Baptismal Sponsors for Adults: What Do Clergy Think?

Today, we continue our discussion on the nuances of the sacrament of Baptism by exploring various views on a topic that has been actively discussed on priest.today portal: the need for baptismal sponsors for adults.

In the Russian Orthodox Church, it is common for adults to receive Holy Baptism without sponsors (i.e., Godparents). This practice seems reasonable: adults consciously accept the Gospel, deciding to become Christians and be baptised according to their own faith, unlike infants who are baptised according to the faith of their parents. However, we have found several arguments and opinions in favour of baptismal sponsorship for adults, suggesting that, with proper discretion, this practice can bear good fruit.

Sociological Perspective

Deacon Igor Koulikov: "The results of sociological research by St. Tikhon's University show that it is much easier for a churchgoing person to enter a parish community if they have a friend or a good acquaintance among the lay parishioners.

No matter how good the pastor or how welcoming the congregation may be, without a friend among the parishioners, there will be a barrier. Some successfully overcome it over time, while others stumble. If the congregation could assign someone to 'lead them by the hand' during the initial period, it would likely help alleviate the widespread problem of a lack of relationship with the church after baptism."

On the fresco, Emperor Constantine the Great receives baptism on his deathbed

Historical View

Priest Nicholas Soushkov: "In ancient times, adult baptised persons had sponsors. Christians brought pagans into the community who wished to be baptised and vouched for them before the bishop and the Christian assembly. They instructed them in the basics of the Christian faith and vouched that these pagans had already departed from their pagan customs, were living according to Christian morals and ethics, and were ready to be baptised. After the sacrament, these sponsors acted as spiritual counselors for their newly baptised disciples, at least at the beginning of their spiritual formation."

Supporting Opinions

Bishop Panteleimon (Shatov): "While not obligatory, having a lay sponsor to assist an adult integrate into church life is preferable."

Archimandrite Seraphim (Krechetov): "Having an 'elder in faith' is advisable for adult baptisms to ensure the newly baptised is not left to navigate their spiritual path alone. It is important, however, for a man to have a male sponsor and vice versa. Otherwise, it may be dangerous."

Bishop Methodius (Kondratiev): "Sponsors are absolutely necessary. Just as a newly tonsured monk is assigned a spiritual mentor, so too should a layperson be provided a sponsor to guide them through their initial spiritual journey and beyond.

Being a member of the Church, a sponsor introduces the baptised person to their community, familiarises them with the parish, and brings them into the circle of their spiritual family. As a more experienced, pious, and righteous person, a sponsor can guide a new believer through the challenges of life, instructing them on how to act in various situations and how to solve problems in a pious way… And simply to give support in a difficult moment, to guide one's thoughts and experiences."

Conclusion

As we can deduce from the above, the absence of a baptism sponsor is not an obstacle to the baptism of an adult (sometimes even in the baptism of infants, there may be no godparents). However, if a congregation is equipped to afford such a practice, and both parties agree, it is a great advantage and a potential for growth and strengthening. Pastoral and brotherly care are always in high demand.