FAQs

Question

What to wear?

Answer

Ceremony (outdoor tented): For the ceremony we kindly ask to please keep in mind that this is not an ordinary church but it is the home of a monastic brotherhood who live their life in dedication to Jesus Christ. When visiting this Holy site, it is customary to dress in modest attire, ie long sleeves, long skirt or dress, high necklines. Orthodox women traditionally cover their hair during worship, though not obligatory, women are welcome to cover their hair! For men pants and long sleeves are appreciated. Also, please note that the ceremony will take place outdoors. Reception: Please dress in formal black tie. Men: Tuxedos or dark colored suits, colorful ties are welcome! Women: Full length gowns and dresses. *Guests are welcome to wear one outfit suitable for both events, modify their attire between events (for example, ladies may choose to wear a shawl or cape for the ceremony and remove it afterward, and gentlemen may add a suit jacket for the reception), or, if preferred, though certainly not required, change attire entirely between the ceremony and reception.

Question

Do you have a hotel block for guests?

Answer

Yes! Please see the travel page on our website for details of our hotel block.

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

We respectfully request no children at the reception, allowing all of our guests to enjoy an adults-only evening.

Question

Can I bring a plus one?

Answer

To ensure we can accommodate all our beloved guests, only those explicitly named on your invitation are included. Thank you for understanding!

Question

Is there valet parking?

Answer

Yes, valet parking will be provided for both the ceremony and reception.

Question

Can I take pictures during the ceremony?

Answer

We kindly request that guests do not take photos during the service. We have professional photographers to capture every moment so we can unplug and enjoy! We do have a QR code for the reception where you can upload pictures you take throughout the night!

Question

Why are you getting married on a Sunday?

Answer

This is a GREAT question! Both Peter and Jaelle were not envisioning a Sunday wedding and did not want to inconvenience anyone, but they learned this is the traditional canonical and blessed day in the Orthodox Church to be married on! They know it is difficult to celebrate on a Sunday evening, but they hope everyone who can, take off the next day to truly relax and enjoy the evening!

Question

What is special about the ceremony?

Answer

The marriage sacrament uniting Peter and Jaelle is special not only because of their love for each other, but because it will be celebrated at an Orthodox Christian Monastery, where they met and got engaged! It is a rare event for monastics to serve or host a wedding ritual. With the blessing and cooperation of international hierarchs, His Eminence Archbishop Damaskinos of Jaffa will be traveling from his monastery in the Holy Land to preside over this sacred and joyous occasion.

Question

Who is the Archbishop from the Holy Land?

Answer

His Eminence Archbishop Damaskinos of Jaffa and Arimathea is a senior bishop of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. He was born in 1952 in Larissa, Greece. He became a monk in 1968, was ordained Deacon (1970) and Priest (1977), became Archimandrite in 1980, and Archbishop in 1998. His Grace holds PhD degrees from the University of Bethlehem and the University of Thessalonika in both theology and law. His eminence speaks fluently in Greek, English, Hebrew and Arabic. His eminence plays a prominent role in the Orthodox Christian community within the Holy Land as he upholds the faith and supports Christians on their spiritual journeys. He established the St. Michaels Greek Orthodox school in Jaffa in the year 2000 and has been on the faculty of the University of Thessalonica since 1984. His beatitude's lifetime of significant accomplishments includes the founding and restoration of several monasteries, including the monastery where Peter and Jaelle’s wedding service will be held! Despota (as he is lovingly called in Greek) is a great friend and spiritual guide to the Georgiou family. His eminence has much love for Jaelle and Peter and has given many blessings and wise counsel to the couple throughout their relationship. This September, we will have the blessing of having the Archbishop travel all the way from the Holy Land to serve at Peter and Jaelle’s wedding!

Question

Why is the wedding outside?

Answer

The wedding ceremony will take place outdoors on the beautiful monastery grounds. The monks originally purchased their historic home, nestled on a picturesque four-acre property, in 2018 with the intention, and prior approval, to build a church on the grounds. However, the project has faced years of delays due to legal challenges, extensive red tape, community opposition and ongoing town approval processes. After many years of perseverance through court proceedings and town board meetings, the monastery is expected to finally receive its building permit just before the wedding! We are excited and honored to be married at our spiritual home during such a hopeful and historic moment in the life of the monastery! If you notice a simple wooden cross on the lawn, it marks the spot where the long awaited church will soon arise! Please keep our building project in your prayers, it is our hope that you will someday return here to attend the baptism of our future children inside a beautiful Orthodox church building!