Greek Traditions Community

What are the responsibilities of a koumbaro/koumbara?

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knicks_fan87

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I was asked to be a koumparo for my good friend but I'm not really sure what it entails....is it a big responsibility? Or is it only a ceremonial thing on the day of the wedding?
 
It depends on the situation. There is a special part of the wedding ceremony that the koumbaro/koumbara does because it has to be done by an Orthodox Christian. Tradition states that this individual will become the godparent of your first born. However, that is just a tradition and it isn't always followed. It isn't totally necessary to follow this tradition.
 
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lalajess said:
It depends on the situation. There is a special part of the wedding ceremony that the koumbaro/koumbara does because it has to be done by an Orthodox Christian. Tradition states that this individual will become the godparent of your first born. However, that is just a tradition and it isn't always followed. It isn't totally necessary to follow this tradition.
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I didn't know that this was a tradition!
 
francescool said:
I didn't know that this was a tradition!
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Ya, some of these traditions have gotten lost after moving from Greece. Also, it isn't a church rule or anything like that.
 
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francescool said:
I didn't know that this was a tradition!
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I think you can really make being a koumbaro/a your own role! Talk with the family and see what you both envision. It can be your own
 
It really all depends on what the family wants you to do and what the expectations are. Each family has different traditions. In the eyes of the church, the Koumbara/koumbaro has a specific role in the wedding ceremony.

www.greekboston.com

The Koumbaros/Koumbara in the Greek Orthodox Wedding

The role of the Koumbaros/Koumbara and the stephana (crowns) in the Greek Orthodox Wedding.
www.greekboston.com www.greekboston.com
 
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