www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Godfather Rules

Hello. I was wondering about the rules for selecting a Godfather. If I have a relative who is ordained, does this omit him as a candidate? Are there rules for different levels of ordination? (sub-deacon, deacon, priest, etc.) Thanks for the help!

Susan

I'm a Latin Catholic but I think this would apply in any situation. The role of a Godparent is to teach the faith and to nuture by example the child who they stand for. Who better than someone who has answered the call to religious life?!

Bill

You may find that some monastic and paramonastic communities do not permit their members to stand godfather - while not denying such relationships established prior to the acceptance of monasticism.

A married or diocesan priest may certainly act as godfather; it is not unusual.

In any event, though, the godfather and godmother should be people who will take the relatiohsip seriously and maintain a life-long commitment to the godchild.

In some cultures, it is the custom that if the parents should die or become incapacitated, the god-parents will assume full responsibility for the god-children. If that is intended, Western countries require separate and careful documentation that this is what the parents want.

Fr. Serge

Thank you for your help. We have some time to decide. I didn't want to ask the ordained person in question, in case we chose someone else.

Yes, it is a serious position. (Not just an honor. And not someone who will adopt the child.) We look at it as someone who will aid and guide our child, religiously, and be a good example. If something did happen to us, the Godparent would take the responsibility to ensure the child's religious upbringing. Unfortunately, we made a mistake with our first child. We chose a cousin who went to our church regularly, and appeared serious, at any rate. A year later, she went to live with a guy (who never even went to high school), left the church, and finks out on family events. Our son doesn't even know who she is!

Even though this is all very serious, I can't say "Godfather", without thinking of the movie...

Thanks, once more,
Susan