The marriage ceremony of the Orthodox Church is steeped in symbolic ritual, each of the acts revealing a deeper meaning and significance.  After my friend Ray, of Emotia, asked me to be the second photographer for one of his weddings earlier this summer, I realized that I had quite a few things to learn about a Greek wedding. I loved the experience, and below is a synopsis of what I saw through my lenses.

The Koumbari: In Greek Orthodox tradition, the couple must have religious sponsor(s) called Koumbaro (male) and/or Koumbara (female).  They serve as an important witness to the union and are different than the best man and maid of honor.  The Koumbari serve as an integral part of the ceremony and in the couple’s life as they provide guidance.

The Rings: The rings are blessed by the Priest, who takes them in his hand and making the sign of the cross over their heads, repeating a betrothal prayer.  The Koumbaro 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 the symbol of betrothal which signifies that, in married life, personal strengths and weaknesses of one partner are complimented by the weaknesses and strengths of the other partner.  Only together is the couple made perfect; each partner will be enriched by the union.

The Candles: The wedding service begins immediately following the betrothal service.  The couple are handed candles by the Koumbari, which they hold throughout the service.  The candles are like the lamps of the five wise maidens of the Bible who, because they had enough oil in them, were able to receive the Bridegroom, Christ, when he came into the darkness of the night.  The candles symbolize the spiritual willingness of the couple to receive Christ who will bless them through this sacrament.

The Joining of the Right Hands: The right hands of the Bride and Groom are joined by a white cloth when the Priest reads the prayer that asks God to unite the couple as one flesh.  The couple continues to hold hands throughout the service as a symbolic representation that the two have become one.

The Crowning: The crowning, which follows, is the climax of the wedding service.   When the crowning takes place, the Priest, taking the crowns and holding them above the couple, honoring them as King and Queen of their new home and family.  Another association that comes with the crowns is that of martyrdom as each must sacrifice his/her self for the other.

The Common Cup: The rite of the crowning is followed by the reading of the Epistle (Ephesians 5:20-22) and the Gospel (John 2:1-12).  These scriptures remind the couple that they should love each other as Christ loves the Church.  Their relationship should be holy and pure, “without spot, blemish or wrinkle.”  The drinking of wine from the Common Cup, in memory of the first miracle performed by Christ at Cana of Galilee, signifies that the couple must share everything in life – the joys and the sorrows – and that their joys will be doubled and their sorrows halved because they will be shared.

The Ceremonial Walk: The Priest then leads the Bride and Groom in a circle around the table bearing a candle, the cross, and the Gospel.  The Priest represents the church as he leads the couple around the table in a circle which represents eternity. Because the Gospel and cross are in the center, this shows that the couple’s life must revolve around Christ.

During this ceremonial walk around the table, a hymn is sung to the Holy Martyrs reminding the newly married couple of the sacrificial love they are to have for each other in marriage – a love that seeks not its own, but is willing to sacrifice its all for the one loved.  Some interpreters consider this to be the couple’s first dance.

The Final Blessing: When the Bride and Groom return to their place, the Priest blesses the couple, admonishing them to walk in peace and to observe in righteousness the Commandments of God.  He also blesses the bride, encouraging her to rejoice in her husband.  At this point, the crowns and the white cloth around the hands are removed as the Priest asks God to bless their life and to keep their crowns for when they enter his Kingdom.

The Koufeta: These sugar-coated almonds are placed on the tray with the crowns and candles. Over time, these have symbolized fertility and the sweetness of life itself.  An odd number of almonds are presented, symbolizing the indivisibility of the newlyweds.  At the reception, these almonds are offered to the guests wrapped in tulle as favors (boutonnieres) for good luck.

Well, I hope this was as interesting to you as it was for me. Anna & Bryan surely did enjoy it all that day, and I wish them lots of happiness as they start their new life.

Cheers!