Anyway, this is some information about the Greek wedding,
but unfortunately I don't have the Chinese version. |||
I had got it from Goldie, and then typed it.
If you are interested in this topic,
you can have a quicl look.
Miss you all~
I will write in Chinese next time.
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The Greek Orthodox marriage ceremony is a ritualistic and symbolic experience.
The service is conducted around a table upon which
a silver tray, almond,
the Book of Gospels,
two crowns(Stefana),
two wedding rings
and a cup of wine are placed.
These items are used throughout the ceremony.
1.The Betrothal:
Blessing of the rings The priest blesses the wedding rings
and make a sign of the cross over the heads of the Bride and Groom,
as he proclaims,
“The servant of God, Groom,is betrothed to the servant of God,
Bride, in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
The Best man puts the rings on the hands of Groom and Bride and exchange them three times.
2.The Crowning
This part of ceremony begins as the priest proclaims,
”Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and the Son and Holy Spirit,
now and forever and to the ages of ages.”
Prayer is offered for God’s blessing on Groom and Bride as the priest joins their hands.
Their hands remain joined through the service to symbolise their connection in spirit and flesh.
The crowning follows. The crowns are joined together with ribbon to symbolise the bond between the couple.
The priest blesses the crowns as he did the rings and the crowns are placed on their heads by the Koumbara,
who exchanges three times, just as the rings were exchanged,
to express the couple’s unity and at the same time,
their individuality. The priest sings, “Lord our God, crown them with glory and honour.”
3.Bible Reading
The first reading is from Ephesians 5: 20-23 and speaks of love and respect.
The second is taken from John 2:1-11 and refers to Christ’s miracle of turning water into wine.
4.The Common Cup
A cup of wine is shared by Bride and Groom in the reference to Christ’s aforementioned miracle.
The act of sharing the wine serves to remind Groom and Bride that from this moment
they will share everything in life, joy sorrow, sickness, and health.
5.The Dance of Isaiah
Led by the priest, Groom and Bride walk around the table,
wearing their crowns, with their hands still joined.
The Koumbara walks behind them holding the ribbon that joins the crowns.
These are the couple’s first steps taken as a husband and wife.
The priest then removes the crowns from their heads while expressing the Church’s hope
that Groom and Bride will remain faithful to the blessing of their marriage.
The service ends with the priest offering prayer
so that Groom and Bride may expressing all the things of the earth
as well as the blessing promised in the life to come.
