FAQs

Question

What is an Orthodox wedding ceremony?

Answer

The wedding ceremony of the Orthodox Church is an ancient and highly symbolic sacrament meant to reflect the highest truths of man and woman's union in Christ Jesus.

Question

What is the Betrothal?

Answer

Before the actual marriage ceremony begins, the couple are betrothed to one another. The priest will take the rings and make the sign of the cross on the forehead of the groom saying three times: "The servant of God (groom's name) is betrothed to the servant of God (bride's name) in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." The same will be done to the bride signifying the equality of man and woman in the eyes of God. The Koumbara then exchanges the rings of the bride and groom three times signifying that their lives are now interwoven. By themselves the betrothed are incomplete but together God will make them perfect.

Question

What do the rings symbolize?

Answer

The rings themselves are made of gold, which does not rust or become corrupted just as marriage is meant to be a holy mystery beyond price; pure and incorruptible by the world. The rings are also round - without beginning or end - symbolizing the eternal bond of marriage between man and woman, which reflects the eternal marriage of the Church and her Groom, Christ.

Question

What are the seven acts of the sacrament of marriage that follow the betrothal?

Answer

1. The Candles 2. The Joining of Hands 3. The Ceremony 4. The Scripture Readings 5. The Common Cup 6. The Dance of Isaiah 7. The Blessing

Question

Info about The Candles?

Answer

The bride and groom are given lighted candles to hold. The candles symbolize the light of Christ which has come into the world (John 12:46). The bride and groom are to follow the light of Christ in their lives while also acting as a light of virtue for the world.

Question

The Joining of Hands?

Answer

The priest reads prayers beseeching God to unite the bridal couple. For it is written, "...a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24) It is at this point that the right hands of the bride and the groom are joined by the priest. They remain joined for the remainder of the service symbolizing that they are now one.

Question

What is the significance of The Crowning?

Answer

The crowning ceremony is the climax of the marriage service. Each wedding in the Orthodox Church is considered a form of coronation. The crowns symbolize that the bride and groom are now regarded as part of the royal family of God as they are now King and Queen of their household. The crowns also symbolize the glory of the martyrs. The word "martyr" means witness and as such the common life of the bride and groom is to bear witness to the Presence of Christ in the world. Martyrdom is usually associated with death, therefore, the reality of God's Kingdom in the life of the husband and wife will necessarily take the form of dying to one's self, to one's will, and the giving of one's life totally to the other and to Christ.

Question

The Scripture Readings?

Answer

After the crowns are placed, the couple is officially united as husband and wife. The priest now reads the epistle from St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians (5:20-33) as well as the Gospel of Christ's miracle at the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11).

Question

From where does The Common Cup originate?

Answer

That Jesus chose a wedding to enact his first miracle is the most profound indication of the dignity attributed to the union of man and woman by God. Just as Christ changed water into wine at Cana, so too does He continue to transform ordinary human relationships into sacramental marriage. In remembrance of Christ's first miracle, the bride and groom share a cup of wine as a sign of unity with each other and with Christ.

Question

What is The Dance of Isaiah?

Answer

The Dance of Isaiah symbolizes a dance for the joy of God's presence in the world. Holding the Gospel, the priest leads the couple in a circle around the table. This procession embodies the Church's desire that the couple will walk through life led by the Word of God and be inspired by the Church.

Question

Tell me about the 7th act…The Blessing?

Answer

The priest gives the final blessings for the couple. To the Groom he says, "Bridegroom, be magnified like Abraham, blessed like Isaac, and multiplied like Jacob...". To the Bride he says, "Bride, be magnified like Sarah, rejoice like Rebecca and be multiplied like Rachel...". Finally, the priest takes the Holy Gospel and separates their right hands with it thus signifying that none, except God alone, can separate what has been united in Christ Jesus.