The role of Greek godparents at Orthodox Easter

·

Are you a first time nouna or nouno (godparent) curious about your duties this Orthodox Easter? Don’t worry, The Greek Herald’s got you covered.

In the Orthodox faith, being a godparent comes with the responsibility of ensuring the godchild receives a spiritual upbringing, and ensuring a life-long bond of love, trust, and guidance through religion. The role of a godparent extends beyond a christening and continues right through the godchild’s life.

Lambathes: Photo: Anastasias Kouzina

At Easter time, one of the traditions godparents follow include granting their godchild with a ‘lambatha’ – a special decorated candle made for Easter. They are often decorated with ribbons, icons, jewels, and small toys.

Lambathes. Photo: Dahlia Weddings and Baptisms

The lambathes hold cultural and religious significance and are handed to godchildren as a gift from their godparents, to allow them to receive the light of God at Easter. This takes place at Anastasi (Midnight Mass) on Holy Saturday, where the holy flame is passed through the church as the clock strikes 12.

Although lambathes are often gifted from godparents at young ages, people of all ages are seen holding them on Holy Saturday. They can be purchased across multiple websites, local Greek businesses and at your local Greek Orthodox Church.

After the church service, it is customary that once the flame is brought home with the lambatha, a cross is marked on top of the front door frame of the home, therefore allowing the light of God to bless the home for the year.

Lambathes: Photo: Anastasia Monastery

As well as giving godchildren lambathes, another Easter tradition includes the godparents providing the gift of a new Easter outfit or new shoes to the child. This outfit is gifted to be worn during Holy week for Easter. Most godparents continue bearing gifts up until the child turns 12 years old.

Other gifts that are given to godchildren for Easter include shoes, money, a tsoureki or even a chocolate Easter egg or bunny.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek Community of Melbourne Schools honour International Greek Language Day

In celebration of International Greek Language Day, the Greek Community of Melbourne Schools organised a series of activities last week.

Oakleigh Grammar cancels duck hunting event over raffle firearm prize

A duck hunting event at Oakleigh Grammar has been cancelled after it was revealed organisers planned to raffle off a firearm.

Marcus Catsaras to be a major donor behind the federal election bids for ‘teal’ MPs

Marcus Catsaras, a Tokyo-based weather trader and climate investor, has emerged as one of Australia's largest political donors.

Maria Vamvakinou delivers farewell speech after 24 years in Australian Federal Parliament

Greek Australian MP Maria Vamvakinou delivered her farewell speech in the Australian Federal Parliament on Monday.

Renowned Cypriot chanter Stephanos Pelekanis visits Brisbane

Renowned Cypriot traditional singer and chanter, Stephanos Pelekanis, visited the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Brisbane.

You May Also Like

Drew Pavlou, the 21-year-old ‘accidental activist’ taking on China

Drew Pavlou, a 21-year-old Greek Australian, featured in a special edition of 60 Minutes last night, discussing how he became an 'accidental activist.'

Erdogan twists realities in letter to EU officials ahead of crucial summit

Turkey's President Erdogan has written a letter to EU officials informing them about Turkey’s stance on the Eastern Mediterranean.

Pharos Alliance becomes a legal entity and launches its inaugural Symposium

Pharos Alliance is now a registered not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to the promotion, maintenance and expansion of Greek.