FAQs

Question

The Orthodox Wedding Service

Answer

The Orthodox Wedding service is ancient, rich, and full of figures and imagery from both the Old and New Testament. The service begins with the Rite of Betrothal in which the rings are blessed and placed upon the hands of the couple, who are standing in the Narthex (back) of the church. The priest then prays for the couple, remembering the blessed betrothal of Isaac to Rebecca and the ways in which God has used rings as a pledge of His favor. The Crowning follows. The priest leads the bride and groom to the front of the church and prays that God will bless the couple, granting them children, peace, prosperity, and chastity. He also prays that the woman be subject to her husband and that the man be head of his wife (as the Church is subject to Christ), and that they have oneness of mind and body. He prays that the Lord will join the bride and groom to be one flesh in marriage. The wedding crowns are blessed, the couple is "crowned" to one another, and the crowns are placed upon their heads. The crowns are symbolic of how marriage is a martyrdom; a dying to oneself, a constant struggle to love one another selflessly, and a means of attaining salvation. They likewise represent how the bride and groom are the king and queen of their own kingdom, which is part of the Kingdom of God. The Epistle and Gospel are read. More petitions are made asking for God's blessing and help, and then the couple is given a cup from which they both drink, signifying their common life together. Finally, the priest processes around the table three times, leading the bride and groom in their first steps together as husband and wife, while the choir sings the hymn "Dance, O Isaiah." The crowns are then removed and priest says the final prayers and dismissal. After the service, everyone venerates the cross, kisses the icons in the hands of the bride and groom, and greets the newly married couple.

Question

Things that you will notice in an Orthodox service

Answer

People will be crossing themselves during the service and venerating the icons. You are welcome to do likewise, if you feel comfortable doing so. We venerate (and do not worship) the saints depicted on the icons; we worship only God. We do, however, show our love and honor towards those who sanctified themselves in their lives and ask for their help and intercession before God. We kiss their images just as one might kiss the photograph of a loved one that has died or is not present. It is customary to stand through the service, though there will be limited seating for those who need it. The Orthodox wedding service is about an hour long, so wear comfortable shoes! In the wedding service, our "Christian" names (or the names with which we were baptized) will be used, so you will hear the priest saying "John" instead of "Blake."

Question

What is proper church attire?

Answer

Modest Sunday best. Please be respectful of the holy sacrament of marriage and wear modest dresses/skirts (below the knees) and non-revealing blouses. In the Orthodox church is customary for women to cover their heads while in church. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, you do not have to.

Question

Can I take photos?

Answer

While we understand that you would like to capture the moment, we will have a photographer taking photos and ask that you do not use your phones to take photos during the service.