Can I be godmother when I'm pregnant? Church customs

As with any other sacrament, many superstitions and traditions are associated with baptism. Some of them went to Christianity "by inheritance" from the Gentiles, therefore they seem not only eccentric, but to some extent even ridiculous and ridiculous. For example, can you be a godfather when you are pregnant? Our ancestors believed that no, because a woman in an interesting situation takes away happiness and health from the baby. Whether this is so, let's try to figure it out.

Is it possible?

Let us immediately answer this difficult question. Can I be pregnant as a godmother? Of course. The fact that a woman expects the birth of a baby is not a canonical obstacle to the performance of the rite. When a girl feels well, she does not have medical contraindications, then she can take part in the sacrament both as a simple observer and as a godmother. At the same time, she must remember that childbirth and postnatal recovery should not become an obstacle to the fulfillment of duties on her part.

If you ask the priest, whether it is possible for a pregnant woman to baptize a child, he will certainly answer positively. And immediately warns that the future godfather, despite his position, must pass an interview in the church on the eve of the rite, learn certain prayers. In addition, she must understand all the responsibility that now bears for the baby. This is not a trivial participation in the game or amusement of curiosity for the sake of, but a pleasant burden of demands that must be observed and fulfilled.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before making a final decision, the expectant mother should think it over carefully. Of course, the first disadvantage of her participation in the rite is elementary physical inconvenience. If the stomach is big, then keeping the baby will be hard and even painful. In the last months of pregnancy, the pressure on the internal organs increases, while the spine receives an additional load. And holding on hand 3-4 kilograms of extra weight, the expectant mother can feel a strong pain in her back and simply will not be able to complete the process to the end. In addition, she may have recommendations from a doctor not to raise the severity.

Is it possible to be a godmother pregnant woman? If she is not afraid of all of the above, she can consent to participate in the sacrament. After all, it has many positive aspects. First, it will benefit the baby in the womb. Feeling Mom's good mood and pleasant excitement, he will be calm. And the grace that descends upon the parent will be transmitted to him. Secondly, in the last months the child in the stomach is already distinguishing sounds. Therefore, hearing how a mother reads a prayer, sings during worship and then plays with a baby, he can empathize with all of her positive feelings.

If necessary?

After all these arguments, probably, every woman for herself has already answered the question of whether it is possible to be godmother, if she is pregnant. But is it necessary? There is a superstition that the proposal should not be abandoned in any case. But this is not so. If you are asked by believing people to become godmother of their baby, feel free to agree. When parents raise a child, respectively, with the church traditions, teach its basics of faith and attract to visit the temple, then you will perform your duties easier. If you are sure that the godfather was asked to become not for the spiritual enrichment of the baby, but for the sake of material benefits and gifts, it is better to refuse.

In addition, if parents are not particularly honored Orthodox teaching and go to church only on major holidays, you can politely decline the offer. Most likely, you were asked to participate in the sacrament, following the fashion tradition. Should I agree, take on such responsibilities when parents do not realize the whole responsibility of the rite, its semantic load, but do it only because it is so accepted and necessary? Of course not.

When a pregnant woman should refuse?

If you do not know whether it is possible to be a godmother, being pregnant, do not doubt - the church admits this. Just remember that you should give up such a step under certain circumstances:

• When a girl is baptized. In this case, according to church regulations, most of the rite of the child will have to be held by you. Since in the Orthodox church the godparents are constantly standing, not being able to sit down, it can be hard for you to stay on your feet all this time.
• If it's summer outside. In the hot season in the church can be very stuffy. You will not have the opportunity to get a breath of fresh air if your health worsens. In addition, often the ceremony is long. The priest, of course, can stop the process, but this will bring a lot of hassle to him and all the guests present.
• When you doubt that you will be able to give your child all the love and affection that only they can do. The godchildren are the second children who also need to participate in their destiny and care on your part.

You can be pregnant only when she is confident in her abilities and fully aware that she is now the second mother for her godson. With all the responsibilities that follow from here.

Advice from the Father

The priest will warn you that from now on you must remember about all the difficulties that await you. After all, the godparents are always responsible for the spiritual life of their successor. They give before God a vow - to instruct on the right path and always support with good advice. Can I be pregnant as a godmother? Your participation in the sacrament in this role is allowed if you realize that you will cope with the task.

Father will remind you that soon you will become a mother yourself, so you may not have time to visit your godson. Is it worth to take up this case? Any doubts can already be the reason for the refusal. In addition, if you sincerely do not want it, it is also better to think about giving up your place to someone else. When a woman, despite her position, decided to take part in the rite, the day before, she needed to receive a blessing from the priest.

Requirements to the godparents

When the question of whether it is possible to be a godfather, being pregnant, has already been solved, you should think about those duties that you will now have to perform carefully. First, you will need to teach your child the basics of the Orthodox faith. Spiritual education provides for your joint visit to the Sunday service, the study of prayers and the reading of spiritual commandments. If you yourself are ignorant in these matters, take care to fill in the existing gaps.

The godparents are obliged to accustom the child to all church ordinances: first of all to confession and communion. They tell the child stories from the Bible, the parables of the New and Old Testaments. And also explain the meaning of daily and Sunday services, the significance of all church holidays, the miraculous power of holy things - icons, relics, holy scriptures. But most importantly, they must constantly pray for their godson. Therefore, remember that there are absolutely no outsiders to the baby who are godless.

Who can not be godfather?

Since the answer to the question of whether it is possible for a pregnant woman to baptize a child is now known, let's figure out who is not allowed to take part in the rite. First, to people who do not meet the spiritual requirement set out above. And also to those who profess another faith. Secondly, parents need to abandon the godparents who receive personal benefits from the new status. Thirdly, from those individuals who lead an immoral way of life, are unrepentant sinners.

It is known that, having become godparents, a man and a woman establish a spiritual bond among themselves, which is much stronger than a marriage. Therefore, there should not be any personal relations between them, except for friendly and friendly relations. Even if the couple has not yet married, but meets and has a close physical contact, they can not take part in the ritual. But the spouses can become godmothers in the same family for different children. When a couple christened a baby, they need to immediately stop the relationship and confine themselves exclusively to a spiritual bond.

What to give a baby?

Is it possible to be a mother godmother? As you can see, there are no strict contraindications. Therefore, if you are confident in your abilities and decided to take this step, do not be afraid. Feel free to start fulfilling your new duties. The first thing you need to do is decide on the gift. Remember that the godmother is obliged to buy a kryzhma for the baby. It is a piece of cloth that takes an active part in the sacrament. They wipe the child's head after consecration with water.

You also need to buy something for the baby. The best thing that will remind him of the day of baptism. For example, the Gospel, the icon, spiritual literature, the cross. In general, in our days in church shops you can find a lot of interesting and useful gifts. Therefore, the purchase of a presentation should not be a big problem. Remember: you can not give money. They are considered dirty, therefore, to overshadow such a bright day their presence is not worth it.

Now you know if it's possible to be godfather. Being pregnant, it is sometimes difficult for a woman to cope with this important mission. But if you want and can, then why not.