Being a godparent at a Greek Orthodox baptism, step by step

Insights · Baptism

You have been asked to be a godparent. From that moment you have a real part to play at the baptism: a few things to take care of beforehand, and some moments in the church that belong only to you.

This guide covers what a godparent does before and during a Greek Orthodox baptism, where you stand, and what is worth knowing about the photos, based on what we see from behind the camera at every baptism we photograph.

Contents (7)

1. The godparent’s role in a nutshell
2. Before the day: what the godparent takes care of
3. At the church, before the service starts
4. The service, from where the godparent stands
5. The moments we photograph, and how you can help
6. After the service: favours, wishes and hugs
7. Frequently asked questions about godparents

The godparent’s role in a nutshell

At an Orthodox baptism, the godfather or godmother sponsors the child: you speak the words of the service on the child’s behalf, hold them at the key moments and stand by them spiritually from then on. In Greek the godparent is also called the anadochos, the one who receives the child.

For who can be a godparent and the paperwork the church asks for, see our guide on what you need for a christening.

Before the day: what the godparent takes care of

Traditionally, the godparent provides what is needed for the service itself: the ladopana (the white towels and cloths used with the holy oil), the large white candle, the little cross and the change of clothes, the brand-new white outfit the child wears after the font. You’ll find the full list in our christening checklist.

When it comes to the martyrika (the small favours handed to guests as witnesses), the bonbonnières and the reception, customs vary from region to region and from family to family. Talk it through with the parents early on, so everyone knows who is doing what and nothing ends up doubled or forgotten.

From our side, one thing really helps: choose the items for the service with the same care you put into the gift. The candle, the towels and the cross are photographed close up and end up in the album. For gift ideas, see our baptism gift guide.

At the church, before the service starts

If you can, arrive a little before the guests, bringing the towels, the candle and the cross. That gives us time to photograph the decorated font and the details before the church fills up, and to take a few photos with the parents at the entrance.

It’s also a good moment for a quick word with the priest. He will tell you where to stand, when he will hand you the child and what you need to say. If it would help you feel more confident, ask him for the text of the Creed in advance.

The service, from where the godparent stands

The order varies a little from church to church, but the moments where the godparent plays an active part are nearly always these:

• The renunciation and the Creed. At the start, near the entrance, you hold the child and answer the priest on their behalf. It is your most personal moment of the whole service.
• The anointing. After the oil is blessed, in many churches the priest pours oil into the godparent’s palms, and the godparent anoints the baby.
• After the font. The priest immerses the child and then hands them to you, and you receive them in the towel and cloths.
• Dressing and the cross. The child is dressed in their new clothes, usually with the mother’s help, and receives their little cross.
• Walking around the font. Three times around the font, with the child in your arms and the candle lit.

At the end, the child goes back into their parents’ arms. In many families this comes with a kiss on the godparent’s hand, a small custom that deserves not to get lost in the rush.

For the whole service in order, and how we photograph it, see our baptism photography guide.

The moments we photograph, and how you can help

During the service we work discreetly, without stepping between the priest, the godparent and the child, and we always follow the priest’s wishes. From where you stand, a few small things make a big difference to the photos:

• Hold the candle to one side. Not in front of your face or the child’s, so both can be seen.
• Take your time with the dressing. The little shoe, a button, the cross going around the neck: these are the details we look for, and they only need a few seconds.
• Hand your phone to someone else. Today you are in the picture, not behind it.
• Look at the child, not the camera. The best photos of a godparent are the ones they don’t know we are taking.
• Dress for comfort. You will be bending down, holding the baby and walking three times around the font. For colours that photograph well, see what the mother wears to a baptism, which covers godparents too.

After the service: favours, wishes and hugs

As soon as the service ends, guests come up to offer their wishes and pick up the martyrika, usually waiting in a basket by the door. Then come the family photos. Tell us beforehand which ones you would like: the godparent with the child, with the parents, with their own family. That way we get through them quickly and the child doesn’t get tired.

If you’d like to write something in the gift card or say a few words at the table, our christening wishes from godparents have plenty of ideas.