|
The Sacrament of Marriage in the Eastern Orthodox Church joins two believers into one. The Orthodox Sacrament of Marriage consists of two parts: The Exchange of Rings and The Crowning. The rings are the symbol of betrothal, authority, and stewardship and a pledge of eternal love and devotion. Stefana Crowns – or stefana - have multiple meaning.
Crowns
Crowns allow the man and woman, in their union with Christ, to participate in His Kingship. They are a symbol of martyrdom, or the couple’s bearing witness to the Presence of Christ in their married lives. They represent the couple’s giving of one life totally to the other and through the other to Christ. At the end of the wedding service, the crowns are removed from the couple and the priest prays that God will receive these crowns into His Kingdom.
Crown Cases
Crowns are traditionally kept in a crown case – or stefanothikes – to preserve their beauty and as a visual reminder of the sacrament of the wedding day. They may be hung in a couple’s living room, hallway, or bedroom – or wherever the married couple chooses.
Bombonieres
The gift of bombonieres is an Eastern Orthodox tradition over 3,000 years old. Filled with koufeta – or jordan almonds – the favors are given as tokens of good fortune and happiness. Bombonieres are symobolic of life with their bittersweet taste. The sugar coating represents the hope that life will be blessed with more sweetness than bitterness. Bombonieres are always filled with an odd number of almonds. The odd number is indivisible and symbolizes the union and indivisibility of the newly married couple. Bombonieres are given to each guest after the baptism by either the godparent or the parents of the baptized child. Styles can range widely for these favors. Traditional favors are simple white, pink or blue puffs of tulle tied with a ribbon. However, styles can range widely and can extend to the elaborate, distinctive and fun.
Wedding Candles
Wedding candles are an essential component of the Orthodox wedding. They are used throughout the service and - at various times - held by the bride and groom. Two candles are tradionally tied together with a ribbon to symbolize the union of the couple.
Martyrika
Martyrika - or witness pins – are small lapel ribbons handed out at the end of the ceremony and worn by guests as proof of witnessing the wedding. The traditional pin is made of white, pink or blue ribbon and features a tiny cross or icon in the center. Personalization of the martyrika is optional. The sponsors - or koumbaroi - of the marrying couple traditionally hand out the pins for guests to wear.
Permissable Wedding dates:
Marriages are allowed on all days of the year except for the following:
- January 5-6
- Great Lent and Holy Week
- August 1-15
- August 29 (Beheading of St. John the Baptist)
- September 14 (Exaltation of the Holy Cross)
- December 13-25
- The day before feast days and all Holy Days of our Lord
|
