Armenian Godparent Gifts

The godparent's gift at an Armenian baptism is the cross, and it is given once. This collection is for everything around it — khachkar and cross wall pieces, blessing designs and woven keepsakes a kavor or knkahayr can give alongside it, or later, as the child grows.

Questions about this collection

What does an Armenian godparent traditionally give?

A small cross on a chain, Armenian in style rather than a crucifix, blessed during the service and worn afterwards. New white towels for the service are traditional too. Nothing here replaces the cross; these are the pieces families add alongside it.

What is a knkahayr?

Knkahayr is the Armenian word for godfather. The role is not only ceremonial: the godparent professes the Creed on the child's behalf during the service and takes responsibility for raising the child in the faith. In many families it passes down through generations.

What can a godparent give later, once the child is older?

A piece carrying the child's name in Armenian, or a khachkar or Hayr Mer design for their room, marks the same relationship without duplicating the cross.

Can these be personalized?

Most can. Enter the name in Latin letters or Armenian; it is written out in Armenian and emailed to you to approve before production.

See also: Armenian Christening & Baptism Gifts and Prayer & Faith. Read more: What Does an Armenian Godparent Give?

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