Handfasting-by-Design            

Greek Orthodox Crowning Ceremony--------------

 

The Crowning — Two crowns, linked together by a ribbon, symbolize the
joining of two souls and that the couple is prepared to establish
their own kingdom as head of a new family. Crown styles can range
from simple round weavings of flowers and beads to elaborate circular
headdresses. During the ceremony, the crowns rest on the altar table,
atop a silver tray laden with candied almonds (koufeta) and rice. The
priest crowns the couple, and the koumbaro switches the crowns back
and forth three times, symbolizing that two are now one.


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The Service of the Crowning

The Service of the Crowning is the wedding proper. It is highlighted
by seven significant acts:



The Exchange of Rings

The exchange of rings symbolizes the unbreakable bond of Christian
Marriage. During the Betrothal, the rings are blessed over the heads
of the bride and groom three times and then are places on the fourth
finger of the right hand. The Betrothal ends with a prayer that the
Lord might make strong their betrothal in faith, truth and love, and
make them of one mind; and that He might grant the betrothal His
heavenly blessings.

The Lighted Candles

The bride and groom are given lighted candles to hold, symbolizing
the purity of their lives, which should shine with the light of
virtue.


The Joining of Hands

During the Service of the Crowning, three long prayers are read
asking God to grant the bride and groom a long and peaceful mutual
love and understanding, happiness and health. The couple's right
hands are then joined by the priest, who calls upon God to join them
into one.


The Crowning

The priest raises the crown and makes the sign of the cross three
times over the heads of the bride and groom, after which the crowns
are placed on their heads. The crowning signifies that the newly
married couple receives the grace of the Holy Spirit to be the
founders of a new generation and are crowned with virtue and holiness
to live their lives to the glory of almighty God.


The Bible Readings

Following the crowning, St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians (5:20-33)
concerning the mystery and holiness of Christian Marriage and the
duties and the responsibilities of the husband and wife to each
other, chanted by the canter; and St. John's gospel on Christ's
miracle at the Marriage at Cana (2:1-12) is chanted by the priest to
show that our Lord Jesus Christ blessed the sacred institution of
marriage.


The Common Cup

The drinking from "The Common Cup" symbolizes that the couple must
share every joy and sorrow. The priest gives to the husband and wife
a cup of wine from which each must drink 3 times.

The Circling of the Table

While three beautiful and joyous hymns are chanted, the priest takes
the bride and groom by the hand and leads them around a small table
three times. By circling the table, the couple signifies their oath
to preserve their marriage bond forever. The circle symbolizes
eternity; the triple circling honors the Holy Spirit


The Benediction

Finally, amid special words of blessing, the priest lifts the crowns
from the heads of the newlyweds, thus ending the marriage ceremony


Ceremony courtesy of Maria Elena Steele

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The Crowning is the main part of the ceremony where the couple is
crowned by garland wreaths, vines wrapped in silver or gold paper or
even crowns made of semi-precious stones and metals. A white ribbon
symbolizing unity joins the crowns. The crowns are packed in a
special box after the ceremony. By ancient custom they are to stay
with the couple for life – some couples are even buried in them.


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During a Greek wedding ceremony, couples exchange wedding bands three
times, and crowns made of gold or flowers are switched three times
upon their heads. The crowns symbolize the nobility of marriage, and
the number three represents the Holy Trinity.

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A Greek Orthodox Wedding

The Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony is an ancient and beautiful
service. A unique part of the ceremony is that the Bride and Groom do
not say any vows. The ceremony itself shows the couples willingness
to come forward and be married, and accept God into their new home.

The ceremony consists of two parts: The Service of Betrothal and the
Ceremony of the Sacrament of Marriage. Each part of the ceremony has
a special meaning and is significant in the joining of husband and
wife. The ceremony starts as the Bride and Groom are each handed
white candles to symbolize their willingness to accept Christ into
their lives.

Some important elements of the GO ceremony include that the couple
must have a religious sponsor(s). They are called Koumbaro (male) or
Koumbara (female). They serve as an important witness to the union.
Also, during the ceremony, certain acts and phrases are repeated
three times. This represents the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit.

The Service of Betrothal

The focus of the Betrothal is the exchanging of rings. The priest
starts by blessing the rings and the couple.