BECOMING A GODPARENT IN THE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
Becoming a Godparent in the Greek Orthodox Church is both an honour AND a responsibility. The Godparent (or nounos for a godfather, nouná for a godmother) plays a crucial role in the child’s religious life. Firstly the Godparent is responsible for providing the priest with the items he will use during the baptism ceremony. These include the cross, the Christening gown/Christening outfit, the olive oil/soap, baptismal sheet and towel, and the lambada (Christening candle).
Christening Gowns/Outfits
Traditionally white/cream in colour, Christening dresses and outfits are the first outfit the baby will be dressed in following their baptism. There are a variety of shops and retailers that sell such outfits and they often come with the cutest matching shoes!
Christening Candle (Lambada) and Cross
Check out my guide to London-based Greek Orthodox Christening suppliers for all your Christening needs!
What happens during the Christening?
The priests generally guide you bu there are various steps to the Christening service. These are:
Renouncing Satan and Declaring Faith – The Godparent stands at the entrance of the church with the baby and recites the Creed (Symbol of Faith) on behalf of the child.
Anointing with Oil – The Godparent rubs the baby with the scented, blessed olive oil.
Holding the Child During Baptism – The priest immerses the child three times in the baptismal font, symbolizing the Holy Trinity.
Clothing the Child in White – After the baptism, the Godparent dresses the child in white, symbolizing purity and new life.
Receiving Holy Communion – The newly baptized child receives their first Holy Communion, often assisted by the Godparent.
Following all of this the child is passed back to the parents, and traditionally the parents must give thanks and kiss the Godparent’s hand.
Moving forward from the actual baptism, the Godparents are responsible for overseeing the newly baptized child’s spiritual growth and development. This includes making sure he/she attends church, learns about the scripture and Greek Orthodoxy, and participates in sacraments such as Holy Communion on a regular basis.
