As with any other sacrament, many superstitions and traditions are associated with baptism. Some of them went to Christianity "by inheritance" from the Gentiles, so they seem not only miraculous, but to some extent even ridiculous and ridiculous. For example, is it possible to be godmother while pregnant? Our ancestors believed that no, because a woman in an interesting position takes happiness and health from the baby. Is this so, try to figure it out.
Is it possible?
Let's immediately give an answer to this difficult question. Can a pregnant mother be a godmother? Sure. The fact that a woman expects the birth of a baby is not a canonical obstacle to performing the ceremony. When a girl feels well, she has no medical contraindications, then she can take part in the sacrament both as a simple observer and as the godmother. However, she must remember that childbirth and postpartum recovery should not become an obstacle to the performance 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 respond positively. And he will immediately warn that the future godmother, in spite of her position, must undergo an interview in the church on the eve of the rite, and learn certain prayers. In addition, she is obliged to understand all the responsibility that now bears for the baby. This is not a banal participation in a game or an entertainment of curiosity for the sake of, but a pleasant burden of requirements 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 minus of her participation in the ceremony will be elementary physical inconvenience. If the stomach is large, then holding the baby will be difficult and even painful. In the last months of pregnancy, pressure on the internal organs rises, while the spine receives an additional load. And holding 3-4 kilograms of extra weight in her hands, the expectant mother may feel severe back pain and simply will not be able to complete the process. In addition, she may have recommendations from a doctor not to lift weights.
Can a godmother be a
pregnant woman? If she is not afraid of all of the above, then she can give consent to participate in the sacrament. After all, it has many positive aspects. Firstly, it will benefit the baby in the womb. Feeling mom's good mood and pleasant excitement, he will be calm. And that grace, which will descend on the parent, will be transferred to him. Secondly, in recent months, a child in the stomach already distinguishes sounds. Therefore, hearing as the mother reads the prayer, sings during the service, and then plays with the baby, he will be able to empathize with all her positive feelings.
If necessary?
After all these arguments, probably, each woman has personally answered the question for herself whether it is possible to be godmother if she is pregnant. But is it necessary? There is a superstition that the offer should never be refused. But this is not so. If believers have asked you to become the godmother of their baby, feel free to agree. When parents bring up the child according to church traditions, teach him the basics of faith and attract him to attend the temple, then it will be easier for you to fulfill your duties. If you are sure that you were asked to become a godmother not for the spiritual enrichment of the baby, but for material gain and gifts, then it is better to refuse.
In addition, if your parents do not particularly honor Orthodox teaching and go to church only on major holidays, you can politely decline the offer. Most likely, you were asked to take part in the sacrament, following the fashion tradition. Is it worth agreeing to take on such responsibilities when the parents do not realize the full responsibility of the rite, its semantic load, but do it only because it is accepted and necessary? Of course not.
When should a pregnant woman refuse?
If you do not know whether it is possible to be godmother while pregnant, do not hesitate - the church allows this. Just remember that you should abandon this step under certain circumstances:
- When a girl is baptized. In this case, according to the church charter, most of the child’s rite will have to be held in your hands. Since godparents are constantly standing in the Orthodox church, unable to sit down, it can be difficult for you to stay on your feet all this time.
- If it's summer outside. In the hot season, the church can be very stuffy. You will not have the opportunity to go out to take a breath of fresh air if you feel worse. In addition, the ceremony is often long. The priest, of course, can stop the process, but this will cause a lot of trouble for both him and all the guests present.
- When you doubt that you can give your baby all the love and affection that only they can. Godchildren are second children who also require participation in their fate and care on your part.
It is possible to be pregnant with a godmother only when she is confident in her abilities and fully realizes that now she is the second mother for the godson. With all the responsibilities that follow.
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, godparents are always responsible for the spiritual life of their successor. They make a vow before God - to instruct on the right path and always support with good advice. Can a pregnant mother be a godmother? Your participation in the sacrament in this role is allowed if you realize that you will cope with the task.
The 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 it then to tackle this thing? Any doubt can already cause a refusal. In addition, if you sincerely do not want this, it is better to also think about giving up your place to someone else. When a woman, in spite of her position, decided to take part in the ceremony, the day before she needed to receive a blessing from the priest.
Godparent requirements
When the question of whether it is possible to be godmother while pregnant is already resolved, you should think about those responsibilities that now have to be carefully performed. First, you will need to teach the baby 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 the spiritual commandments. If you yourself are ignorant of these issues, make sure to fill in the existing gaps.
Godparents are obliged to teach their child all church ordinances: first of all, to confession and communion. They tell the baby stories from the Bible, the parable of the New and Old Testaments. They also explain the meaning of daily and Sunday services, the significance of all church holidays, the miraculous power of shrines - icons, relics, holy scriptures. But most importantly, they must constantly pray for their godson. Therefore, remember that absolutely no strangers to a child can be godparents.
Who should not be godparented?
Since the answer to the question of whether a pregnant woman can baptize a child is now known, let's figure out who is forbidden to take part in the ceremony. Firstly, to people who do not meet the spiritual requirement outlined above. And also to those who profess a different faith. Secondly, parents need to abandon the godparents who personally benefit from the new status. Thirdly, from those persons who lead an immoral lifestyle, are unrepentant sinners.
It is known that, having become godparents, a man and a woman establish a spiritual connection between themselves, which is much stronger than the marriage. Therefore, there should not be any personal relationship between them, except for friendly and friendly. Even if the couple have not yet married, but are dating and have close bodily contact, they cannot take part in the ceremony. But spouses can become godmothers in the same family for different children. When the couple christened the baby, they need to immediately end the relationship and limit themselves exclusively to spiritual communication.
What to give the baby?
Can a pregnant mother be a godmother? As you can see, there are no strict contraindications. Therefore, if you are confident in your abilities and decide to take this step, do not be afraid. Feel free to embark on your new duties. The first thing you need to do is decide on the gift. Remember that the godmother must buy kryzhma for the baby. This is a piece of fabric that takes an active part in the sacrament. They wipe the child’s head after consecration with water.
You also need to purchase something for the baby. Best thing that will remind him of the day of baptism. For example, the Gospel, an icon, spiritual literature, a pectoral cross. In general, today 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 cannot give money. They are considered dirty, so you should not sadden such a bright day with their presence.
Now you know whether you can be godmother. Being pregnant, it is sometimes difficult for a woman to cope with this important mission. But if you want and can, then why not.