The Eastern Orthodox Church roots its traditions and rituals in the Christian Church along with Roman Catholicism. In the year 1066 A.D., Eastern Orthodoxy broke away from Roman Catholism and centered it’s church in the heart of the Byzantine Empire in a city called Constantinople (now modern day Istanbul).

The Orthodox Church while similar to Catholism does have several differences. Their popes are known as “patriarchs.” Their priests are allowed to marry. They have a beautiful wedding ceremony rich in tradition and rituals.

Orthodoxy is the main religion of Greece, Russia, Lebanon, Romania, and Serbia, however it can be found all over the world. The Orthodox Church allows for interfaith marriages, but at least one of the marriage participants and one witness must be Eastern Orthodox. There are several traditions that are followed before the wedding. For example, weddings usually take place in the morning and are not scheduled during Lent, Advent, and Epiphany seasons. Traditional music is used for the processional and recessional, but old hymns and chants are used throughout the wedding service. The best man is known as the “Groomsman,” and he must be Orthodox. On the wedding day itself, the couple takes the sacrament of Penance, then Holy Communion, cleansing them from all sin so they can approach the marriage altar pure.

The wedding ceremony has two parts. The betrothal service is conducted at the door of the church or the vestibule. The priest blesses the couple’s rings and puts the rings in the couple’s right hands. The groomsman than exchanges the rings between the bride and groom three times. This means that the bride and groom’s lives are now entwined forever.

The Priest asks the couple if they’ve come of their own free will. Once the couple answers, the Priests leads them into the church and to the altar.

When the couple arrives at the altar, they are given lightened candles, which they hold throughout the service. The candles signify that Christ is the light of the world and will light their way in their new lives.

The Priest joins the right hands of the couple and they listen to several passages from the Bible. The Priest then blesses the crowns that the bride and groom will wear. The symbolism of the crowns include that of creating a new house, which the bride and groom preside over. Crowns can be as simple as a wreath of flowers or as ornate as a real, jeweled gold crown.

The crowns are presented to the bride and groom. Each kisses the crown before the Priest puts in on their head. The couple drink from a common cup, signifying they will share their happiness and sorrows together.

Finally, the Priest leads them around the altar three times. The circle around the altar represents eternal marriage since a circle has no beginning and no end. The Priest then uncouples the bride and groom’s hands symbolizing that only God can now come between them.

The ceremony is very beautiful, but can be a little long and physically demanding. Movies such as “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” and the classic “Dracula,” have Eastern Orthodox wedding scenes in them.

If you’re interested in this type of wedding ceremony, there are various resources you can look into including visiting your local Orthodox church, Internet search engines, and going to your local library.
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