Can a husband and wife be godparents? Can a husband and wife be godparents of the same child, for different children from the same family? Can a husband and wife be godparents to a child Why can't a husband and wife be godparents.

Who can be the godfather of a baby? Can husband and wife be godparents to a child? Is it possible to take close relatives as godparents - sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles, grandfathers and grandmothers? Is it true that a pregnant or unmarried woman should not have children baptized? In our article you will find answers to these questions.

An adult doesn't need a receiver

If a person is baptized at a conscious age, then no questions arise with the choice of recipients. An adult is responsible for his own decision. He certainly consciously came to the faith and wanted to join the Church. Most often, those who wish to be baptized before receiving the Sacrament take a course public speaking where he is told about the basics of the Orthodox faith.

He himself knows the main dogmas of the Church - the Creed - and can declare a renunciation of Satan and a desire to join Christ.

Who can become a godfather to a baby?

Baptism in infancy occurs according to the faith of the child's parents and godparents.

Godfather - baptized, believer, churched

A godfather or mother can be a believer, baptized in Orthodoxy, a churched person.

He is not needed to hold a child in church. The godfather vouches for the spiritual upbringing of this person before God, on behalf of the baby the godfather declares his devotion to Christ and renunciation of Satan. Agree, this is a very serious statement. And it presupposes the fulfillment of assigned duties: the communion of an infant, spiritual conversations in a relaxed manner, one's own example of living in virtue.

A baptized, but unchurched person is unlikely to be able to cope with such functions.

Who cannot become a godfather?

An atheist, non-believer, or excommunicated from the Church cannot be a godfather: if he is outside the Church, how can he help others enter it? How can he teach others to believe if he himself does not believe in God?

Can a pregnant woman baptize a child?

There is a superstition that an unmarried or pregnant woman cannot be a godparent. There are no such restrictions in the Church. You never know what a grandmother in the temple can tell you?! Sometimes you even have to listen to what unmarried girl Be sure to first become a godmother to a boy. If she does this, her guys will love her. Well, if you baptize the first girl, then what? Century in the girls to sit? This is another ridiculous superstition.

In fact, in the Trebnik - a liturgical book according to which priests serve the rites - it is indicated that only one godfather is needed for the baptized, while for a girl - a woman, and for a boy - a man. It was only later that a tradition appeared to take a couple of successors. If you take only one godfather, then there is nothing forbidden in this. Unfortunately, grandmothers in the temple do not always know the history of the Church well and often fall for the hook of superstition.

In our time, monks and nuns also cannot become godparents. Previously, there was no such prohibition. But what is the reason for this practice? It is done so as not to distract the monk from monastic life, not to tempt him with worldly things (family, children, family celebrations and celebrations).

Also, parents do not become godparents to their child. They already have a huge responsibility for the versatile upbringing of their son or daughter.

Other relatives can easily become godparents, whether they are grandparents, aunts, uncles, or even older brothers and sisters.

Can a husband and wife be godparents to a child?

In our time, there is no unequivocal opinion about whether a husband and wife can baptize the same baby.

Supporters of the “no” option believe that godparents are spiritually close people, and a husband and wife are also physically close. You can find more than one story about how the priest forbade the spouses to be godparents to the child. But do such prohibitions exist at the canonical level?

But what if the guy and the girl first baptized one baby, and then fell in love with each other and wanted to get married? Suffer and blame the godson's parents for such a "setup"?

Instead of suffering, let's better turn to the book by Sergei Grigorovsky "Obstacles to wedding and reception at baptism", published even with the blessing His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II. It focuses on the marriage between godparents:

At present, Article 211 of the Nomocanon [which points out the inadmissibility of marriage between godparents] has no practical significance and should be considered cancelled... in any spiritual relationship and therefore forbid them to marry among themselves.

You can also find older sources that positively answer the question “Can a husband and wife be godparents to a child?”.

The recipient and the recipient (godfather and godfather) are related to themselves; Because at Baptism the holy one is a person necessary and really: masculine for the baptized male, and feminine for the baptized female.

In a decree dated December 31, 1837, the Holy Synod again appeals to the ancient decrees about one godparent for an infant:

As for the second beneficiary, he does not create spiritual kinship with either the baptized or the first beneficiary, therefore marriage between the beneficiaries (godparents) of one baptized infant is considered possible from a theological point of view.

For those who nevertheless continued to doubt whether a husband and wife could be godparents to a child, another synodal decree appeared, already dated April 19, 1873:

A godfather and a godfather (godfather and mother of the same baby) can marry only after the permission of the diocesan bishop.

I must say that the ban on marriage between godparents used to exist in the Russian Church, in others Orthodox churches did not know about this practice.

The only prohibition that has come down to us since Ecumenical Councils, - This Rule 53 of the Sixth (Constantinople) Council . It speaks of the impossibility of marriages between a child's godfather/godmother and his widowed mother/widowed father.

It is also considered impossible to marry a godson and his godson. But this question cannot even arise if the baby has one godfather, of his own gender.

We invite you to see how Archpriest Dmitry Smirnov answers the question of whether a husband and wife can be godparents to a child:

Take it, tell your friends!

How to choose godparents

Baptism is church sacrament, at the moment of which the further fate of the human soul is determined. At baptism, the child's godparents are determined. How to choose godparents for your beloved child, to whom to entrust such responsibility, can there be godparents husband and wife?

In fairness, it should be noted that there are some disagreements within the church on this issue. There is an opinion that in our time a married couple can become godparents, and this is being discussed. But these doubts are theoretical, and on Everyday life Churches are practically not reflected. In the interests of the further well-being of godparents and godchildren, it is better to follow the approved order of things when choosing.

The role of godparents in the life of a godson

According to church rules, godparents at the rite of baptism can be adult Orthodox parishioners. After all, the godfather and mother should become spiritual mentors to the child for life. Can, for example, your friends husband and wife be worthy godparents for your child? After all, their role only begins after baptism: they must introduce the godson to the church, introduce Christian virtue teach the basics of religion. These should be responsible, sincerely believing people, because it is their prayers for the godson throughout his life that are paramount to the Lord. The choice of godparents for a child is a responsible step. The main thing is the ability of these people to answer for the godson before God, to take care of him spiritual development and guide him to the right path. The Church believes that the godfather should take all the sins of the godchild, who has not reached the age of 16, onto himself.

Who should not be chosen as godparents

When choosing godparents, the child's family is puzzled by the problem, can a husband and wife be godparents? For example, a familiar married couple, close to the godson's family in spirit and in the church, is the best suited for the role of mentors. Their family is a model of harmony, their relationship is permeated with love and mutual understanding. But can this husband and wife be godparents?

Can a husband and wife have the same child as godparents? No, according to church laws, this is unacceptable. For the spiritual connection that arises between the recipients at baptism gives rise to a close spiritual union, which is higher than any other, including love and marriage. It is unacceptable that spouses could become godparents, this will jeopardize the continued existence of their marriage.

If the husband and wife are in a civil marriage

The doubt whether a husband and wife in a civil marriage can be godparents, the church unequivocally decides in the negative. According to church rules, neither a husband and wife, nor a couple who are on the eve of marriage can become godparents. preaching Orthodox people the need for a church marriage, the church at the same time considers a civil marriage, that is, registered in the registry office, legal. Therefore, the doubt whether a husband and wife who have approved their union by registering in the registry office can be godparents is resolved by a negative answer.

Engaged couples cannot become godparents, as they are on the eve of marriage, as well as couples living together outside of marriage, since these unions are considered sinful.

Who can become a godfather

Can a husband and wife be godparents to different children? Yes, this is a completely acceptable option. The husband, for example, will become the godfather of the son of close people, and the wife - the goddaughter. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, older sisters and brothers can also become godparents. The main thing is that it be worthy Orthodox Christian ready to help a child grow up in the Orthodox faith. Choosing a godfather is a really responsible decision, because it is done for life. The godfather cannot be changed later. If the godfather stumbles on life path, descends from the righteous direction, it is fitting for the godson to take care of him with prayers.

Rules for the rite of baptism

Before the ceremony, future godparents are trained in the church, get acquainted with the basic rules:

Before the sacrament of baptism, they observe a three-day fast, confess and take communion;

Be sure to put on a pectoral Orthodox cross;

Dress appropriately for the ceremony; women wear a skirt below the knees, be sure to cover their heads; do not use lipstick;

Godparents must know and understand the meaning of "Our Father" and "Symbol of Faith", as these prayers are pronounced during the ceremony.

Controversial cases

In exceptional cases, situations arise when parents have no other choice for godparents, except for a single married couple. Doubts whether a husband and wife can be godparents for a child are more than relevant in this case. It must be remembered that, according to church rules, it is quite enough to determine for the child only one godfather, but of the same sex, that is, we choose the boy godfather, and the girl - the godmother.

In each case, when parents have individual questions or doubts about whether it is possible for a husband and wife to be godparents, they should be discussed with the priest during preparation for baptism. Rarely, but still, there are cases when the question of whether a husband and wife can be godparents, with special permission and in view of exceptional circumstances, is resolved positively by the church.

Baptism is an important process in Russia. Even those couples who do not believe in God or believe, simply because they have to, baptize their children. From a religious point of view, baptism is the process of cleansing a newborn from original sin. The child is thus united with God. At the same time, parents think about who to make a spiritual mentor for the child. And the question is often raised as to whether a husband and wife can be godparents.

Why can't a husband and wife be godparents?

Our church has a negative attitude towards this situation and forbids a married couple to become foster parents for one child. At the same time, a couple can baptize different children from the same family.

Husband and wife cannot be godparents to the same child.

The Orthodox Church explains this prohibition by the fact that there is already a spiritual connection between husband and wife. During baptism, the bond between husband and wife may be weakened, as the bond that is formed with the child during this process is the strongest.

At the same time, it is possible that the priest will turn a blind eye to this if the couple has not been married or is not yet married. But doing so is undesirable. If you are a believer, then know that at the same time your connection with your husband at the wedding will be weak.

This is also explained by the fact that the husband and wife are already one, so neither of them can form one with the child.

Who can be godfather

Godparents can be:

Relatives of children: grandparents, sisters, brothers and so on.
People whose children you are the sponsor.
Godparents of your first child. If you have already baptized the first child, then at the baptism of the second, you can ask the same people to become godparents for the second.
Priest. If you do not have really close people to whom you could entrust this, then a priest can do it.
There are superstitions according to which it is believed that a pregnant or unmarried woman without children will bring misfortune to the newborn. Do not believe, such girls can become godparents.

Treat the choice of a spiritual mentor for your son or daughter with responsibility, since it will be impossible to change your choice.

Baptism is an important process. Remember also that if the parents are divorced, then the stepfather cannot become a godparent. This is an important choice, so choose people who truly care about your son or daughter. Godparents should be mentors of children and help them develop spiritually. Therefore, take this with responsibility.

Most of those who passed through do not know anything about its features, since the moment of the sacrament took place in early childhood. Therefore, questions about how the ceremony will take place and whether a husband and wife can be godparents are only asked when we are invited to become godparents or there is a need to perform a ceremony for our child. Since in Christian tradition baptism is an extremely important sacrament, then it is worth resolving all controversial issues in advance.

Is it possible to take husband and wife as godparents?

Traditionally, strict requirements are imposed on godparents, since it is on them that the subsequent initiation of the child to the Church depends. In addition, they should provide all kinds of help outside the spiritual life. Baptism can be performed only once, so it will not be possible to refuse the godfather (mother) or change them later.

This is also true if the recipients ceased to be Christians (began to lead an unrighteous lifestyle). So the choice of godparents should be well thought out, these people will need to meet all the requirements (with the exception of very rare cases) of the Orthodox Christian tradition. But most importantly, future recipients should be close to you, in no case should such responsibility be placed on random people.

Guided by this rule, many are thinking of inviting close relatives or a well-known married couple to become godparents, but is this possible according to church laws, can a husband and wife be godparents? An unequivocal answer is given to this question: people who are married cannot become foster parents of one child. Moreover, if the godparents later start a relationship, the church will not be able to approve their marriage. If, in consultation with a priest, you were answered in the affirmative to the question of whether it is possible to be godparents to a husband and wife, then you are dealing with a direction, not approved by the official church, simply speaking, by a sect. But you do not have to look for a couple, just one successor, whose gender will match the gender of the child, is enough. This is a strict church requirement, and by and large, an invitation to the ceremony of two godparents is only, since initially there was one godfather.

Can a husband and wife be godparents of children of the same sex of the same sex? There are no prohibitions on this subject, so if you really want your Good friends became the godparents of your son and daughter, you can invite them to this role, but only at different times.

When a long-awaited baby is born, the task of parents is to carefully introduce him into the world, protect him from misfortunes, put him on the righteous path. Orthodox parents share this enormous responsibility with their heavenly patron and godparents. After the rite of baptism, the life and fate of the child are entrusted to the aspirations of the Lord and the instructions of the godparents.

How to choose godparents

Baptism is a church sacrament, at the moment of which the further fate of the human soul is determined. At baptism, the child's godparents are determined. How to choose godparents for your beloved child, to whom to entrust such responsibility, can a husband and wife be godparents?

In fairness, it should be noted that there are some disagreements within the church on this issue. There is an opinion that in our time a married couple can become godparents, and this is being discussed. But these doubts are theoretical, and practically do not affect the daily life of the church. In the interests of the further well-being of godparents and godchildren, it is better to follow the approved order of things when choosing.

The role of godparents in the life of a godson

According to church rules, adult Orthodox parishioners can be christening recipients. After all, the godfather and mother should become spiritual mentors to the child for life. Can, for example, your friends husband and wife be worthy godparents for your child? After all, their role only begins after baptism: they must introduce the godson to the church, introduce him to Christian virtue, and teach the basics of religion. These should be responsible, sincerely believing people, because it is their prayers for the godson throughout his life that are paramount to the Lord. The choice of godparents for a child is a responsible step. The main thing is the ability of these people to answer for the godson before God, take care of his spiritual development and guide him on the righteous path. The Church believes that the godfather should take all the sins of the godchild, who has not reached the age of 16, onto himself.

Who should not be chosen as godparents

If the husband and wife are in a civil marriage

The doubt whether a husband and wife in a civil marriage can be godparents, the church unequivocally decides in the negative. According to church rules, neither a husband and wife, nor a couple who are on the eve of marriage can become godparents. While preaching to Orthodox people the need for a church marriage, the church at the same time considers civil marriage, that is, registered in the registry office, legal. Therefore, the doubt whether a husband and wife who have approved their union by registering in the registry office can be godparents is resolved by a negative answer.

Engaged couples cannot become godparents, as they are on the eve of marriage, as well as couples living together outside of marriage, since these unions are considered sinful.

Who can become a godfather

Can a husband and wife be godparents to different children? Yes, this is a completely acceptable option. The husband, for example, will become the godfather of the son of close people, and the wife - the goddaughter. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, older sisters and brothers can also become godparents. The main thing is that it should be a worthy Orthodox Christian, ready to help the child grow up in the Orthodox faith. Choosing a godfather is a really responsible decision, because it is done for life. The godfather cannot be changed later. If the godfather stumbles on the path of life, deviates from the righteous direction, it is fitting for the godson to take care of him with prayers.

Rules for the rite of baptism

Before the ceremony, future godparents are trained in the church, get acquainted with the basic rules:

Before the sacrament of baptism, they observe a three-day fast, confess and take communion;

Be sure to put on a pectoral Orthodox cross;

Dress appropriately for the ceremony; women wear a skirt below the knees, be sure to cover their heads; do not use lipstick;

Godparents must know and understand the meaning of "Our Father" and "Symbol of Faith", as these prayers are pronounced during the ceremony.

Controversial cases

In exceptional cases, situations arise when parents have no other choice for godparents, except for a single married couple. Doubts whether a husband and wife can be godparents for a child are more than relevant in this case. It must be remembered that, according to church rules, it is quite enough to determine for a child only one godfather, but of the same sex, that is, we choose a godfather for a boy, and a godmother for a girl.