For Orthodox believers, the day of accepting the sacrament of holy baptism is a special holiday. There is a tradition to give gifts to their godchildren directly on the day of a person's entry into the Church.
Godparents, otherwise referred to as recipients, must be direct participants in the sacrament of baptism of children under the age of seven (infants). The participation of godparents in sacred rites means a great responsibility and imposes certain responsibilities regarding the upbringing of a child in the Orthodox faith.
In Orthodox culture, it is customary to give gifts on the day of holy baptism to their godchildren and godchildren. Sometimes adults may wonder what to choose as a gift. It should be borne in mind that the day of christening is, first of all, a holy, spiritual holiday. Therefore, the gift must correspond to the Orthodox culture and everyday life of the person who entered the Church.
Most often, an icon is chosen as a gift to godchildren (godchildren). The holy image can display the face of the Savior (if a boy is baptized) or the face of the Mother of God (when girls are baptized). The tradition of donating an icon of a named saint is also widespread. So, if the godson's name is Sergei, then it is quite relevant to present the newly-made Christian (or his parents, if the child is still an infant) the image of St. Sergius of Radonezh or another ascetic with the same name, whose memory falls first from the moment the sacrament was performed.
Sometimes godchildren and godchildren are presented with pectoral crosses. It should be borne in mind that for the child it is necessary to choose small crucifixes. It is important that the cross be made in the Orthodox canons and consecrated in the church. If the crucifix is bought in a jewelry store, it is necessary to consecrate the symbol of the victory of Christianity in the church.
If the child already knows how to read, then for the christening, you can donate a children's Bible or the Law of God (for family and school). Reading Holy Scripture is especially useful for a newly minted Orthodox person. In addition, a child's prayer book can be presented as a gift.
Adult godchildren (cases of acceptance of mature people also take place) can be presented with spiritual literature of a more serious content. This includes the creations of saints, collections of sermons by famous theologians and pastors, and interpretations of Holy Scripture. If a person does not have a Bible, then this “book of books” will be an excellent gift.
If a person loves sacred music, it would be quite logical to donate some kind of audio production dedicated to sacred chants.
Also, adult godchildren can be presented with Orthodox medallions, amulets and other shrines worn with the crucifix on the body.
