Being asked to sponsor someone

[Olympiada]

I have been asked to sponsor someone for chrismation and I don't want to do it. Has anyone here sponsored anyone older than themselves for chrismation? This is a person that I brought to church. I know this is the point of Orthodox life, to bring people to a knowledge of the truth, but I do not want this responsibility. My priest knows this person wants me to sponsor them.

[Kosta]

I have been asked to sponsor someone for chrismation and I don't want to do it. Has anyone here sponsored anyone older than themselves for chrismation? This is a person that I brought to church. I know this is the point of Orthodox life, to bring people to a knowledge of the truth, but I do not want this responsibility. My priest knows this person wants me to sponsor them.

Politely decline, ive done it before.

[Olympiada]

Politely decline, ive done it before.
Thanks Kosta. I think that is what I am going to have to do. I feel responsible. I invited this person to church and I was all excited they were talking to the priest and wanted to join the church, but I don't want to be responsible for that. My own house is far from being in order, and yes, that's my fault, but that's the way it goes. I am in need of support in my own house, I can't be supporting someone else's house. The time for missionary work will come, but right now with the responsibility of a young child is not that time. There is a reason that the OCMC does not allow parents to bring minors on short term trips. I don't know how to work with my missionary zeal in a way that is comfortable for me, and is appropriate for my circumstances. Suggestions?

[Moses Ibrahim]

I have sponsored someone before for chrismation, the person has recently apostatized from the Orthodox Faith. I was told by my ex-priest that it will not be counted against me since he thinks I tried my best and the priest who chrismated him was at fault. Personally I think I'll have to answer for it at the dread judgment, if not fully at least to some degree. I guess, make sure the person has been catechized and is very sincere. Also if you do accept, just try to do a good job and pray for him. And if possible, pray to the Lord for me.

Sorry if I've made things seem worse, but maybe the Priests on here may counsel you better and may even console you as to what responsibilities a sponsor truly has. The above statements are my own opinions, whereas the Priest's opinions are generally the Church's. :)

[Olympiada]

I have sponsored someone before for chrismation, the person has recently apostatized from the Orthodox Faith. I was told by my ex-priest that it will not be counted against me since he thinks I tried my best and the priest who chrismated him was at fault. Personally I think I'll have to answer for it at the dread judgment, if not fully at least to some degree. I guess, make sure the person has been catechized and is very sincere. Also if you do accept, just try to do a good job and pray for him. And if possible, pray to the Lord for me.

Sorry if I've made things seem worse, but maybe the Priests on here may counsel you better and may even console you as to what responsibilities a sponsor truly has. The above statements are my own opinions, whereas the Priest's opinions are generally the Church's. :)

Its ok Moses. The person is a woman. And I left her message and told her what I recommend she do if she is serious about learning the faith, and I also set boundaries with her. I have not heard back from her. That was Monday. That's ok by me. I have come to the realization that I will be a strict sponsor, and that's ok. If she wants what I have, that's fine, but I am not going to compromise for her. The ball is in her court now.