DEAR SOPHIA,

I KNOW YOU ARE IN CONTACT WITH YOUR GODMOTHER. THESE ARE HER RESPONSIBILITIES AND I AM OUTLINING THEM FOR YOU HERE. IF YOU HAVE ANY DIFFICULTIES FROM ANYONE OTHER THAN YOUR GODMOTHER, GO STRAIGHT TO YOUR PRIEST AND ASK FOR HELP.

A Greek Orthodox godparent (nounos/nouna) acts as a lifelong spiritual mentor responsible for fostering the child’s faith, reciting the Creed during baptism, and providing essential baptismal items. They must be a baptized, practicing Orthodox Christian in good standing, ensuring the child is raised within the Church. www.agoc.org +5

Key Spiritual & Practical Responsibilities:

• Baptismal Duties: Purchase the cross, martyrika (witness pins), oil/soap, sheets/towels, and the lambada (candle).
• Spiritual Mentorship: Responsible for the child’s spiritual growth, teaching them the Orthodox faith, and encouraging them to live a Christian life.
• Prayers: Fervently pray for the child throughout their life.
• Participation: Accompany the child to receive Holy Communion, particularly after baptism.
• Role Modeling: Act as a moral and spiritual example, often cultivating a close, lifelong relationship with the godchild. www.agoc.org +6

Requirements for Godparents:

• Must be an Eastern Orthodox Christian in good standing with the Church.
• Often, the godparent chooses the child’s name (which must be a Christian name).
• In some traditional cases, if the parents pass away, the godparent helps ensure the child is raised in the faith. 

143.

LOVE,

DAD