Greek Orthodox Christening Advice

[Conitsa]

Hi,
I am planning a christening for my child and needed some SOUND advice!
My hubby is Greek - I am not. We have decided on a Greek Orthodox christening but we have a dilemma regarding the "koumbara" (Godmother).
She has not been a part of our childs life and basically dislikes me immensely. She was the koumbara at our wedding and Greek tradition is that she christens our child. The unfortunate thing is she is my hubbys sister!
I would prefer to have someone who actually was interested in our child as a godmother. As she is family, it is a sensitive issue. Has anyone had a similar experience ? Is it possible to have a different person than the original koumbara? Help!!

[Cassalina]

Hi there,

My hubby is also Greek and we also had our son christened in the Greek Orthodox Church. We choose our godparents on the basis that they would be good influences in our child's life, and that they could guide them in any religious areas that they would have. The godmother isn't Greek Orthodox, but the Godfather is. The only requirment the church had was that one of them was Greek Orthodox and they would sponsor DS into the church.

I was a little worried that the godmother wouldn't be part of the ceremony, but the priest was great and included her as much as he could. There were areas that she couldn't participate in. Our view was that it was only a ceremony and that the important thing was choosing godparents who would love and guide our child.

I understand that there are many traditions in the Greek culture, but personally I wouldn't have somebody be the godparent of my child if they don't like me! You have the right to have your own traditions!! I was lucky that my mil and fil were just happy to have him christened in the Greek Orthodox Church, so they didn't hassle us about anything at all. Personally I haven't heard of that tradition about the "koumbura"? But if you like i can check it out with my mil?

Do you have anybody else within your hubby's family who could be the godparent (sponsor). To the best of my knowledge you just need one person (greek orthodox) to sponsor the hcild into the church. If you wanted you could also have somebody else from your side of the family.

Hope this helps! :) Don't get steamrolled!!!

[MissSparkle]

Hi,

I was in the same position as u. My DF is greek and I am not. We had DS christened Greek Orthodox and his godmother (koumbara) was chosen by the inlaws! I was FURIOUS! I'd never even met her. Luckily when I did she was lovely and took care of everything but had I not liked her- I wouldn't allow it.

If ur SIL isn't actively involved in ur childs live then I don't beleive she should have the honour of christening ur child. Thats just my opinion but is there anyone else that u would be happy to do it that is orthodox?

I find it all very hard at times as my inlaws aren't at all religeous (eg-never go to church etc) but as soon as an event comes up they insist it must be done in the the greek church. Im anglican and my parents go to church every week and my mum is a scripture teacher but the inlaws sont consider their religeon! AH! (SOrry I went on a little rant there!)

I hope it all works out for u!

[Mary2905]

Hi Guys

I am new to this forum and have no idea if I am posting this in the correct place but I thought I would give it a go. I have been told that once a Greek godparent christens a baby, for example, a girl, then they cannot christen another baby if that baby is a boy.

Does anyone know if this is true?

This limits me in terms of choosing a godparent because I don't have many greek friends and the one I do want to ask is already a godmother to a girl, and I am expecting a boy!!

HELP!!

[bandp]

I was just looking for some quotes for our twin sons greek christening tomorrow and saw your posting and had to register. Technically if they are different sexes then no, your intended godmother cannot christen your child. However if she is married and the husband hasn't christened a boy then he may christen the child and she will still be the godmother. I do know of several people who have done it this way. Check with the church as I believe that these customs were brought in due to small villages not wanting close relatives to marry as the godparents were usally very close relatives. So really it may no longer really apply. Good luck.

[Hellinida]

Hi Guys

I am new to this forum and have no idea if I am posting this in the correct place but I thought I would give it a go. I have been told that once a Greek godparent christens a baby, for example, a girl, then they cannot christen another baby if that baby is a boy.

Does anyone know if this is true?

This limits me in terms of choosing a godparent because I don't have many greek friends and the one I do want to ask is already a godmother to a girl, and I am expecting a boy!!

HELP!!

I am afraid what you have heard is entirely correct. The restriction is not as illogical as it may first appear, as it is based on the possibility of the opposite sex godchildren one day meeting through their mutual godparent and falling in love. This would be regarded an unsavoury situation because godchildren sharing a godparent are actually spiritual sisters and brothers.