Orthodox Wedding in Italy

In a Orthodox wedding the requirements vary depending on the priest, but following is an example of a typical marriage ceremony.

The wedding service in the Christian Orthodox Church is divided into two different  parts: The Betrothal and the Crowning.

Betrothal includes:

The exchange of the rings, where the wedding ring is placed on the right hand of the couple, following the practice in Biblical times to wear rings on the right hand, the hand of authority and power. This part of the marriage ceremony completes the pledge of commitment.

The procession with the declaration of intent comes next and finally the lighting of the candles.

Crowning includes:

The readings from an Epistle and one of the gospels, the Blessing of the Common Cup, and the Dance of Isaiah where the bride and groom are led around a table three times, and then the Removal of the Crowns. No exchange of vows will take place. There is a set expectation of the obligations incumbent on a married couple, and whatever promises they may have privately to each other are their responsibility to keep. The Orthodox wedding ceremony will end with the reading of Benedictions and the Greeting of the couple.

During the Sacrament of Marriage the crowns are placed on the bride and groom’s heads and the following prayer is repeated three times:

“The servant of God, (name of groom), is crowned to the handmaid of God, (name of bride), in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.

Later the following hymn is chanted three times:
“O Lord, our God, crown them with glory and honor.”

The crowns are then switched back and forth between the groom and bride’s head, signifying that they completely share their lives together.

The crowns also serve as a reminder of the crowns that await the couple in heaven.

Many couples keep their wedding crowns in a case and display them near their icon corner or in their bedroom. They remind the couple that God has united them and that they should live in unity, faith and love.

Testimonials

References