Letters of Good Standing
Letters of Good Standing are required of all Greek Orthodox Christians in the Archdiocese of America when they are serving as sponsors of baptisms and weddings in parishes other than their home parish.
A Letter of Good Standing ensures that the sponsor is a member of a canonical Orthodox Church and can act as a sponsor.
Requirements for a Letter of good standing:
1. The person asking for the Letter of Good Standing is living a life well pleasing to God and is a frequent participant in the sacraments of the Church, especially Holy Communion.
2. There are no canonical impediments to becoming a sponsor in a baptism or wedding. The following are canonical impediments:
3. The person asking for the Letter must be in good financial standing with the parish and have a pledge card on file.
When requesting Letters of Good Standing, please do so at least 4 weeks before the ceremony to ensure proper processing time.
Please request a letter via our online contact form and include the following:
The Letter will be prepared and send to the church and/or priest conducting the Sacrament.
A Letter of Good Standing ensures that the sponsor is a member of a canonical Orthodox Church and can act as a sponsor.
Requirements for a Letter of good standing:
1. The person asking for the Letter of Good Standing is living a life well pleasing to God and is a frequent participant in the sacraments of the Church, especially Holy Communion.
2. There are no canonical impediments to becoming a sponsor in a baptism or wedding. The following are canonical impediments:
- Being married in a non-Orthodox Ceremony or non-Orthodox Church or a civil marriage.
- If married, separated from your spouse.
- If civilly divorced and do not have an ecclesiastical divorce.
3. The person asking for the Letter must be in good financial standing with the parish and have a pledge card on file.
When requesting Letters of Good Standing, please do so at least 4 weeks before the ceremony to ensure proper processing time.
Please request a letter via our online contact form and include the following:
- Type of Sacrament: Baptism or Wedding
- Date of Sacrament
- Location of Sacrament, Church Name and City/State
- Name of Priest performing the Sacrament and his contact information (email and/or phone)
- Name of Bride / Groom (If wedding) or Name of person being received into the Church (if Baptism)
- A statement affirming there are no canonical impediments
The Letter will be prepared and send to the church and/or priest conducting the Sacrament.