course, a godparent should be a person who also has some experience church life and will help parents raise their baby in faith, piety and purity.

During the celebration of the Sacrament over the baby, the godfather (of the same gender as the child) will hold him in his arms, pronounce on his behalf the Creed and vows of renunciation of Satan and union with Christ. Read more about the procedure for performing Baptism here.

The main thing in which the godfather can and should help and in which he undertakes an obligation is not only to be present at Baptism, but also then to help the one received from the font to grow, strengthen in church life, and in no case limit your Christianity only to the fact of Baptism. According to the teachings of the Church, for the way we took care of fulfilling these duties, we will be held accountable on the day of the last judgment, just as for the upbringing of our own children. Therefore, of course, the responsibility is very, very great.

- What should I give to my godson?

Of course, you can give your godson a cross and a chain, and it doesn’t matter what they are made of; the main thing is that the cross should be of the traditional form accepted in Orthodox Church.

In the old days, there was a traditional church gift for christening - a silver spoon, which was called a “tooth gift”; it was the first spoon that was used when feeding a child, when he began to eat from a spoon.

- How can I choose godparents for my child?

Firstly, godparents must be baptized, church-going Orthodox Christians.

The main thing is that the criterion for your choice of godfather or godmother is whether this person will subsequently be able to help you in a good, Christian upbringing received from the font, and not just in practical circumstances. And of course, important criterion there must be a degree of our acquaintance and simply the friendliness of our relationship. Think about whether the godparents you choose will be the child’s church teachers or not.

- Is it possible for a person to have only one godparent?

Yes it is possible. It is only important that the godparent be of the same gender as the godson.

If one of the godparents cannot be present at the Sacrament of Baptism, is it possible to perform the ceremony without him, but register him as a godparent?

Until 1917, there was a practice of absentee godparents, but it was applied only to members of the imperial family, when they, as a sign of royal or grand-ducal favor, agreed to be considered the godparents of a particular baby. If we're talking about about a similar situation, do so, and if not, then it is perhaps better to proceed from generally accepted practice.

-Who can’t be a godfather?

Of course, non-Christians - atheists, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, and so on - cannot be godparents, no matter how close friends the child’s parents are and no matter how pleasant people they are to talk to.

An exceptional situation - if there are no close people close to Orthodoxy, and you are confident in the good morals of a non-Orthodox Christian - then the practice of our Church allows one of the godparents to be a representative of another Christian denomination: Catholic or Protestant.

According to the wise tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church, a husband and wife cannot be godparents of the same child. Therefore, it is worth considering if you and the person with whom you want to start a family are invited to become adoptive parents.

- Which relative can be godfather?

An aunt or uncle, grandmother or grandfather can become the adoptive parents of their little relatives. You just need to remember that a husband and wife cannot be godparents of one child. However, it’s worth thinking about this: our close relatives will still take care of the child and help us raise him. In this case, aren’t we depriving the little person of love and care, because he could have one or two more adult Orthodox friends to whom he could turn throughout his life. This is especially important during the period when the child seeks authority outside the family. At this time, the godfather, without in any way opposing himself to the parents, could become the person whom the teenager trusts, from whom he asks for advice even about what he does not dare to tell his loved ones.

- Is it possible to refuse godparents? Or baptize a child for the purpose normal upbringing in faith?

In any case, a child cannot be rebaptized, for the Sacrament of Baptism is performed once, and no sins of either the godparents, or his natural parents, or even the person himself can cancel all those grace-filled gifts that are given to a person in the Sacrament of Baptism.

As for communication with godparents, then, of course, betrayal of faith, that is, falling away into one or another heterodox confession - Catholicism, Protestantism, especially falling into one or another non-Christian religion, atheism, a blatantly ungodly way of life - essentially speaks of that the person failed in his duty as a godmother. Spiritual union, concluded in this sense in the Sacrament of Baptism, can be considered terminated by the godfather or godfather, and you can ask another church-going pious person to take a blessing from his confessor to take care of the godfather or godmother for this or that child.

I was invited to be the girl’s godmother, but everyone tells me that the boy must be baptized first. Is it so?

The superstitious idea that a girl should have a boy as her first godson and that a baby girl taken from the font will become an obstacle to her subsequent marriage has no Christian roots and is an absolute fabrication that an Orthodox Christian woman should not be guided by.

- They say that one of the godparents must be married and have children. Is it so?

On the one hand, the opinion that one of the godparents must be married and have children is a superstition, just like the idea that a girl who receives a girl from the baptismal font will either not marry herself, or this will affect her fate in some way. - that's a print.

On the other hand, one can see a certain kind of sobriety in this opinion, if one does not approach it with a superstitious interpretation. Of course, it would be reasonable if people (or at least one of the godparents) who have sufficient life experience, who themselves already have the skill of raising children in faith and piety, and who have something to share with the baby’s physical parents, are chosen as godparents for the baby. And it would be highly desirable to look for such a godfather.

- Can a pregnant woman be a godmother?

Church statutes do not prevent a pregnant woman from being a godmother. The only thing I urge you to think about is whether you have the strength and determination to share the love for your own child with the love for the adopted baby, whether you will have time to care for him, to advise the baby’s parents, to sometimes pray warmly for him , bring to the temple, somehow be a good older friend. If you are more or less confident in yourself and circumstances allow, then nothing prevents you from becoming a godmother, but in all other cases, it may be better to measure seven times before cutting once.

About godparents

Natalia Sukhinina

“I recently got into a conversation with a woman on the train, or rather, we even got into an argument. She argued that godparents, like father and mother, are obliged to raise their godson. But I don’t agree: a mother is a mother, whoever she allows to interfere in the child’s upbringing. I also once had a godson when I was young, but our paths diverged long ago, I don’t know where he lives now. And she, this woman, says that now I will have to answer for him. Responsible for someone else's child? I can’t believe it..."

(From a letter from a reader)

It so happened, and my life paths veered in a completely different direction from my godparents. Where they are now, how they live, and whether they are alive at all, I don’t know. I couldn’t even remember their names; I was baptized a long time ago, in infancy. I asked my parents, but they themselves don’t remember, they shrugged their shoulders, they said that people lived next door at that time, and they were invited to be godparents.

Where are they now, what are their names, do you remember?

To be honest, for me this circumstance was never a flaw, I grew up and grew up without godparents. No, I was lying, it happened once, I was jealous. A school friend got married and got a wedding gift thin, like a spider's web, gold chain. The godmother gave it to us, she boasted, who could not even dream of such chains. That's when I became jealous. If I had a godmother, maybe I would...
Now, of course, having lived and thought about it, I am very sorry about my random “father and mother”, who are not even in my mind, that I remember them now in these lines. I remember without reproach, with regret. And, of course, in a dispute between my reader and a fellow traveler on the train, I am completely on the side of the fellow traveler. She's right. We must answer for the godsons and goddaughters who have scattered from their parents’ nests, because they are not random people in our lives, but our children, spiritual children, godparents.

Who doesn't know this picture?

Dressed up people stand aside in the temple. The center of attention is a baby in lush lace, they pass him from hand to hand, go out with him, distract him so that he does not cry. They are waiting for the christening. They look at their watches and get nervous.

Godmothers and fathers can be recognized immediately. They are somehow especially focused and important. They are in a hurry to get their wallet to pay for the upcoming christening, give some orders, rustle with bags of baptismal robes and fresh diapers. Little man does not understand anything, gawks at the wall frescoes, at the lights of the chandelier, at the “persons accompanying him,” among which the godfather’s face is one of many. But when the priest invites you, it’s time. They fussed, became agitated, the godparents tried their best to maintain importance - but it didn’t work, because for them, as well as for their godson, today’s exit to God's temple- a significant event.
“When was the last time you were in church?” the priest will ask. They will shrug their shoulders in embarrassment. He may not ask, of course. But even if he doesn’t ask, you can still easily determine from the awkwardness and tension that the godparents are not church people, and only the event in which they were invited to participate brought them under the arches of the church. Father will ask questions:

Are you wearing a cross?

Are you reading prayers?

Are you reading the Gospel?

Do you honor church holidays?

And the godparents will begin to mutter something incomprehensible and lower their eyes guiltily. The priest will certainly reassure you and remind you of the duty of godfathers and mothers, and of Christian duty in general. The godparents will hastily and willingly nod their heads, humbly accept the conviction of sin, and either from excitement, or from embarrassment, or from the seriousness of the moment, few will remember and let into the heart the main thought of the priest: we are all responsible for our godchildren, and now and forever. And whoever remembers will most likely misunderstand. And from time to time, mindful of his duty, he will begin to contribute what he can to the well-being of his godson.

The first deposit immediately after baptism: an envelope with a crisp, solid bill - enough for a tooth. Then, for birthdays as the child grows older, a luxurious set of children’s trousseau, expensive toy, a fashionable satchel, a bicycle, a company suit, and so on, right down to a gold chain, to the envy of the poor, for a wedding.

We know very little. And it’s not just a problem, but something that we don’t really want to know. After all, if they wanted to, then before going to the temple as a godfather, they would have looked there the day before and asked the priest what this step “threatens” us, how best to prepare for it.
Godfather is a godfather in Slavic. Why? After immersion in the font, the priest transfers the baby from his own hands to the hands of the godfather. And he accepts, takes it into his own hands. The meaning of this action is very deep. By acceptance, the godfather takes upon himself the honorable, and most importantly, responsible mission of leading the godson along the path of ascension to the Heavenly inheritance. That's where! After all, baptism is the spiritual birth of a person. Remember in the Gospel of John: “Whoever is not born of water and the Spirit cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

The Church calls its recipients with serious words – “guardians of faith and piety”. But in order to store, you need to know. Therefore only a believer Orthodox man may be the godfather, and not the one who went to church for the first time with the baby being baptized. Godparents must know at least the basic prayers “Our Father”, “Virgin Mother of God”, “May God rise again...”, they must know the “Creed”, read the Gospel, the Psalter. And, of course, wear a cross, be able to be baptized.
One priest told me: they came to baptize a child, but the godfather did not have a cross. Father to him: put on the cross, but he can’t, he’s unbaptized. Just a joke, but the absolute truth.

Faith and repentance are the two main conditions for union with God. But faith and repentance cannot be demanded from a baby in lace, so the godparents are called upon, having faith and repentance, to pass them on and teach them to their successors. That is why they pronounce, instead of babies, the words of the “Creed” and the words of renunciation of Satan.

Do you deny Satan and all his works? - asks the priest.

“I deny,” the receiver answers instead of the baby.

The priest is wearing a light festive robe as a sign of the beginning of a new life, and therefore of spiritual purity. He walks around the font, censes it, everyone standing nearby with lit candles. Candles are burning in the hands of the recipients. Very soon, the priest will lower the baby into the font three times and, wet, wrinkled, not at all understanding where he is and why, the servant of God, will hand him over to the hands of his godparents. And he will be dressed in white robes. At this time, a very beautiful troparion is sung: “Give me a robe of light, dress in light, like a robe...” Accept your child, successors. From now on, your life will be filled with special meaning, you have taken upon yourself the feat of spiritual parenthood, and for how you carry it, you will now have to answer before God.

At the First Ecumenical Council, a rule was adopted according to which women become successors for girls, men for boys. Simply put, for a girl you only need godmother, the boy has only a godfather. But life, as often happens, made its own adjustments here too. According to ancient Russian tradition, both are invited. Of course, you can’t spoil the porridge with oil. But even here you need to know very specific rules. For example, a husband and wife cannot be godparents to one child, just as a child’s parents cannot be his godparents at the same time. Godparents cannot marry their godchildren.

... The baby's baptism is behind us. Ahead of him big life, in which we are given a place equal to the father and mother who gave birth to him. Our work lies ahead, our constant desire to prepare our godson to ascend to spiritual heights. Where to begin? Yes, from the very beginning. At first, especially if the child is the first, parents are knocked off their feet by the worries that have fallen on them. They, as they say, don’t care about anything. Now is the time to give them a helping hand.

Carry the baby to Communion, make sure that icons hang over his cradle, give notes for him in church, order prayer services, constantly, like your own natural children, remember them in home prayers. Of course, there is no need to do this edifyingly, they say, you are mired in vanity, but I am all spiritual - I think about high things, I strive for high things, I take care of your child so that you can do without me... In general, the spiritual education of a child is only possible in case if the godfather is his own person in the house, welcome, tactful. Of course, you don’t need to shift all your worries onto yourself. The responsibilities of spiritual education are not removed from parents, but to help, support, replace somewhere, if necessary, this is mandatory, without this you cannot justify yourself before the Lord.

This is truly a difficult cross to bear. And, probably, you need to think carefully before placing it on yourself. Will I be able to? Do I have enough health, patience, and spiritual experience to become a recipient of a person entering life? And parents should take a good look at relatives and friends - candidates for the honorary post. Which of them will be able to become a truly kind assistant in education, who will be able to bestow your child with true Christian gifts - prayer, the ability to forgive, the ability to love God. And plush bunnies the size of elephants may be nice, but they are not at all necessary.

If there is trouble in the house, there are different criteria. How many unfortunate, restless children suffer from drunken fathers and unlucky mothers. And how many simply unfriendly, embittered people live under one roof and make children suffer cruelly. Such stories are as old as time and banal. But if a person who stood with a lit candle in front of the Epiphany font fits into this plot, if he, this person, rushes, as if into an embrasure, towards his godson, he can move mountains. Possible good is also good. We are not able to discourage a foolish man from drinking half a liter, to reason with a lost daughter, or to sing “put up, put up, put up” to two frowning halves. But we have the power to take a boy who is tired of affection to our dacha for a day, enroll him in Sunday school and take the trouble to take him there and pray. The feat of prayer is at the forefront of the godparents of all times and peoples.

The priests well understand the severity of the feat of their successors and do not give their blessing to recruit a lot of children for their children, good and different.

But I know a man who has more than fifty godchildren. These boys and girls are right from there, from childhood loneliness, childhood sadness. From a big childhood misfortune.

This man’s name is Alexander Gennadievich Petrynin, he lives in Khabarovsk, directs the Children’s Rehabilitation Center, or more simply, an orphanage. As a director, he does a lot, gets funds for classroom equipment, selects personnel from conscientious, unselfish people, rescues his charges from the police, collects them in basements.

Like a godfather, he takes them to church, talks about God, prepares them for Communion, and prays. He prays a lot, a lot. In Optina Pustyn, in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, in the Diveyevo Monastery, in dozens of churches throughout Russia, long notes written by him about the health of numerous godchildren are read. He gets very tired, this man, sometimes he almost falls from fatigue. But he has no other choice, he is a godfather, and his godchildren are a special people. His heart is a rare heart, and the priest, understanding this, blesses him for such asceticism. A teacher from God, those who know him in action say about him. Godfather from God - can you say so? No, probably all godparents are from God, but he knows how to suffer like a godfather, knows how to love like a godfather, and knows how to save. Like a godfather.

For us, whose godchildren, like the children of Lieutenant Schmidt, are scattered throughout cities and towns, his service to children is an example of true Christian service. I think that many of us will not reach its heights, but if we are to make life from anyone, then it will be from those who understand their title of “successor” as a serious, and not an accidental matter in life.
You can, of course, say: I am a weak person, busy, not very much a church member, and the best thing I can do in order not to sin is to refuse the offer to be a godfather altogether. It’s more honest and simpler, right? Easier - yes. But more honestly...
Few of us, especially when the time has imperceptibly approached to stop and look back, can say to ourselves - I am a good father, a good mother, I do not owe anything to my own child. We owe everyone, and the godless time in which our requests, our projects, our passions grew, is the result of our debts to each other. We won't give them back anymore. The children have grown up and are doing without our truths and our discoveries of America. The parents have grown old. But conscience, the voice of God, itches and itches.

Conscience requires an outburst, and not in words, but in deeds. Couldn't bearing the responsibilities of the cross be such a thing?
It’s a pity that there are few examples of the feat of the cross among us. The word "godfather" has almost disappeared from our vocabulary. And the recent wedding of my childhood friend’s daughter was a big and unexpected gift for me. Or rather, not even a wedding, which in itself is a great joy, but a feast, the wedding itself. And that's why. We sat down, poured the wine, and waited for the toast. Everyone is somehow embarrassed, the bride’s parents let the groom’s parents go ahead with the speeches, and they do the opposite. And then the tall one stood up and handsome man. He stood up somehow very businesslike. He raised his glass:

I mean, as the godfather of the bride...

Everyone became quiet. Everyone listened to the words that the young people should live long, in harmony, with many children, and most importantly, with the Lord.
“Thank you, godfather,” said the charming Yulka, and from under her luxurious foaming veil she gave her godfather a grateful look.

Thank you godfather, I thought too. Thank you for carrying love for your spiritual daughter from the baptismal candle to the wedding candle. Thank you for reminding us all of what we had completely forgotten about. But we have time to remember. How much - the Lord knows. Therefore, we must hurry.

Conversation with Candidate of Theology Archpriest Dimitry Moiseev

-What is the theological meaning of the Sacrament of Baptism?

The theological meaning of the Sacrament of Baptism is very simple - the union of a person with God. Saint Gregory the Theologian wrote: “What is not received is not healed, but what is united with God is saved.” Since, according to Dionysius the Areopagite, salvation is deification and nothing more, he directly states this, therefore Baptism is the beginning of deification. That is, as the Monk Simeon the New Theologian said, Christ Himself enters a person, like a seed, and abides in him. And then, according to the words of the blessed Diadochos of Photiki, this grace of God, which has entered into man, helps him in the work of deification.

This means that, as far as human will extends, this will is strengthened by the grace of God, since man himself cannot completely change himself, change himself into the new Adam. All this is done by the grace of God, which we receive in baptism. If we listen to the words of the holy righteous Nicholas Cabasilas, we will understand that, in essence, the grace of God itself saves a person, it itself enlightens and deifies him. And a person’s job is only to not interfere with this grace. What does it mean not to interfere with grace? Don't sin. Every sin of ours is an attempt to close ourselves off from grace, “to throw off the crown from our heads, to extinguish the fire that the Lord lit...” And the fight against sin requires constant effort from a person. Therefore, it is completely unreasonable to say that it is enough to accept the Sacrament of Baptism and do nothing else. This means that we will let God into our lives, into ourselves, and say: “Lord, sit there somewhere in our backyard, and during this time I will solve some of my earthly problems: I’ll buy a field, buy oxen, find a wife.” . This is where all the problems come from. Reading the Gospel, we see: the Savior’s parables are talking about exactly this. For example, the parable of the talents. Talent can be developed, or it can be buried in the ground. What awaits us for this is known. Anyone who accepts the Sacrament of Baptism and does nothing will become just like the person who buried his talent in the ground. Again, the parable about the wedding garment: the owner of the feast invited guests, and a man came there without a wedding garment, and he was driven out into the pitch darkness. This becomes especially clear if we remember ancient custom: A rich man who invited his acquaintances to a feast gave each of them wedding clothes. The meaning of the parable becomes immediately clear: I gave you clothes, and you put them somewhere. This is a direct analogy with the Sacrament of Baptism. And accordingly, the role assigned to godparents becomes clear.

-How to choose godparents and why are they also called “godparents”?

They are called recipients because they receive the child from the font. That is, based on the main action at which a person becomes a godfather, he is called a godparent.
Dionysius the Areopagite writes that the godfather is like a confessor; he is a mentor of spiritual life. But how can one instruct in spiritual life who does not lead it himself? The godfather or mother, accordingly, must teach the child spiritual life, for this they themselves must lead it, know it, understand it. Otherwise there will be no point in their succession. It is on this basis that godparents must be chosen: so that these are people who can really, at a minimum, pray for their godparents, and it is highly desirable that they can give some advice on spiritual life and help parents. And although it is clear that in our time the main functions of the spiritual education of children still lie with the parents, godparents, I would say, are somewhat external people for the family, and accordingly, it will be much easier for the child to listen to them. This is not mom and dad, to whom the child is already accustomed, but some, perhaps, more authoritative person. God grant that godparents enjoy such authority among children.

What are the responsibilities of godparents in relation to godchildren, godchildren to godchildren, and godfathers and godfathers to each other?

The responsibilities of godparents in relation to their godchildren are to guide them to salvation and help them in this matter. And the duties of godchildren, accordingly, are to obey their godparents and heed their advice. Between themselves godparents duties they have none, since, strictly speaking, only one godfather is canonically needed, of the same gender as the child. A boy definitely needs a godfather, a girl needs a godmother. And if there is a recipient of the second gender, it’s good, but if there isn’t one, it’s not scary. This is simply a person of prayer in essence, and the main responsibility towards the godson, of course, lies with the recipient of the same sex.

Is it true that monks, a married couple and the parents of their own children cannot be the adopters of one child?

The monk withdraws from the world altogether. Therefore, he should have nothing to do with worldly life. Moreover, a monk should not be involved in raising children. Because even if we talk about ancient monastic traditions, any monk had the right to leave the monastery under one of three conditions: if the abbot of the monastery is a heretic, if women are allowed access to the monastery, and if children are being raised at the monastery. one of these three reasons is enough for a monk to leave his monastery completely legally and calmly. Therefore, it is still not appropriate for monks to raise children.

If we talk about a married couple, then the canonical rule does not impose such a ban on them, if only because, in fact, only one of the representatives of this couple, the one who corresponds to the gender of the child, is the godfather. And the parents of their own children cannot be godparents at the same time for the simple reason that the godfather enters into a spiritual relationship with both the child and, accordingly, with his parents. And, let’s say, the child’s natural mother cannot, under any circumstances, marry her son’s godfather, and biological father his daughter cannot marry his godmother under any circumstances, even if he is widowed. You cannot marry your godfather or marry your godfather. This is canonically prohibited.

Before the revolution, there was a practice of absentee godparents. If one of the recipients cannot be present at the Sacrament of Baptism, is it possible to carry out the ceremony without him, but register him as a godparent?

Before the revolution, there were many bad rules... Godparents still must be really present.

Some priests teach that according to church laws, a godfather cannot be the husband of the mother of the boy he baptized; and the godmother cannot be the wife of the father of the girl whom she baptized. It turns out that everything else is allowed, for example: godfather and godfather can get married and get married?

It is not some priests who say this, but canon law. Godfather and godfather can get married and get married. In the 19th century there was an explanation from the Holy Synod that this is not forbidden. Although there is a pious Russian tradition not to do this, but to take the godmother and godfather from different families... But again, if we turn to canon law, then there are no prohibitions on this. This is a principle of popular piety that can be observed. But if this principle is violated, it’s okay.

The rector of the Elias Church, Archpriest Alexander Britov, answers your questions.

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Consecration of the home

- I have long wanted to know how often it is necessary to bless the apartment where you live? And who should do this - a clergyman or can you do it yourself?

There is a rite of consecration of a house, a dwelling, and this must be done by a priest who has necessary knowledge and skills. Moreover, it is enough for a family to do this once in a lifetime. However, if some serious tragedy occurs, for example, someone commits suicide, then the rite of consecrating the house can be repeated.
There is also a tradition on the day of Epiphany (January 19), when water is blessed, to bring holy water home and consecrate your home with it. You can do this yourself. There is also ancient tradition, when parishioners invite a priest on the days of Christmastide and Bright Week, for holiday congratulations (Glorification) and a brief rite of consecration of the home.

Donation

- I would like to know how the Orthodox Church views organ donation after a person’s death?

The Church has its own opinion on this problem. The Russian Orthodox Church has long formulated its attitude towards the intravital and posthumous removal of organs for transplantation. In 2000 Council of Bishops the Fundamentals were adopted social concept Russian Orthodox Church. In principle, we do not deny the possibility of using organs if it is necessary to save another person - posthumous donation of organs and tissues can become a manifestation of love that extends beyond death. This kind of donation or bequest cannot be considered the responsibility of a person. Therefore, the voluntary lifetime consent of the donor is a condition for the legality and moral acceptability of explantation.

Cremation of the dead

- Due to my age, I’m thinking about a funeral. And I would like to know how the Orthodox Church views cremation?

In general, the church has a negative attitude towards cremation. However, there are circumstances when cremation cannot be avoided. For example, in large cities where burial in a cemetery is not possible. That is, in extreme cases, when there is no other option, cremation is also possible, but after the funeral service. But then nothing remains of a person except ashes. According to Christian custom, the deceased must be buried in a cemetery. The Church's teaching on life after death says that there will be a resurrection when all the dead will be resurrected and resurrected in the body. Therefore, Orthodox Christians have a special attitude towards the body of the deceased: it is ennobled and decorated before the funeral.

Is it possible to choose a Catholic as a godparent?

- I am about to have a baby and then I will baptize him in the church (I was baptized in the Orthodox Church), and in this regard I have a question:I have the only friend like Native sister, whom I want to see as the godmother of my child, but she is a Catholic. Can I choose her as my godmother?

There is no Eucharistic communion between our Churches, that is, there is no joint communion, although we consider baptism valid.

There is a way out - for your friend to join the Orthodox Church by turning to a priest to perform the Sacrament of Repentance, provided that she has already received confirmation (confirmation) in her church. If not, then first perform the Rite of Confirmation.

What to do if it is not possible to choose two godparents?

- Hello, please tell me, is it possible to baptize a daughter if there is only a godfather?

It is possible to baptize a child. However, the following must be taken into account:

If you are raising your daughter alone, then in the future you cannot create your own family with your godfather.

When a girl grows up, questions will arise that children are embarrassed to discuss with their parents, so it is preferable for a girl godmother, and the boy is the father. To be there at that moment and, if possible, explain everything correctly.

When choosing a godfather for your child, we need to know the main conditions:

Future godparents must be baptized in the Orthodox Church;

It is very good if they regularly confess and receive communion - orat least ready to change their lives according to God’s commandments (this is already within the competence of the priest, after an interview with them).

Godfather (recipient) is a witness in the Sacrament of Baptism, a guarantor for the faith of the person being baptized, obligated to instruct him in the rules of Christian life. The custom of having recipients at Baptism dates back to the most ancient Apostolic Tradition.By agreeing to become a Godfather, we must realize that we are accepting certain obligations to the godson, parents, and God.

Godparents have (conditionally) 3 main responsibilities towards their godchildren:

Prayer - the godfather is obliged to pray for his godson, and also teach him to pray so that the godson himself can communicate with God and ask Him for help in all his life circumstances.

Doctrinal - to teach the godson the basics of the Christian faith, i.e. the law of God.

Moral - by his example, the godfather must teach human virtues - love, kindness, mercy, honesty, so that his godson grows into a true Christian.

Before parents, in the event of a tragedy in the child’s family, be ready to adopt, that is, to be a close friend of the family.

Before God - do not be a temptation “Woe to him through whom they come (Luke 17:1).”

Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we enter into a close spiritual relationship with our godchildren and their parents - we are close relatives.

On the commemoration of deceased drug addicts

Please answer, when and how can a deceased drug addict be remembered? They say they are classified as suicides?

Drug addiction is a disease. If death occurs as a result of a deliberate overdose, it is suicide. Everyone who cares about him needs to pray; you cannot submit a note to the altar. Your own pious life and alms, how you can help this person. If the body cannot withstand it because a person cannot cope with passion on his own, then, if confirmed by medical certificates, with the blessing of the ruling bishop, it is possible to perform a funeral service.

Do I need to take a blessing for fasting?

- I just recently started fasting. I read everywhere that Lent very difficult and for all posts you need to ask the priest for blessings. Is it necessary to do this?

There is no need to take a personal blessing. But a priest can help you spend your fasting time correctly without harming the health of your body and soul. Especially those who are just beginning spiritual exploits.

How to behave in a work team?

- I work in a fairly large organization. Most of my team is not bad, but there are also bad, envious, angry and gloating people. Please advise what prayer should I read and how to behave?

We are not born envious and evil, and not all people can immediately overcome their passions and vices; sometimes they simply do not notice them and do not understand that they need to be different. Others are aware, but it is impossible to correct themselves immediately - after all, this painstaking work. The team itself gathers for a reason. Someone, someone is sent by the Lord for admonition. We must learn to be in different societies without losing our Christian dignity, maintaining patience, respect, goodwill, while maintaining subordination and avoiding familiarity.

There is no need to look for a special prayer, it is enough to follow the rule that was set for you by the priest who confesses you.The science is to ensure that we do not fall into these spiritual traps, that we do not fall into anger, gloating, or envy.

Can suicide be “destined”?

- Hello! Tell me, please, can suicide be written into a person’s destiny? And if not, then how to ask God for death? If I feel that I can’t fix anything in this life... I’ve made too many mistakes, I’ve made too many enemies...

No, he can not. A person is inclined to this thought due to the obsession of Satan, in whose network a person has fallen for his wrong actions. But there is nothing that cannot be corrected, with God's help. The Sacrament of Confession gives a believer a chance to start all over again, but now with God. And it doesn’t matter what mistakes were in the past. Do not rush to make quick conclusions and conclusions, give God the opportunity to return you to a full life.

Can a godfather marry his godson's mother?

- My friend has a problem interesting situation, he doesn't know what to do with her.The question is: is he the godfather of the child? The child's mother is divorced. Have there been such cases in your practice when the child’s mother married her godfather? The godfather's explanation is that, taking on the role of a second father, he would like to give more to the child than just godparents.How does the Church view this?

Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we enter into a close spiritual relationship with our godchildren and their parents - we are close relatives. Kinship is a circular decree of the Holy Synod of January 19, 1810 (based on the 53rd rule VI Ecumenical Council) was recognized as an obstacle to marriage between a godfather and his goddaughter and her mother. TOAs a priest, I cannot bless such a relationship, much less marry it!In your case, your friends think more about themselves than about the child.

How to relieve yourself of the responsibility of a godfather?

- Good afternoon, I am godfather. In the family where he livesboy, lies and depravity reign, I don’t want to be his godfather anymore. Howtake it off? I will never see this child again and I will never be able to look at him.influence in life. Please answer, this is a very important question for me.

The status of godfather is a special position. You are responsible for those entrusted to you child. Accordingly, these are obligations to God, to parents and the child himself. Godparents have 3 main responsibilities towards their godchildren:

Prayer - the godfather is obliged to pray for his godson, and also to teach himself to pray so that the godson himself could communicate with God and ask Him forhelp in all your life circumstances.

Doctrinal - to teach the godson the basics of the Christian faith.

Moral - by example, the godfather should teach peoplevirtues - love, kindness, mercy, honesty, so that his godsongrew up to be a true Christian.

The godfather must be ready to adopt the child in the event of a tragedy in the family, means trying not to move away no matter what life situations didn't add up.Many families experience a relationship crisis at different times. I do not know whathappened to you, but you can’t judge it right away. On your part it is necessarytry to prevent lies from affecting the child, but adults themselves mustIt’s better to figure it out with God’s help. To do this you need to convince themprepare for confession, after which it will immediately become clear where to start.

Search line: marry

Records found: 6

Hello, I have a question regarding baptism. My boyfriend will be baptized very soon, and he really wants me to become his godmother. And I want this too, because I know that the godmother will protect her godson all his life. We are both 17 years old. And yet, I myself have been baptized since childhood. Is this possible or not? Thank you in advance for your response.

Marina

Hello, Marina. Godparents are needed only for infants who are mentally handicapped and do not know the Russian language (more likely, a translator). And you also need to know that spiritual kinship is higher than nature. Godparents cannot marry their godchildren.

Priest Alexander Beloslyudov

Please tell me, can I marry the son of my younger brother's godmother?

Irina

Hello Irina! Yes you can. The Church limits marriages to only two degrees of spiritual relationship, that is, marriages are prohibited only between recipients, recipients and their parents.

Priest Vladimir Shlykov

Hello, father! A year ago my uncle died, he was also my godfather, he has already turned one year old this year. Tell me, please, is it possible to get married and get married? Or wait another year? Thank you!

Natalia

Natalia, what do you mean by “shine”? And why wait a year, much less two, to get married? If you have a fiance, then, of course, you can get married and get married. Before the wedding, you and your fiancé need to prepare, confess and receive communion.

Hieromonk Victorin (Aseev)

Please tell me, is it possible to marry a man if 10 years ago I had an intimate relationship with his best friend, and besides, the mother of this same best friend is my young man godmother? He is at a loss because of this, he doesn’t know what to do, he asks me to help him with this, but I don’t know how. What would you recommend?

Hope

I advise you, Nadezhda, to repent and confess your fornication, with the sincere intention of never sinning again. There are no obstacles to marriage.

Priest Alexander Beloslyudov

Is it possible to marry a fourth cousin if my father is his godfather?

Anna

Hello Anna! According to the decree of the Holy Synod of January 19, 1810, marriages concluded between persons in the 4th degree of lateral consanguinity (for example, between a second cousin in the sixth degree of kinship) are unconditionally prohibited and subject to dissolution. By the same decree, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church limited marriages of spiritual kinship to only two degrees, that is, it prohibited marriages between adoptees, adoptees and their parents. Thus, you can marry your fourth cousin.

Priest Vladimir Shlykov

Hello. Sorry, not in person, there is no such opportunity. The thing is that my daughter’s godfather proposed to me to marry him. But, as far as I know, this is impossible. It is said that there can be no relationship between godparents other than spiritual ones. But we are not godparents - he is the godfather, and I am my own mother. And they also say that if something happens to the parents, then the godparents take over the upbringing. My daughter doesn’t have a father (he ran away before she was born), I don’t know what to do. Please explain to me whether a relationship between the godfather and the child’s birth mother is possible? And I also remembered that my daughter’s godfather was baptized on the same day as the baby, an hour earlier. Is it correct? Thank you.

Daria

Dear Daria, on this issue you need to contact your local bishop so that, after considering your situation, he can bless what is useful for all of you. As for the day of baptism, it does not matter.

Archpriest Andrey Efanov

A dilemma regarding the question “Can godparents who have baptized one child marry?” worries a lot of people. This list includes both the godparents themselves and the child’s blood parents. If, when choosing godparents, we are guided by the principle that people in a relationship cannot become godparents, then, in this case, warm and tender relationships can quite likely develop between godparents free from relationships.

A young couple who has fallen in love begins to build their relationship and are already planning their wedding, when suddenly they find out about terrible fact that they are forbidden to marry. How to deal with the problem that has arisen? Can godfathers get married or is it still not worth playing with fate? It is not for nothing that such unions have been considered prohibited for a long time.

Why can't godparents get married? Is it worth asking your godfather to marry?

• It is important to understand that this kind of situation must be considered, first of all, based on the laws of the church, and not guided in making such a fateful decision on all kinds of superstitions. It is worth noting that the church has an extremely ambiguous attitude towards relationships of an intimate nature, as well as directly towards marriage between the godparents of one child. It is known for certain that in ancient times such marriages were banned since the reign of Justinian. He argued this by saying that at the moment of the sacrament of baptism, godparents enter into a spiritual relationship with each other in exactly the same way as with their godson.
• The current situation was radically changed by a decree of the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church. This order was put into effect in January 1810. It only said that marriage was prohibited between godparents and their godchildren. Also, marriages between a man and a woman who have the same person as their godfather are also prohibited. The lifting of the ban on marriage between godfathers was explained by the fact that they are not related by blood, which means that the church does not prohibit this kind of relationship.

Is it possible to marry a godfather?

During the baptismal ceremony, the newly made godparents take an oath before God that under no circumstances will they enter into intimate relationships with each other. This ritual continues to this day, despite the decree adopted by the Synod in 1810, which was mentioned earlier.

Despite the fact that more than two centuries have passed since the adoption of the decree, the church still cannot make a single decision regarding the fact whether godparents (who baptized one child) can still enter into marriage. In this regard, before making a final decision to enter into this kind of marriage, you need to contact the church and obtain permission for this union. Although, if you think about it, this “ritual” is performed more to calm one’s own conscience than to comply with any laws. After all, if a marriage between godfathers is truly a sin, then, at the very least, it is strange to ask permission for this.

In custody

To summarize all of the above, I would like to say the following: if in life it turns out that some feelings have nevertheless appeared between the godparents, then there is only one way out: either follow the laws of God or the dictates of the mind and the voice of the heart. Remember that no matter what choice you make, it will in no way affect the future fate of your godson. However, if you trust rumors, such marriages can only be fraught with married godparents. They say that these marriages are notable for their short duration.