Greek Orthodox wedding traditions

One of the things I love about planning weddings is the religious and ethnic diversity of bridal couples and their families. The different traditions and religious elements of the ceremony are fascinating to me and meaningful to the couple.

In this post, I am going to share some information about Eastern Orthodox ceremonies. I had the privilege of working with a wonderful couple that married in one of the Greek Orthodox Churches in the Phoenix area. As I worked with them, I learned that the traditions and heritage resemble those of the Roman Catholic faith, but their spiritual leader is the Patriarch, not the Pope.

A screen of painted icons called an iconostasis separates the altar from the body of the church. The wedding ceremony takes place in front of the Holy Doors leading to the altar where there is a table holding a Bible, chalice, cross, candles and flowers.

The priest blesses the rings. The best man then exchanges the rings three times, taking the bride’s ring and placing it on the groom’s finger and vice versa. The rings are an ancient symbol of betrothal. The exchange signifies that in married life, one partner’s strength matches the other’s weakness.

The couple holds candles throughout the ceremony to symbolize the Lord’s Light. An attendant will hold the bridal bouquet or it will be laid on the table to free the bride’s hands.

The crowning rite ends the ceremony. Wreaths or crowns are placed on the couple’s heads. The crowns signify glory and honor and that the couple is King and Queen of their home. After the rite of crowning, the priest reads from the Epistle and Gospel and the couple drinks wine from a common cup, symbolizing sharing the joys and sorrows of life.

The priest then leads the couple around the table holding the Gospel and the Cross. In this way, they are taking their first steps as a married couple, led by the church in the way they should follow. The couple then returns to their places for a final blessing.

Your wedding official will help you plan the details of your religious ceremony. And your Professional Bridal Consultant will also guide you along the way.