As you’ll probably recall if you follow my photography adventures here on my blog, a couple of months ago I photographed a wonderfully friendly, relaxed couple named Elena and Constantinos for their wedding.
At the time, given the fact that the shoot took place at the stunning Aphrodite Hills (the mythological birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite), I mused on the joy of springtime, new beginnings, and life starting anew… Little did I realise, however, that I would soon have a chance to explore this theme more literally.
As it turns out, at the time of Constantinos’ wedding, his sister Valentini was pregnant with Kyriakos, her and her husband Nikolas’ first son, and this resulted in me getting a surprise phone call from Constantinos. To my delight, he wanted me to come and photograph the christening of his new baby nephew and Godson at the Archangelos Michail church here in Nicosia.
I arrived on a beautifully bright, sunny day to find the historic church alive with the sounds of family laughing, talking, and sharing the joy of their new arrival. Everywhere I could see cars pulling up and people piling out to embrace one another, share gifts, and then finally settle into awed quietude as the services began.
While I shot the wonderful christening photography in Nicosia shown below, I was reminded of the significance of the role that Godparents like Constantinos and Elena play in a young child’s life. Though little is said today about the joy of Godparenting, this role is much more than just a ceremonial formality: Like parenting, it’s a lifelong commitment—both to the child and to God. Godparents act as spiritual guardians, praying for the child in their care and helping them to answer life’s “big questions”. Just as parents take care of a child’s physical and emotional needs, Godparents help to take care of a child’s spiritual needs.
Bonds like the one between Godchild and Godparent strengthen the family as whole, cementing bonds and creating a network of support. Watching this wonderful clan interact together after the Christening (while having lunch at the excellent Rancho Bar and Grill), I was reminded that it’s the bond between family members, above all else, that helps to manifest God’s love, compassion, and generosity in this world.
