About godparents and christenings. Internet priest offers to baptize people and pets for dollars So that the soul does not become callous

Briefly:

The godfather, or godfather, must be an Orthodox Christian. The godfather cannot be a Catholic, Muslim or a very good atheist, because the main duty of the godfather is to help the child grow up in the Orthodox faith.

The godfather must be a church person, ready to regularly take the godson to church and monitor his Christian upbringing.

After baptism has been performed, the godson 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 be godparents of both boys and girls - do not listen to superstitious fears!

The father and mother of a child cannot be godparents, and a husband and wife cannot be godparents for 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 on questions about the responsibilities of godparents from the “Tatiana’s Day” website.

- 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. Godparents, of course, should be a person who also has some experience of church life and will help the parents raise the 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.

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 be of the traditional form accepted in the 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, an important criterion should be the 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 are talking about a similar situation, do so, but 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 of normal upbringing in the 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. The spiritual union concluded in this sense in the Sacrament of Baptism can be considered dissolved by the godmother 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.

There are a lot of rumors and superstitions surrounding pregnant women. One of these is: is it possible to baptize a child while pregnant? Oddly enough, many ignorant people are sure that it is impossible. However, in this matter, it is most advisable to seek clarification not from your closest grandmother-neighbor, but from a minister of the Church. In addition, since you have decided to become a godmother, you can prepare in advance other questions regarding the ceremony itself and your future behavior.

What the Church says

If you ask a priest whether a pregnant woman can baptize a child, he will definitely give a positive answer. The fact that there is a baby in a woman’s womb is not considered a canonical obstacle to performing the rite of Baptism. On the contrary, if a child-bearing woman has a desire to become a godmother, then her expression of will should only be welcomed. In addition, the baby living in the mother’s womb will feel her elevated emotional state and mood, which will only benefit him.

Participation in the sacrament of Baptism gives future godparents the spiritual strength to subsequently bear their difficult responsibilities for the spiritual education of their godchildren. Such grace concerns the entire nature of a woman, including the child who is in her womb. It is known that in the last stages the fetus is even able to hear sounds. If a child hears that his mother is participating in the rite of Baptism, attending services, playing with the children, then he will experience all her sensations with her.

If you are still not sure whether it is possible to baptize a child while pregnant, at least be truthful with yourself. Maybe you are scared by a completely different side of the question: is it worth it for you to be a godmother? Perhaps you are tormented by doubts regarding whether you can adequately fulfill your obligations to your godson and God? Here it must be said that absolutely everyone has doubts - this is normal. But, if you believe in the Church and its teachings, then with the help of your faith and the instructions of the priests you will cope with your responsibilities without problems. If you do not believe in God and agreed to become a godmother only so as not to offend or to follow the traditions of your people, then perhaps it is really better for you to refuse this difficult and extremely honorable mission.

Before making a final decision, it is best to sit down with your parents and discuss all the pressing issues. Find out from them what they expect from you, as the future spiritual mentor of their child.

In addition, in some cases, women refuse the offered role of becoming a godmother if they themselves have not been baptized. However, in this case there is also a way out. If a pregnant woman believes in God, then before becoming a godmother herself, the woman has every right to be baptized herself. The Church does not forbid this for pregnant women either. The priests who performed such rituals claim that such women’s children are born healthy and strong.

Baptism during pregnancy: precautions

Sometimes pregnant women refuse their honorable mission only because, due to their situation, they are afraid to be away from home for a long time. And completely in vain. Of course, there are times when pregnancy is very difficult and a woman is forced to spend almost all her time in bed. However, if the situation is not so difficult, then you should not be afraid of excessive activity. Especially if all possible precautions have been taken.

First, you should worry about your clothes and shoes. All wardrobe items should be as simple and comfortable as possible, since you will have to stand a lot in the church. Choose shoes with low heels, while clothes should be as natural, comfortable and closed as possible. Don't forget about the headdress, which should be comfortable and practical, and not fashionable and stylish. If your brand new silk scarf constantly slips off your head, you will only hinder both yourself and the priest. The church is not a place for fashion trends.

In addition, it is worth preparing all the necessary paraphernalia in advance. This could include a chain and cross, an openwork diaper, a baptismal shirt or a brand new towel. It is best to prepare all these things in advance, rather than running around looking for them on the eve of the appointed date.

Responsibilities of godparents

Unfortunately, not every parent understands what it means to become a “godfather.” Of course, visiting your godson and giving gifts on angel's day and birthday is wonderful, but this is far from the most important thing. Caring for a godson should include many other things.

First of all, you must pray for him. You have to learn to turn to God at least once a day. In fact, this is not at all difficult, but at first it may seem unusual. Ask the Lord for salvation, health, and help in raising not only your children, but also your godchildren. It is very good if you and your child master the road to Church, spend church holidays with him, and teach him to take communion. If you do all this, you will soon notice how you will begin to get real pleasure from it, because communication with God can only be beneficial.

We know very little about baptism, but this is the first step of a person on the path to God.

The rite of baptism of a child is a bright holiday for the whole family!

In order for the sacrament to be performed according to all the canons, you need to pay special attention to the choice of godparents for the baby.

Godparents are angels in the world who are called upon to help a little person begin a spiritual life, who will protect him from temptations all his life...

The choice of godparents affects the future of the child, this must always be remembered.

Baptism of children in church

By contacting a minister in the church, you can always get an accurate answer to this question.

Taking the people listed below as godfathers and mothers is not allowed by the church!

Who should not be taken as godparents:

1. You cannot take a girl under 14 years of age as a godmother, or a boy under 15 years of age as a godfather.

Only after reaching this age can one engage in spiritual education, the church believes.

2. Under no circumstances should a monk or nun be taken as godparents.

3. You cannot take people with mental illness as godparents.

4. It is forbidden to call a married man and woman as godparents. The church prohibits godfathers from marrying.

5. The child’s parents cannot be godparents.

Who can be taken as godparents despite superstitions:

1. People believe that it is impossible to take an unmarried woman as godmother for a girl, and an unmarried man as godmother for a boy. He will take away happiness, take everything for himself!

Of course, this is a stupid superstition. The Church does not take it seriously, because it has no Christian roots, and approves of this choice of godparents. The main thing is that the people are good!

2. Another superstition is about pregnant women who should not be taken as godmothers. The Church does not prohibit this!

The only moment that can cause excitement: will it be convenient for the godmother to withstand the entire baptism, will she have enough strength.

This largely depends on the woman’s state of health and stage of pregnancy.

What is selfless love, how to understand the boundaries between good and evil, what is faith, conscience, patience and mercy: spiritual parents should tell the godson about all this at every meeting. This is their main gift!

It is difficult to understand and accept such a statement. It is customary for us to bring money and toys to the godson’s house, and it is customary to spend time idly with the child.

This is wonderful, of course! But many people forget that godparents are, first of all, spiritual mentors.

The world is so difficult for a young, immature soul! In order not to make mistakes in your youth, in order to become a successful adult and not regret anything later, you need to receive a decent spiritual and moral education in childhood.

The sacrament of baptism of a child is performed once. Under no circumstances should a child be rebaptized, no matter what happens!

The Church prohibits performing this holy rite a second time. Whatever godparents the parents choose for their child will remain the same for the rest of their lives.

Christ comes to us in the form of a man; what you do for a man, you do for Christ.

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Internet priest offers to baptize people and pets for dollars

Reunite in the next world with your beloved pet - a certain Father Eugene urges on a popular website. The service is Krasnoyarsk exclusive. Although if you have a webcam, you can baptize your little animal via Skype. Both online and offline baptisms are carried out only at a fixed price, in American currency.

100 dollars for dogs and cats, 50 dollars for parrots, hamsters and turtles, for example. Livestock are denied the salvation of their souls, except for thoroughbred horses - here Father Eugene charges triple the price - $300.

A priest's pass to heaven for people also costs specific money - 5,000 rubles. This is a special secondary baptism before the end of the world.

Krasnoyarsk priests have already become familiar with the business proposals of the person posing as their colleague. Only in real life, they say, there is no Father Eugene in Krasnoyarsk. The clergy know each other by sight. Well, such rituals, and even according to the currency price, are fake.

Peter Boev, priest: “According to the Christian concept, the biblical one, sin did not affect the animal world. The sinful state is denied in the world of creatures, but animals do not need baptism. There is no such practice at all. I think this is fake. It’s just a clown show to get into the flow and have an extra laugh.”

We contacted the real Alexander Orekhov by phone. Baptizing animals, he says, is madness.

Alexander Orekhov, priest: “I have nothing to do with this. This is all some kind of devilry. I think that this is not Father Evgeniy. Some kind of impostor and swindler"

The Primorye priest, however, is not going to file a police report against the “swindler” who used his name. But in vain, say Krasnoyarsk law enforcement officers. Finding an Internet joker is a piece of cake for them, and there is also a punishment for them in this world.

Tatiana Astapenko, Head of the Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation "Krasnoyarsk": “Posting information on a website about the rite of animal baptism, posted on behalf of a priest in this case, can be regarded as slander or insult. Penalties from 1000 rubles to 3000 rubles"

If someone had already taken advantage of the anti-Christian service, the author of the ad could be prosecuted for fraud. By the way, the Krasnoyarsk diocese may well file a claim for slander and insult. There they explained to us that as soon as the first deceived person appears, they will definitely do it.

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Your child must have receivers - people who subsequently turn out to be They cannot be of another religion, since the main duty is to teach the child the basics of Orthodoxy, life according to the laws of God, teach him to pray, go to church with him, talk about Orthodox traditions. It is better to make godparents those who lead a dissolute, useless and unconscious life, have drug addiction or suffer from alcoholism. You must be absolutely confident in your future godparents, know that they lead a righteous life and during the Baptism procedure they will not transfer any illness or misfortune to your child.

It is better that the future baptized person has both a godmother and a godfather. If, nevertheless, you were unable to find both godparents, then for a boy it must be a man, and for a girl - a woman. A baby can have one godfather or only a godmother, as well as one birth mother and one biological father. You cannot choose a woman who is preparing to become a mother as a godmother, thereby you will shorten the life expectancy of your child.

You should not invite close relatives to be godparents. Also, a married couple cannot be chosen as godparents, since in the process of Baptism they will acquire a spiritual relationship that does not imply carnal pleasures. For the same reasons, godparents cannot marry one of the child’s biological parents.

The godmother should purchase for her future goddaughter christening set for girls, including shirt, towel and diaper.

An unmarried girl cannot be baptized, otherwise the person’s future personal life may not turn out well. It would be a mistake to invite someone who has recently lost their spouse as a godfather; this will also have a negative impact on the person’s future; he may become a widow. A godfather cannot have the same name as the child who will be his godson. During a leap year, you are allowed to choose someone from a blood relationship as godparents. Not being married, it was not appropriate for a girl to be the first to have a goddaughter. Later, the godparent can take under his care any number of godchildren as he is able to raise according to the Christian religion. A child and his parents cannot undergo the rite of Baptism on the same day. On the day of christening, biological parents should organize a festive dinner, where only their closest friends are invited. In the past, buckwheat or millet porridge was served at christenings. Before cooking, the cereal was soaked in milk and then cooked in it with cream. It was customary to add jam or sugar to the porridge, and to decorate the porridge with boiled eggs, symbolizing fertility. Sometimes a chicken or a rooster was baked in unsweetened baptismal porridge, depending on the gender of the child.

In order for the baby’s life to develop successfully, you need to follow certain rules when carrying out christenings. Dishes prepared for a festive dinner should be plentiful, but you should not put a large amount of food on the guests' plate. There should be no leftovers on the plates, otherwise the child will face failure in life. You cannot cook pancakes during a christening. The best dish is a pie made with chicken or rooster; pork cannot be used. On the day of christening, in the morning it is recommended to count the money so that the child never needs anything financially when he reaches a conscious age. During the holiday, you cannot light a candle one from another. You cannot knit, sew, spin, prepare seams, kick animals, dig up the ground, plant anything, shear sheep, kill cattle, pluck poultry. You should complete all this activity ahead of time or postpone it until later days. Before going to the ceremony, you cannot talk about this out loud. If one of the relatives is aware of what is about to happen, then he should not show where everyone is going. Until all participants in the ritual have returned home, you cannot open the door to anyone. Guests at the holiday should not get drunk, in particular this applies to godfathers, otherwise their godson will become an alcoholic.