THE ORTHODOX CEREMONY
What to Expect
While we often refer to it as our "wedding ceremony" for simplicity, the Orthodox Church understands marriage to be far more than a ceremony. It is the Holy Mystery (or Sacrament) of Marriage, in which we believe Christ Himself joins husband and wife together. We hope this service offers a glimpse into the beauty of the ancient Christian faith handed down from the Apostles.
Many of our guests will be attending an Orthodox wedding for the first time. Here is a gentle guide.
THE BETROTHAL
The service begins with the blessing and exchange of rings privately held in the Narthex with emphasis that God is the true minister of the union
THE ENTRANCE
Unlike many Western weddings, we will enter the church together. The Mystery begins with the bride and groom coming before God together to receive the Mystery of Marriage.
THE VOWS
You will not hear us exchange personal vows. In the Orthodox Church, marriage is not established by promises made between the bride and groom, but by God's grace through the prayers and blessing of the Church. We offer ourselves to Christ, asking Him to accomplish what we cannot accomplish on our own.
THE CROWNING
During the service, crowns will be placed upon our heads. These are the crowns of martyrdom, reminding us that Christian marriage is a life of joyful self-sacrifice. They are also the crowns of the Kingdom, calling us to a life of faithfulness as we strive, by God's grace, to join the communion of His saints.
THE WEDDING PARTY
Rather than a best man and maid of honor, we each have a Koumbaros and Koumbara (often called wedding sponsors in English). Their role extends far beyond the wedding day. Like godparents, they are faithful Orthodox Christians who accept the lifelong responsibility of praying for, encouraging, and helping us remain faithful to Christ and to one another.
THE COMMON CUP
During the service, we will both drink from a common cup of blessed wine. This is not Holy Communion. Rather, it recalls Christ's first miracle at the wedding in Cana and expresses our shared participation in the joys and sorrows of married life.
THE MUSIC
Much of the service is sung or chanted. Orthodox worship preserves liturgical traditions whose roots reach back to the worship of ancient Israel and have been handed down through the life of the Church for two thousand years.
THE DANCE OF ISAIAH
The priest leads the newly married couple three times around a central table to symbolize eternity and their first steps together following Christ
THE EXPERIENCE
There will be icons, incense, candles, Scripture, prayers, and many moments of standing. You are welcome to stand or sit as you are able, please do whatever is comfortable for you. If you've never attended an Orthodox service before, simply enjoy the experience—there won't be a quiz afterward.
The whole service lasts roughly an hour. When it concludes, we'll make our way toward the evening's celebration at The Hermitage.