Archimandrite Andrew (Vujisic) 
Since ancient times, marriage was the principle way of expanding and strengthening the family circle in Orthodox countries. Special relationships were established through the Godfather-Godchild relationship [in Serbian, Kumstvo]. The Godfather-Godchild relationship was, and is even today, cultivated, cherished, and revered above every other bond throughout the Orthodox world. This spiritual kinship is considered to be stronger than a blood-relationship. In Orthodox countries, the Godfather-Godchild relationship is considered to be the holiest and most elevated relationship that can exist between people, and a request to be Godfather cannot be refused. There is an old Serbian proverb that says: "Everything can be refused except Kumstvo."
