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What is Holy Matrimony?

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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.

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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)

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The Meaning of Marriage in Orthodoxy

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In the Orthodox Church, marriage is seen as:

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • A Lifelong Commitment: Marriage is an eternal bond, not just a human agreement but a sacramental relationship blessed by God.

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The Orthodox Wedding Ceremony

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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)

  • The priest blesses and places the rings on the couple’s right hands, signifying their eternal bond.

  • The rings are exchanged three times, symbolizing the Holy Trinity and their mutual commitment.

2. The Crowning Ceremony

  • The Crowning: The priest places wedding crowns (Stefana) on the couple’s heads, symbolizing their new kingdom and their shared responsibility.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • The Final Blessing: The crowns are removed, and the priest blesses the couple, sealing their union in Christ.

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“Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate.” (Mark 10:9)

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Who Can Be Married in the Orthodox Church?

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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.

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Prohibited Times for Marriage

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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)

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If you have a preferred wedding date, please consult with the priest before making arrangements.

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The Role of the Koumbaros/Koumbara

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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:

  • Assist in placing and exchanging the rings.

  • Hold the wedding crowns (Stefana) during the crowning.

  • Serve as a spiritual guide and supporter of the couple in their Orthodox faith.

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The Koumbaros/Koumbara often develops a lifelong spiritual bond with the couple and may also serve as a future godparent for their children.

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How to Prepare for an Orthodox Wedding

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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:

  • A pair of wedding crowns (Stefana)

  • A pair of wedding candles

  • A small bottle of olive oil (optional)

6. Confirm the wedding date with the church to ensure it aligns with Orthodox guidelines.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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❓ 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.

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❓ 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.

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❓ 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.

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❓ Can we have an outdoor wedding?

➡️ No. Orthodox weddings must take place in a consecrated Orthodox church.

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Planning Your Wedding at St. George Greek Orthodox Church

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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.

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If you have any questions or need guidance on preparing for your wedding, our parish priest is available to assist you.

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