What Must I Consider?

     

     If you hope to be a Godparent some day, it would be well to consider carefully the chief con¬ditions which the Church prescribes in the way of preparation:

     1) When you are approached and asked to baptize a child, do not answer immediately. Reflect and ask yourself if you could be true to the Baptismal vow.

      2) The Godparent must be an Orthodox Christian, of good moral character, regular and faithful in attendance at Liturgy and the reception of the Sacraments, and with a sound knowledge of the basic teachings of the Orthodox Church.

     3) Study the Creed and be prepared to recite it when the Priest calls upon you. The custom of having the Chanter recite it is incorrect. Knowledge, of the Creed and familiarity with it constitutes the basic prerequisite for becoming a Godparent.

     4) A Godparent should be neither excessively young (under 12) or advanced in years nor in poor health. There must be at least a fair possibility that the Godparent will live long enough to carry out the obligations assumed.