Orthodox marriage is considered one of the seven sacraments of the Orthodox Church. This religious celebration takes place after civil marriage and is very different from other Christian ceremonies, such as Catholic marriage.
Orthodox marriage: preparation
Orthodox religion admits remarriage and mixed marriages from the moment the two people are baptized. Witnesses, among one or two per spouses, must be of Christian confession. The date of marriage is established according to the liturgical calendar. It is a priest who takes care, with the couple, of the preparation for the wedding. This preparation takes the form of some preliminary interviews. At the same time, parents take care of the blessing of an icon: once the marriage ceremony is over, the young couple will prevail in their new home. This icon symbolizes the wisdom that parents transmit to their children.
Orthodox wedding: engagement
Orthodox religion has the distinction of organizing engagement the same day as marriage. So they take place just before the official ceremony. The priest asks the couple to exchange their consents, before blessing them. The exchange of alliances then takes place: the priest passes a gold ring on the fiancé finger and a silver ring with the fiancée. Then, a friend of the couple exchanges the rings. It is only this ritual accomplished that the priest accompanies the couple in front of the altar to start the wedding ceremony.
Orthodox marriage: the ceremony
The ceremony revolves around the coronation, sacramental sign of Orthodox marriage. Bearing two candles lit and linked by a ribbon, the engaged in the nave with the priest. A crown is held above the head of each of the newlyweds by a guest before the priest crown them. Two texts from the New Testament are then read. The bride and groom drink a wine cup that the priest offers them then they go around the altar three times, hand in hand and guided by the priest. Finally, the bride and groom worship the icons and then kiss.
