Q295
Why are there sponsors at Baptism?
The presence of sponsors (godparents) at baptism is a practice traceable to the early Church. Sponsors are witnesses and guarantors before the Church for the faith of the baptized, and they take responsibility to confirm the newly baptized in the faith.
The sponsor must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing, aware of the great honor and responsibility of this service.
Should the parents of a baptized infant die untimely, the sponsor is also responsible for the spiritual and, as needed, material care of the orphan.
