What is Holy Matrimony?
Holy Matrimony is one of the seven sacraments (Holy Mysteries) of the Orthodox Church, in which a man and a woman are united by God in a sacred bond of love, faith, and commitment. Marriage in the Orthodox Church is more than a legal contract—it is a holy union and a path to salvation, where the couple is called to grow together in Christ-centered love.
As Christ said:
“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” (Matthew 19:5)
The Meaning of Marriage in Orthodoxy
In the Orthodox Church, marriage is seen as:
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A Divine Union: The couple is joined together by God’s grace, reflecting the mystical union of Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:31-32).
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A Journey to Salvation: Marriage is a path to holiness, where husband and wife help one another grow spiritually and attain the Kingdom of Heaven.
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A Lifelong Commitment: Marriage is an eternal bond, not just a human agreement but a sacramental relationship blessed by God.
The Orthodox Wedding Ceremony
The Orthodox Christian wedding service is a beautiful and ancient sacrament, full of rich symbolism. The ceremony consists of two parts:
1. The Betrothal Service (Exchange of Rings)
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The priest blesses and places the rings on the couple’s right hands, signifying their eternal bond.
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The rings are exchanged three times, symbolizing the Holy Trinity and their mutual commitment.
2. The Crowning Ceremony
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The Crowning: The priest places wedding crowns (Stefana) on the couple’s heads, symbolizing their new kingdom and their shared responsibility.
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The Common Cup: The couple drinks from a shared cup, recalling Christ’s first miracle at the Wedding of Cana (John 2:1-11) and their shared life.
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The Procession Around the Table: The couple, led by the priest, walks around the altar table three times, symbolizing their first steps together in marriage under God’s guidance.
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The Final Blessing: The crowns are removed, and the priest blesses the couple, sealing their union in Christ.
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate.” (Mark 10:9)
Who Can Be Married in the Orthodox Church?
The Orthodox Church has specific guidelines for marriage:
✔️ At least one of the partners must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing with the Church.
✔️ The marriage must be performed in an Orthodox church by an Orthodox priest.
✔️ The couple must obtain a civil marriage license before the wedding.
✔️ The Koumbaros/Koumbara (wedding sponsor) must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing.
✔️ If either person was previously married, an Ecclesiastical Divorce must be obtained.
✔️ The couple must meet with the priest for premarital counseling to discuss the spiritual meaning of marriage.
Prohibited Times for Marriage
The Orthodox Church does not permit weddings on the following days:
❌ During Great Lent and Holy Week
❌ On major feast days, including Christmas, Pascha (Easter), and the Dormition of the Theotokos
❌ On August 29 (Beheading of St. John the Baptist)
❌ On September 14 (Feast of the Holy Cross)
If you have a preferred wedding date, please consult with the priest before making arrangements.
The Role of the Koumbaros/Koumbara
The Koumbaros (male sponsor) or Koumbara (female sponsor) plays a crucial role in the Orthodox wedding. This person must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing, as they will:
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Assist in placing and exchanging the rings.
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Hold the wedding crowns (Stefana) during the crowning.
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Serve as a spiritual guide and supporter of the couple in their Orthodox faith.
The Koumbaros/Koumbara often develops a lifelong spiritual bond with the couple and may also serve as a future godparent for their children.
How to Prepare for an Orthodox Wedding
Couples preparing for Holy Matrimony at St. George Greek Orthodox Church should follow these steps:
1. Schedule a meeting with the priest to discuss marriage preparation and spiritual readiness.
2. Complete premarital counseling as required by the Church.
3. Obtain a civil marriage license from the local government office.
4. Choose a Koumbaros/Koumbara who meets the Church’s requirements.
5. Select appropriate wedding items, including:
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A pair of wedding crowns (Stefana)
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A pair of wedding candles
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A small bottle of olive oil (optional)
6. Confirm the wedding date with the church to ensure it aligns with Orthodox guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Do both partners have to be Orthodox to be married in the Church?
➡️ At least one person must be an Orthodox Christian. If the other person is of another Christian denomination, they must believe in the Holy Trinity and have a valid Christian Baptism.
❓ Can a non-Orthodox person receive Communion at the wedding?
➡️ No. Holy Communion is reserved for Orthodox Christians who have prepared through Confession and fasting.
❓ Are second marriages allowed in the Orthodox Church?
➡️ Yes, but they require special approval and a more penitential service. Couples should discuss this with the priest.
❓ Can we have an outdoor wedding?
➡️ No. Orthodox weddings must take place in a consecrated Orthodox church.
Planning Your Wedding at St. George Greek Orthodox Church
We would be honored to celebrate your Holy Matrimony and welcome you to be united in Christ. To begin planning your Orthodox wedding at St. George, please contact our parish office.
If you have any questions or need guidance on preparing for your wedding, our parish priest is available to assist you.