FAQs

Question

Do you have a Facebook “Save the Date” event page?

Answer

Yes! If you’re on Facebook, we’d love for you to check out our official “𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞” wedding event page here (copy and paste this into your browser): https://www.facebook.com/share/1GsAhvNEmX/ It’s a great way to see details, mark yourself as “𝐆𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠,” and find out who else will be attending. You can even use it to connect with other guests before the big day, share excitement, and make plans together. We encourage everyone on Facebook to join in—it’s a fun and easy way to stay connected as the celebration gets closer!

Question

I’ve never been to an Orthodox Christian church before—what should I expect?

Answer

First of all, you’re not alone—and we’re so glad you’re coming! Orthodox churches can feel a little different from other Christian traditions, but they’re deeply welcoming, beautiful, and full of rich symbolism. Our church, St. George in Akron, has pews (some don’t!), stunning iconography, and a warm community. The wedding will be a traditional Orthodox service filled with movement, ancient prayers, chanting, and singing. You don’t need to know what to do—simply join us, enjoy the experience, and know your presence means the world to us. We encourage you to arrive early during the welcome hour so you can explore the iconography, stained glass, and all the beauty of the church before the service begins. While the Orthodox church is deeply reverent, it’s also a place where we want you to feel at home. You are welcome and encouraged to roam and explore before the wedding service, as long as you remain on the congregation’s side of the iconostasis (the screen which is used to support icons and to separate the altar from the nave - or where the congregation sits). Everything outside the altar area is open for you to enjoy—please feel free to ask questions of any church member. We love sharing our traditions and space with guests, so… welcome home. If you’d like to learn more before the big day, check out this short, helpful video: 📺 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐱 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLuFlrHdUpQ You can also read about our home church here: 💒 ​𝐒𝐭. 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐱 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 – 𝐀𝐤𝐫𝐨𝐧: https://www.saintgeorgeakron.org/ Also, each guest will receive a free book titled “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘹 𝘞𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦: 𝘈 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘎𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴.” This book was written especially for visitors to Antiochian parishes and explains the meaning behind the wedding service and the Orthodox tradition as a whole. Please accept our gift to you.

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

Absolutely! Not only are children welcome—they are encouraged to be here. You’ll find many children from within our church family at the wedding and the reception. We all look out for one another’s little ones. We invite you to bring your children and experience our “second family” here at St. George. In the Church, children are more than welcome guests—they are a vital part of our life together and our future.

Question

What should I expect during the Orthodox wedding ceremony?

Answer

An Orthodox wedding is a deeply symbolic and beautiful rite, consisting of two main parts: • 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 – Includes the 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, symbolizing mutual commitment, followed by prayers and blessings. • 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 – This is the heart of the ceremony. Crowns are placed on the couple’s heads, symbolizing their unity and the formation of their “domestic church" followed by the ceremonial 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐥. Candles may be carried and hands may be joined. It will likely include prayers, readings, a shared cup of wine (the "common cup"). If this is your first time at an Orthodox wedding, simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the service. You’ll also receive a small book titled “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘥𝘰𝘹 𝘞𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦: 𝘈 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘎𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴,” written especially to help those experiencing the service for the first time in an Antiochian parish. This is our gift to you—a way to say thank you for celebrating with us and to offer a glimpse not only into the wedding service, but into the wider Orthodox tradition. Please take it with you, and we hope you find it meaningful, especially if you join us again for Matins and/or Divine Liturgy on Sunday or in the future.

Question

Is photography allowed during the ceremony?

Answer

Two professional photographers will be present to capture the special moments of the wedding, so we kindly ask that no other photos or videos be taken during the ceremony. This helps preserve the sacred and reverent atmosphere and allows everyone to be fully present. Please silence your phone before entering the church and enjoy the beauty of the moment without distraction.

Question

What should I wear to an Orthodox wedding?

Answer

Dress modestly and respectfully. Suitable attire includes: • Men: Slacks and collared shirts; jackets are encouraged. • Women: Dresses or skirts below the knee with covered shoulders. While head coverings aren’t mandatory in the Antiochian tradition, some women may choose to wear one out of reverence to tradition. If you’d like to try wearing a head covering for the first time, you’re welcome to! Contact Kyriaki or Rob ahead of time, and they’ll connect you with the maid of honor or another helpful friend who can offer tips and guidance for newcomers.

Question

Will there be participation from guests during the ceremony?

Answer

The Orthodox wedding ceremony—made up of the services of Betrothal and Crowning—is a joyful public event where the community gathers to witness the couple’s union and offer blessings. The congregation participates through prayers, hymns, and by congratulating the couple as they depart the service. We simply encourage you to be present in the moment. While it is a formal setting, it’s also a celebration—so be ready to smile, enjoy the beauty of the traditions, and share in the joy of the day!

Question

Are you registered? Where?

Answer

Yes! We have a registry conveniently built into our RSVP site on Zola. Simply visit our wedding website and click the “Registry” button located in the top banner of every page to browse our selections.