Being the godmother of a child is difficult, but very honorable. Many misconceptions and conjectures are associated with the sacrament of baptism. One of the frequently asked questions to the priest is: "Is it possible to be a godmother several times?" The Church gives a direct and monosyllabic answer to this.
The role of the godmother in a child's life
For the role of "spiritual mother" for their child, parents choose close, time-tested people. Most often, she becomes a family friend or relative.
The future godmother must meet a number of parameters:
- be baptized by an Orthodox Christian;
- be a believer;
- know the history, basic canons and dogmas of Christianity;
- be a responsible and decent person;
- love children.
It is not forbidden to invite to the role of godmother if you yourself are the “spiritual parents” of her child. In this case, you will become godfathers for each other.
The main purpose of godparents is spiritual, church mentoring. Their duty is to introduce the godson to Orthodox traditions, to take him to church and give wise everyday advice in difficult situations.
Who shouldn't take a godmother
You should not take an unbeliever and frivolous person as godmother. Very rarely, the church allows people of other faiths to be chosen for the role of "spiritual parents".
It is impossible for the godparents to be a spouse or a couple in love. The relationship between godfathers must be exclusively platonic and spiritual.
The future godmother must certainly be baptized and churched.
How many times can you be a godmother
There is a belief that a woman cannot baptize same-sex children several times. This is a delusion, as well as the fact that the boy should be baptized first, and only then the girl.
If you are invited to become a godmother for the second or even third time, you can safely agree. The Orthodox faith does not impose a limit on the number of godchildren. However, agreeing to such a crucial step, you must clearly assess your strengths and capabilities.
Being a godmother means taking an active part in a child's life, supporting him both morally and financially. And the most important thing is to introduce them to the faith and bring them into the bosom of the church.
In addition, on the day of the Great Sacrament, the godmother must give her godson (goddaughter) a cross and a chain. It does not matter the size and type of metal from which it is made, the main thing is that the cross is of a traditional Orthodox shape.
It is very good if, in addition to worldly gifts, it is the godmother who will present the child with his first Bible and a personalized icon.
Think about whether you have enough energy and time for several children. Even having quarreled with the godson's parents, you will still remain the “spiritual mother” of their child and, according to the Orthodox faith, will answer for him before God.
