www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology byzantine wedding service questions

My suggestion is speak to the parish priest/pastor explain the situation. You'd be surprised how receptive they can be. At my wedding 25 years ago at Sw Pokrowy in Toronto the chief officiant was the late Bishop Borecky. My dad had known him for many years and having only 2 daughters very much wanted to walk me down the aisle. The Bishop and the other 2 priests waited patiently for us to walk down the aisle and the crowing started at the Tetrapod. At my parish St Demetrius the brides are walked down the aisle to the break in the pews then the groom and the priest meet up with her and her father and thus the crowing ceremony begins. Hope this helps

Thank you for your encouragement.
but what of the rings? Is not that supossed to be done before the crowning?

The rings are done in the Betrothal. It depends on the 'traditions' of your rite as to where. The prayers over the rings and their placement on the fingers are really beautiful. I can promise you that if you have a 'Crowning' it will far surpass anything that you can/could have prepared for yourself. For the Crowning is the prayer of the Church that follows 2000 years of traditions.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY MATRIMONY



FIRST PART: THE BETROTHAL CEREMONY

The priest stands before the Tetrapod near the Sanctuary and on the Tetrapod are placed the Holy Gospel, the Cross, two candlesticks, two crowns and a glass of wine.

According to the present custom, the bridal party is received by the Priest at the entrance of the Church. Then they make a procession into the Church while the Priest is incensing, and the Choir is chanting the Hirmos of Pentecost in the 4th Tone:

Hirmos of Pentecost in the 4th Tone:

Choir Hail O Queen, glory of virgins and mothers: for your praise is beyond the eloquence of the most cultured tongues, and the wonderful manner in which you gave birth to Christ throws every intelligence into amazement. Therefore, we the faithful magnify you with one accord.

The priest stands before the Holy Doors, and the bridal couple approach with the two witnesses, the bridegroom on the right and the bride on the left, and on each side of them the best man, and the maid of honour, all holding lighted candles. The priest then places the two rings on the right side of the table, and begins the service thus:

Priest: Blessed is our God, at all times, now and always, and forever and ever.

Choir Amen.

THE BLESSING AND EXCHANGE OF RINGS

Priest: O Lord our God, who wedded together from the nations the pure and Virgin Church, bless + this betrothal and unite and protect these your servants in peace and harmony.

For all glory, honour and worship are your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

Choir Amen.

Priest: The servant of God (Name) is betrothed to the handmaid of God (Name), + in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Choir Amen.

Priest: The handmaid of God (Name) is betrothed to the servant of God (Name), + in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Choir Amen.

Priest: The servant of God (Name) is betrothed to the handmaid of God (Name), + in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Choir Amen.

I am the person who recommended watching the wedding scene in this movie because it is very movie and beautiful. And now I know that the priest is a real Orthodox priest whic I think adds to the movie.
I am not making any comment on the rest of the movie.