TRADITION
Traditionally the bridesmaids pay for the service.
The couple do not see each other on the day before the wedding.
The two families sit on opposite sides of the main aisle.
Custom demands that the bride and groom meet with the priest
on several occasions before the wedding.
FACTS
A Priest of the Orthodox religion performs the ceremony.
All Orthodox weddings take place in the Greek Church.
The ceremony lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
The ceremony can take place at any time of the day except during
Sunday Mass.
The basic format of the ceremony cannot be altered.
Music other than hymns or which traditionally form part of the
Orthodox ritual is not permitted. Readings are from religious
texts only.
Until recently Orthodox marriages where not recognised by British
law and the couple had to under-go a civil ceremony.
However, there are now a number of churches in London where
the religious and legal ceremonies are conducted at the same
time.
Orthodox weddings are forbidden during the following times:
40 days before Easter and 40 days before Christmas. (Religious
fasting days)
1st to the15th of August. (The worship of The Virgin Mary)
Marriages during a Leap Year are considered unlucky.
Wedding rehearsals are not compulsory but they are becoming
more common
BRIDE
The bride wears a white wedding gown with a long train.
GROOM
The groom wears a black suit with a bow tie.
GUESTS
Women wear smart clothes, while men usually follow the fashion
of the groom.
Although guest from all religions can be invited to the wedding,
custom dictates that only those who are baptized into the Orthodox
faith enter the church.
THE CEREMONY
The groom arrives with his best man before the bride.
The bride arrives with her father or chosen male relative.
The wedding begins with a betrothal ceremony- a blessing followed
by the placing of rings on the right hands of the bride and
groom.
The bride and groom are given a cup of wine and crowns are placed
on their heads. The bride and groom kiss the Bible and walk
around the alter three times in recognition on the holy trinity.
THE RECEPTION
The form of the reception unlike the ceremony can be tailored
to the tastes of the bride and groom and their families.
There is traditional dancing, which often includes the money
dance where guests pin money to the couples clothes in lieu
of wedding presents.
TIPS
Check with the priest about his availability and that of your
chosen venue for the date that you have selected.