FAQs

Question

What is the Akathist to Our Lady?

Answer

The Akathist to Our Lady is a devotional service from the Byzantine Catholic tradition in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Similarly to a litany in the Roman rite, it consists of a multitude of praises for the Blessed Virgin Mary sung in a simple and repeating pattern. It is a staple of community life at the International Theological Institute (ITI), where the community prays it weekly. There it became a regular part of our regular prayer routine as well. With so many of our ITI friends gathering for our wedding, it feels only natural to us to pray the Akathist together, and we are very excited to share this part of our traditions with all of our other guests! All are welcome, and booklets will be provided. The service will be entirely sung. It will be in English (with one hymn in Greek), and it will take about 30 minutes.

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

Please show your respect to the sacred space and the dignity of Holy Matrimony by coming in your modest formal or semi-formal attire and by covering your shoulders and wearing skirts to the knee.

Question

What should I expect about the wedding Mass?

Answer

Our wedding will be celebrated with a Mass in the Tridentine form of the Roman Rite (often called the "Extraordinary Form" or the "Latin Mass.") This is the form of the Roman Rite Mass which was in continuous development and use throughout the Roman Catholic world until 1970. It features some unique variations from the form of the Mass prevalent in the Catholic world today. Just like any other work of art or culture which has been handed down for so many centuries, the Tridentine Mass offers a wealth of beauty and wisdom totally different from what you might find anywhere else today. Here are a few wonderful highlights worthy of note: (1) The Mass is prayed entirely in the Latin language. (And in this case, chanted) (2) The majority of the priest's prayers are silent. (3) There is a slightly different order of readings and prayers, resulting in different customs for postures such as kneeling, sitting, and standing. (4) In addition to the readings, the Scriptural texts prescribed for the Mass include the "antiphons," five sets of verses from the Psalms set to Gregorian Chant. These are sung by the choir at key moments of the liturgy, and they overlap with the priest's prayers and actions. (5) The wedding ceremony takes place before the Mass. (The Mass itself technically takes place in thanksgiving for the sacrament of marriage completed just before.) There will be hand missals and booklets available with complete translations should you wish to read the texts and prayers of the Mass along with the priest. But the Tridentine Mass is designed to plunge you into the beauty and mystery of the sacred chants--the best way to participate is not by trying to read along with every word, but by just allowing every aspect of the experience to draw you up into the kingdom of heaven. Our best advice is to just try to notice and take in as much as you can and to let the experience teach you and guide your prayers.

Question

Are there any opportunities for carpooling or shared housing for the wedding?

Answer

We encourage all those who are interested to collaborate with one another in carpooling and housing! Feel free to reach out to Catherine at (864) 562-8746 to get in contact with other guests who are hoping to split costs. We'll be happy to help!