Can our Orthodox friend be our child's godfather?
The short answer
Yes, as long as there is also a Catholic godparent and the child's Catholic education is ensured. Since godparents should be one of each sex, choose a Catholic woman as godmother.
Permitted
Because of the close communion between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, the Ecumenical Directory (98b) permits an Eastern Christian, for a just cause, to be a godparent together with a Catholic godparent, provided the person's Catholic education is assured and the godparent is suitable.
One of each
When there are two godparents, there should be one of each sex (CIC 873). If your friend is the godfather, choose a Catholic woman as godmother.
Continue exploring
- Are there requirements for being a godparent?Q&A
- Can I attend my Lutheran friend's baptism?Q&A
- Can I be my own child's godmother?Q&A
- Can divorced people be godparents or confirmation sponsors?Q&A
- Should I have received Communion and anointing from an Orthodox priest?Q&A
- Why can't my 13-year-old brother-in-law be a godfather if he's confirmed?Q&A