www.byzcath.org Forums Mysteries: The Life of Worship The Other Sacramental Mysteries Marriage renewal

My husband and I have considered renewing our marriage vows next year, for our tenth anniversary. This is fairly common practice in the RC church, but is it done in the EC churches? Also, if it is, would we be able to have our vows renewed in an EC church even though we are Roman Catholics? Sorry if this question has already been asked, btw.

Hannah:

Glory be to Jesus Christ!!

Some of the threads in this forum refer to the Eastern marraige ceremonies, especially that of our Byzantine brethren. Vows as part of the marriage ceremony are a Western custom, typically not found in the Christian East except where the particular Church has been heavily influenced by the Latin Church.

Bob

Hannah, in my experience in the Ruthenian churches, it is more common to receive a blessing near the end of Divine Liturgy for a significant anniversary.

Interesting, I am learning something new every day! Maybe someday I will be invited to a Byzantine wedding and get to see firsthand

I have been invited to significant anniversary gatherings (25th, 50th, etc) usually for a simple invocation and blessing; and less frequently for a renewal of vows.

The most moving occurred in AD 2001 at the occasion of a 40th anniversary; the couple had their festivities at the close of the Sunday liturgy so they had invited their guests to the liturgy.

At the Hymn of the Day (following Readings & Sermon) the couple made their way to the front of the Nave where they renewed their vows.

What made this all so striking was that the husband had had BOTH lower leg amputated earlier that year from diabetic complications yet was determined to walk down the aisle--which he did.

I am thankful that they had such a fine celebration at their 40th for he did not live to see their 41st.

The Renewal of Vows described above took place on the First Sunday of Advent...a soloist had sung the John Michael Talbot setting of Psalm 122 earlier in the liturgy.

The Hymn of the Day (which served as a sort of "Processional" for this couple) was the "King of Chorales" written by 17th century Bohemian composer Philip Nicolai:

1. "Wake, awake, for night is flying,"
The watchmen on the heights are crying;
"Awake, Jerusalem, arise!"
Midnight hears the welcome voices
And at the thrilling cry rejoices:
"Oh, where are ye, ye virgins wise?
The Bridegroom comes, awake!
Your lamps with gladness take!
Hallelujah!
With bridal care Yourselves prepare
To meet the Bridegroom, who is near."

2. Zion hears the watchmen singing,
And all her heart with joy is springing,
She wakes, she rises from her gloom;
For her Lord comes down all-glorious,
The strong in grace, in truth victorious,
Her Star is ris'n, her Light is come.
"Now come, Thou Blessed One,
Lord Jesus, God's own Son,
Hail! Hosanna!
The joyful call We answer all
And follow to the nuptial hall."

3. Now let all the heav'ns adore Thee,
Let men and angels sing before Thee,
With harp and cymbal's clearest tone.
Of one pearl each shining portal,
Where, dwelling with the choir immortal,
We gather round Thy radiant throne.
No vision ever brought,
No ear hath ever caught,
Such great glory;
Therefore will we Eternally
Sing hymns of praise and joy to Thee.

A perfect fit for the season and the day, especially considering what lay ahead.