www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Baptism rules of chosing Godparents

My Dear Friends.

In the upcoming months, our son Andrew will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation and Holy Communion in the Greek Orthodox Church.

We have asked our daughter Ava's Godmother to also be Andrew's Godmother.
Ava's Godmother is married and has said that her husband should participate rather than herself.

Reason being is that this allows the girls that Ava's Godmother baptized to marry boys that her husband has baptized.

Has anyone ever heard of this before ?


Thanks,

Brad

You wouldn't have a problem with your daughter wanting to marry your son, I would hope. GOA's website does not mention affinity linking those who share a Godparent. It only mentions the sponsor and the person sponsored not being able to marry.

God-parents. (Godfather, Gr. Nounos; Godmother, Gr. Nouna).Sponsors at Baptism and Chrismation taking the responsibility for the faith and spiritual development of the newly-born Christian. The Orthodox people highly regard the spiritual bond and relationship between godparents and their godchildren, and marriage between them is prohibited. (see affinity).

Affinity. (Gr. Syngeneia). The spiritual relationship existing between an individual and his spouse's relatives, or most especially between godparents and godchildren. The Orthodox Church considers affinity an impediment to marriage.