Initiation As a godparent Orthodox 6 min read

Orthodox baptism as a godparent

What the Orthodox godparent (anadochos or vospriemnik) is asked to do at the combined rite of baptism, chrismation, and first Communion, and what the role looks like afterward.

01 Before you say yes

The Orthodox godparent (Greek anadochos, Russian vospriemnik) is a baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christian in good standing with the Church. The godparent is more visibly active in the rite than the Western godparent: holding the infant during chrismation, reciting the Creed on the child's behalf, and receiving the newly baptized from the font.

The traditional pattern is one godparent of the same gender as the child: a godfather for a male child, a godmother for a female child. Greek and Antiochian practice tends to retain this pattern; some OCA parishes are more flexible and permit one godfather and one godmother regardless. Whether a non-Orthodox Christian may serve as a witness alongside the Orthodox godparent varies sharply by jurisdiction; the parish is the source for the local practice.

02 What the godparent provides

Customs vary by family and by ethnic tradition. In many Orthodox families, the godparent traditionally provides the baptismal items: a white baptismal robe or shirt for the child to wear after the immersion, a baptismal cross on a chain (which the child wears for life), a baptismal candle, and sometimes additional items including oil, towels, and a piece of white cloth used in the post-baptism procession.

In some Orthodox traditions the godparent also hosts the post-rite meal for the family. The family or the parish can confirm the local custom.

03 The day of the baptism

The Orthodox combined rite of baptism, chrismation, and first Communion runs close to an hour. The godparent stands with the family from the start.

At the prayers of exorcism and renunciation of Satan, the godparent answers on the child's behalf (the priest leads each response; no memorization is required). The godparent then recites the Creed on the child's behalf as the profession of faith. During the baptism itself (triple immersion in the font), the priest holds the child; the godparent receives the newly baptized child from the priest as the child comes up from the water and dresses the child in the white baptismal robe. The godparent then holds the child during chrismation as the priest anoints the child's forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, breast, hands, and feet with chrism. The godparent walks with the priest and child during the procession around the font.

At the first reception of Communion, the godparent (or the parent) holds the child as the priest administers the Eucharist.

04 After the baptism

The Orthodox understanding of the godparent's role is lifelong. The relationship between godparent and godchild is held to be a real spiritual kinship, expressed across the years through prayer, presence at sacramental moments, and the support of an adult standing alongside the godchild's family.

In Greek practice the godparent and godchild call one another koumbaros or koumbara for life; in Slavic practice the equivalent is kum or kuma. The lifelong naming is part of how the relationship is held.

05 The reception

Many Orthodox families celebrate the baptism with a meal following the rite, often hosted by the godparent in some cultural traditions. The reception is not governed by liturgical convention; the family is the source for the customs observed.

06 Common questions

Must the Orthodox godparent be Orthodox?
In most Orthodox jurisdictions, yes. The godparent must be a baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christian in good standing with the Church. Greek and Antiochian practice tends to require all godparents to be Orthodox. OCA and some other jurisdictions may permit a non-Orthodox Christian witness alongside the Orthodox godparent; specific practice varies.
Does the godparent need to be the same gender as the child?
Traditionally, yes. The Orthodox tradition is to have a godfather for a male child and a godmother for a female child. Modern US practice in some OCA parishes accepts one godfather and one godmother regardless of the child’s gender. Greek and Antiochian practice tends to retain the traditional same-gender pattern. The parish is the source for the local practice.
What does the godparent provide?
Customs vary by cultural tradition. In many Orthodox families, the godparent provides the baptismal robe (a white shirt or gown for the child to wear after the immersion), the baptismal cross (which the child wears for life), a baptismal candle, and sometimes additional items (oil, towels). In some traditions the godparent also hosts the post-rite meal. The family and the parish can confirm the local custom.
What does the godparent actually do at the rite?
The godparent recites the Creed on the child’s behalf during the renunciation of Satan and the profession of faith; holds the child during chrismation; receives the newly baptized from the priest as the child comes up from the font; clothes the child in the baptismal robe; and walks with the priest and child during the procession around the font. The Orthodox godparent is more visibly active in the rite than the Western godparent.
How long does the godparent relationship continue?
The Orthodox understanding is that the godparent has an ongoing spiritual responsibility for the godchild, traditionally including ensuring religious upbringing. The role is lifelong. In some Orthodox traditions, the godparent and godchild call one another koumbaros / koumbara (in Greek practice) or kum / kuma (in Slavic practice) for the rest of their lives, indicating the depth of the spiritual relationship.

07 Pastoral note

Last reviewed against primary sources: May 17, 2026