FAQs

Question

Why is the Priest referring to you as Photini and not Felicia?

Answer

Photini is my baptismal name, and traditionally, Orthodox Christians are called by their baptismal names instead of their given names. So during the Wedding Ceremony you'll hear the priest refer to me as Photini. Michael's baptismal name is Michael, after the Archangel Michael, so his name won't change during the wedding ceremony.

Question

I've never been to an Orthodox wedding before, what can I expect?

Answer

Orthodox wedding services typically last an hour, and since they are worship services, they are structured very similarly to the way our divine Liturgy is structured. Most people in the St. John's parish stand, so there will not be any pews, but there is seating available around the perimeter of the church if you would prefer to sit. Michael and I will not recite any vows and besides affirming that we are there of our own free will and not promised to anyone else, will not speak at all. There will be a choir to sing hymns, and the service will include a short wedding homily. For more information about the wedding ceremony visit this webpage from the Greek Archdiocese: https://www.goarch.org/-/crown-them-with-glory-and-honor-marriage-in-the-orthodox-church?fbclid=IwAR2ATxopALhoRDpihtNav9nyFdipXy6IEStzunMkM-EbCWbgvhojSCdBruc