We prefer that you purchase off the registry and it will default to our apartment address. If there’s something extra special you’d like to get us off the registry, please ship it to 8515 Woodward Ave Unit 302, Woodridge, IL 60517
The Betrothal The Greek Orthodox Ceremony is divided into two parts: the betrothal and the marriage. The highlight during the betrothal ceremony is the exchange of the rings. The Priest blesses the rings then places the rings on the fingers of the right hand of the spouses. The Koumbaro then exchanges the rings 3 times between the bride and groom. The exchanging of the rings symbolizes the constant give and take in a marriage and that when one is weaker, the other will be stronger. The Candles The wedding service begins immediately following the betrothal service. The bride and groom are handed candles which they hold throughout a series of prayers and petitions. The candles represent the lamps of the five maidens in the Bible. In the Bible, these lamps enabled the maidens to light the way for the bridegroom Christ when He came in the darkness of night. The candles further symbolize the spiritual willingness of the couple to receive Christ in the marriage sacrament. Joining of the Hands As the final prayer concludes, the Priest invokes God to “Join these servants; unite them in one mind and flesh.” He then places the right hand of the groom on the right hand of the bride and the couple is joined as husband and wife. The hands remain joined throughout the remainder of the service. The Crowning (Stefana) The stefana signify the glory, victory, and honor of God given to the couple during the sacrament. The bride and groom are crowned the queen and king of their kingdom, the home, which they will rule with wisdom, justice, and integrity. The crowns are joined together with a ribbon symbolizing that the two are now one. The Priest places the crowns above their heads and the Koumbaro exchanges them 3 times as a witness to the sealing of the union. The Ceremonial Walk The Priest leads the couple around the table, upon which the Gospel, and the Cross are placed. It is done in a circle to represent the eternal marriage bond of sacrificial love until death.