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Non-Orthodox as Godparents |
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Question:
I
have a brother and sister-in law baptising their child and
they would like me to be the Godmother. I am not a baptised
member of the Ukrainian Orthodox church. I am however, a
baptised and professing member of the Christian Reformed
Church where I attend regularly. It has been said at this
point that they can not use me as a Godparent. In your answer
I read on the website you state "After
all it is essentially not for social reasons that we take
Godparents or baptize, but in order to bring someone into
God's family". I in no way question whether
or not I am a member of God's family. I may not be Ukrainian
Orthodox but our doctrines are similar and gives us a
protestant designation in common. If indeed the importance of
baptism is to bring someone into God's family would I not be a
viable exception to the rule?
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| Answer:
In the Orthodox Church we express and
experience our union with the Lord in His family by participation in
Holy Communion. This is shared by Orthodox. This is why it is
important for Godparents to be those who can share in that Communion.
This is not a statement to the effect that other believers -
particularly those who honour and serve our Lord Jesus Christ are
excluded from His family. We can not pronounce on others; our task is
to keep the vision we have received as clearly as we can. Exceptions
*can* be made at the pastor's discretion without this changing the
rule. This sort of exception is called Church economy. It could not go
so far as to include the possibility of non-baptized people being
accepted a s Godparents. It could include Christian Reformed
believers - but that would depend upon the priest and how he would view
the situation. One could also go to a Bishop - and he very well might.
But one would begin with the parish priest. I hope this is helpful and
am sorry if you feel hurt and rejected. I suppose this is part of the
pain of separation that ought to spur us on to pray and prepare our
hearts for unity. That there may be manifestly (there already is
invisibly) on flock and one Shepherd.
God bless. I ask for your prayers.
Very Rev. Ihor Kutash kutash@unicorne.org
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