Just Been Asked to Be a Godparent at an Orthodox Christening? Here's What You Need to Know
Being asked to be a godparent is one of the greatest honours a friend or family member can receive. But if this is your first Orthodox christening, you might be wondering — what exactly is expected of me? What do I need to bring? What do I buy?
Don't stress. We've put together this guide to walk you through everything you need to know, so you can show up feeling confident, prepared, and ready to celebrate this beautiful milestone.
What Does Being a Godparent Mean in the Orthodox Tradition?
In the Orthodox Christian faith, the godparent (known as the nono or nona in Greek tradition) plays a central spiritual role. You are not just a witness — you are a spiritual guardian, taking on the responsibility of guiding the child in their faith as they grow up.
On the day of the christening, the godparent holds the child during the baptism, receives them from the water, and dresses them in the white garments that symbolise their new life in Christ. It's a deeply meaningful role, and one that families take very seriously.
What Does the Godparent Need to Provide?
In most Orthodox traditions, the godparent is responsible for providing the christening essentials. These typically include:
- The Baptism Candle (Lambada) — The godparent holds the candle during the ceremony. It represents the light of Christ and is one of the most important symbols of the day. A personalised candle with the child's name makes it a keepsake the family will treasure forever.
- The White Garment (Lathopana) — A white outfit or cloth that the child is dressed in after being baptised, symbolising purity and new life in Christ.
- The Cross — A gold or silver cross and chain, which is placed around the child's neck after baptism.
- The Box Package — A complete set of essentials the godparent provides for the ceremony. A proper package includes towels (to dry the child after baptism), oil and an oil sheet (used during the anointing), a cap, and soap. Having everything together in one beautifully presented package makes the day so much smoother.
The exact requirements can vary depending on the specific Orthodox tradition (Greek, Serbian, Antiochian, etc.) and the individual priest, so it's always worth confirming with the family and the church what is expected of you.
How to Make It Extra Special
The items you provide don't have to be generic — personalisation transforms them into lifelong keepsakes. At Bespoke Baby Co, we specialise in personalised Orthodox christening essentials, including:
- Personalised Orthodox baptism candles with the child's name and baptism date
- Luxe Orthodox baptism packages that include everything you need — towels, oil, oil sheet, cap, and soap — all beautifully presented in one set
Our packages are especially popular with godparents because they take the stress out of sourcing everything separately. One order, beautifully presented, ready to gift.
How Far in Advance Should You Order?
Since personalised items are made to order, we recommend placing your order at least 3-4 weeks before the christening. This allows time for personalisation, quality checks, and shipping anywhere in Australia.
A Few Tips for the Day
- Arrive early — the godparent is often needed before the ceremony begins
- Wear something smart and modest; white or light colours are traditional in many Orthodox communities
- Bring a handkerchief or extra cloth just in case
- Enjoy it! It's a joyful, beautiful occasion and a privilege to be part of
Ready to Shop?
Browse our full range of Orthodox christening gifts and essentials — all personalised, handcrafted in Melbourne, and shipped Australia-wide. We're here to help you show up as the best godparent possible. 💙