FAQs

Question

What kind of wedding is this going to be?

Answer

We have both been baptized into the Orthodox Church in America which is also known as the Eastern Orthodox Church or the Orthodox Catholic Church. The marriage service is a sacrament of the Church and involves several rites involving the Church and its parishioners and our godparents. You are invited to be inside the Church with all of us. In fact, we want you to be up front, especially if you haven't seen a wedding like this before.

Question

What will occur at the reception?

Answer

Join us for some food, drinks, and music. This is not part of the celebration of the sacrament and will be a lot like other receptions you might have attended. We won't take up too much of your time. Relax, socialize, and enjoy yourself!

Question

Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors?

Answer

The wedding will be indoors and the reception will be outdoors under the oak grove (see photo above).

Question

But is it going to rain?

Answer

It’s not a bad idea to bring a raincoat. If the forecast calls for rain, we will hold the reception indoors.

Question

Why use baptismal names?

Answer

The choice to go by ones baptismal name (if it is different than a given name) is helpful, as it serves as a reminder that we are all called to become saints. Abigail is Christina’s baptismal name. She chose to honor this name on her wedding invitations as she does in the church. Saint Abigail lived in Ireland and is known for having been divinely instructed to build a monastery in the place where she encountered 9 white deer. She was a beekeeper who tended to the sick and through her prayer helped to protect the town she lived in from the plague that was ravaging nearby villages. She fell asleep in the Lord on February 11th in the 6th century. When Alex was baptized, he chose Saint Alexander of Rome. Saint Alexander lived during the time of the Roman emperor Maximian Hercules (284-305). During his time as a Roman soldier, he was ordered to sacrifice to idols. When he refused, saying he would not offer sacrifice to devils, Alexander was arrested and ordered to be executed. Before his execution, Maximian offered him promises of honors to persuade the 18 year old soldier to worship the idols, but Alexander refused. Through the help of God, he was able to endure their tortures and remain steadfast in his faith. Saint Alexander fell asleep in the Lord in 289 AD.

Question

Can non-Orthodox go to church at Annunciation the day of the wedding?

Answer

Of course! Church starts at 10:00am. You can also go to Great Vespers, the evening prayer service, at 7:00pm Saturday if you’d like to experience the church before the big day. It is only a 40 minute service and a nice intro to what services are like.

Question

Have any questions for us?

Answer

Please email Alex.Abigail2024@gmail.com and we will get back to you.