ANADOCO (ὁ ἀνάδοχος = “guarantor”). — In the Byzantine liturgy the anadocos is the equivalent of the sponsor. His presence is required at Baptism, whereas for Confirmation there is no mention of him, since Confirmation is administered by the priest together with Baptism. We also find the sponsor at the ceremony of the tonsure of children, peculiar to that rite, and at the blessing of a woman forty days after childbirth. By analogy with monastic profession and Baptism, the novice who takes vows must have his anadocos.
Finally, we also find the anadocos (ὁ σύντακτος) at betrothal and at marriage. In all these rites he must take an active part and not remain a mere spectator. We note the intervention of the sponsoress also in the profession of nuns.
Placido de Meester