Baptism is one of the main sacred ordinances taking place in the life of every Orthodox. The godparents play an important role in this act - those who take the baby from the hands of the priest after dipping into the font. The receivers have many responsibilities, including praying for their godchildren. Read more about godfather prayers in the article.
The responsibilities of the godparents
Godparents are considered the second parents of the child. They also have many responsibilities for the spiritual education of the baby. According to Christian treatises and instructions, godparents must certainly become baptized Orthodox and deeply religious people. Both relatives and close friends of the family can act as receivers, but in no case are blood parents or husband and wife.
It is forbidden to invite as godparents of other religions, only in exceptional cases, with the prior consent of the clergyman. Also, a child can have only one godmother: mother or father.
The responsibilities of the receivers include:
- raising a child in Orthodox traditions;
- prayer for godchildren;
- help in getting to know Christianity;
- spiritual mentoring;
- joint church attendance with a child;
- purchase of a cross;
- aiding in determining the life path;
- teaching the godson basic prayers.
Godparents cannot be changed later, therefore one must approach the choice wisely and be fully confident in these people. Also, the perceivers themselves must understand the full extent of the responsibility assigned to them and be as serious as possible regarding the upbringing and life of the godchildren.
Before baptism, they must:
- take communion;
- to confess;
- observe a weekly fast;
- clear the mind of outside thoughts;
- to verify the purity and fidelity of their own intentions;
- put on sanctified crosses;
- calm the soul from feelings and negativity.
Godfather prayers for their godchildren
The prayers of the godfather of father and mother for their wards differ from each other, but there is a common prayer service "Symbol of faith". It is read at baptism in the first part of the sacrament. It is recommended to memorize the text of the liturgy, but it is also allowed to read it from a sheet.
It contains 12 sub-statements, each of which contains specific confirmations:
- the first tells of the Lord Almighty;
- the second to the seventh speaks of God the Son Jesus Christ;
- the eighth member speaks of the third person of God — the Holy Spirit;
- the ninth speaks of the church;
- the tenth describes the sacrament of baptism;
- the eleventh sets forth the resurrection of the dead;
- the twelfth tells about eternal life.
This liturgy is the most perfect embodiment of Christian dogma.
Text “Creed”
The prayer “Symbol of Faith” is the basis of Orthodox belief.
It should be read in a calm, even voice and without hesitation:
«I believe in one God the Father, the Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, all visible and invisible. And in the one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only Begotten, born of the Father before all centuries: Light from the Light, the True God from the true God, born, not created, one being with the Father, He created everything.For the sake of us people and for the sake of our salvation, he descended from heaven and received flesh from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became a man.Crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffering, and buried. And risen on the third day, according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sitting on the right side of the Father. And again coming with glory, to judge the living and the dead, His Kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord giving life, from the Father proceeding, with the Father and the Son worshiped and glorified, speaking through the prophets. In a single, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look forward to the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the next century. Amen».
For a better understanding and perception of each phrase, you can download text of the prayer “Creed” by members in Russian.
Godmother for godchildren
Every godmother must be fully aware and accept the responsibilities that are assigned to her along with the baptism of the child. If the ceremony is performed for the girl, then the recipient must take it personally after the font from the hands of the priest.
However, the second mother must follow certain rules:
- Do not wear clothes of bright colors on the sacrament;
- Give preference to a skirt or dress below the knee, be sure to choose a top with sleeves and without deep cuts;
- Put on a head scarf;
- Do not wear heels;
- Do not forget about the pectoral cross;
- Communion and confession a few days before the sacrament;
- Observe fasting on this day;
- Read the “Creed” prayer in the process of baptism;
- Hold the girl in her arms, reassure and monitor her as necessary, like a biological mother.
However, all this relates directly to baptism. Many will be interested, but are there special prayers by means of which one should turn to the Lord with a petition for the godchildren after the ritual itself? You can use any prayer service for children, specifying that the child is a godson. The most common are:
- Prayer of the godmother for the godchildren of Father John:
“Lord Jesus, for the sake of your blood shed for our sins I pray you for the blessing and protection of my godmother (s) (name of the child). Soul pure and bright, from the sin of the original delivered, intercede for him (her) and grant a long happy life. The right name (the name of the child) may be saved by You, given by You. In order to keep (observe) your statutes and revelations. Amen»;
- Petition to the Blessed Virgin Mary:
“Blessed Mother of God, Holy Lady of Heaven! I pray you and cry with motherly love and request. Take care of my godson (godson) (mine) (name given at baptism) in being (name given by parents). Shelter from troubles and sorrows, show the right and righteous path, protect from evil and enemies, so as not to know the child of sorrows. As a different mother I ask you, I undertake to educate myself spiritually, I will drink love and reverence for the Lord. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen».
Repeating prayers is recommended once a month in a church or temple. If a child has problems, illnesses, or does not want to turn to the Lord, they should be read more often.
Godfather for godchildren
The godfather plays an important role in baptizing a boy. It is he who takes the child from the font, wraps it in a towel and holds it throughout the sacrament, and also reads the prayer of the godfather at baptism - “Symbol of Faith”. The perpetrator becomes not only the spiritual support of the boy, but also his close companion, a reliable defender.
Accordingly, the prayers of the godfather are offered to the defenders and intercessors of heaven.
- Prayer of the godfather for the godson to the Lord:
“The Lord God our Almighty! Gracious Father, I ask and I beg you for leniency.May they endow with their grace (name of the godson), save and preserve the innocent soul. As Thy Son has atoned for the sins of men with his righteous blood, so do not allow the troubles of a sinless child in a baptized church. I trust in your will and mercy. Amen»;
- Prayer for the godchild, compiled by the Monk Ambrose of Optina:
“Lord One, bring forth my children (my child) (the name given at baptism), and lead them on the righteous path. Point your finger on the right path and do not let it turn off. Deliver from temptations and mistakes, help and save the souls of children who did not know life. Faithful Christians, that they may grow up, follow your teaching, serve the churches and do not forget about your sacrifices and the grace of God. May Your Angels preserve them, May Your Saints help, may the Mother of God save them. Now, with and forever and ever. Amen».
These prayers are read in the church in the morning or at night before bedtime at the icons. They should also be repeated at least a couple of times a month, while our Father should also be read out, thinking about the godchildren.
