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Traditional Greek Weddings

Traditional Greek Weddings. By Brianna Bergie. The Sacrament of Marriage. Traditional Greek Weddings. The steps of the sacrament marriage. The Service of Betrothal.

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Traditional Greek Weddings

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  1. Traditional Greek Weddings By Brianna Bergie

  2. The Sacrament of Marriage

  3. Traditional Greek Weddings The steps of the sacrament marriage

  4. The Service of Betrothal This service is comprised of petitions, prayers, and the exchange of rings. This service begins with a litany of petitions for the peace of the world and for the spiritual welfare of the bride and groom. This blessing alternates between the bride and the groom symbolically entwining their lives.

  5. The Exchange of the Rings The priest then places the rings on the right hands of both the bride and groom. While the final prayer is being read, the Koumbaro (sponsor) exchanges the rings three times, while he witnesses the expression of the two lives being entwined as one by the Grace of the Holy Trinity. The rings are then placed onto the fingers of the right hand again. A closing prayer is offered and the agreement is sealed.

  6. The Lighting of the Candles The bride and groom are required to hold lit candles throughout the ceremony. The candles symbolize the spiritual willingness of the couple to receive the light of the Christ, who will bless them and guide them throughout their life together. The right hands of the bride and groom are joined and the Priest then asks God to join them in one mind and in one flesh. Their hands are joined throughout the whole ceremony to symbolize their unity.

  7. The Crowning The crowns are called the Stefana. They symbolize the glory and honor that God will bring upon the couple during the sacrament. The Stefana is joined by a ribbon that symbolizes the unity of the bride and groom. The Priest places the crowns on the bride’s and groom’s heads, then the Koumbaro (sponsor) exchanges the Stefana three times over the couple as a symbol of complete union. Thy are then crowned as the king and queen of their own kingdom, the home, which they will rule with wisdom, justice and integrity.

  8. The Scripture Readings There are two readings from the New Testament that they use usually at the weddings. These two readings are: • An excerpt from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians (5:20-33) is read, which expresses the strength and sacrifices required of a husband and wife, advising them to have unconditional love and service to one another. • The second reading from Gospel of St. John (2;1-11) relates the story of Christ at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, when Christ performed the first of His miracles, transforming water into wine.

  9. The Common Cup The Priest will bring a common cup of wine to the Bride and Groom who would sip the cup three times. The Common Cup symbolizes that the couple will share every joy and sorrow with each other. They also will always drink from the same cup again to show honor and fidelity to one another.

  10. The Dance of the Isaiah The Priest will hold the Holy Gospel in his right hand and will lead the couple in a ceremonial walk circling the center table on which the cross is placed. They are now taking their first steps as husband and wife. They are accompanied by their Koumbaro who will support them throughout their married life. The guests who are present at the Greek wedding ceremony throw rice at the newly married couple during the dance of the Isaiah in order for them to grow old together. Rice is a symbol of fertility and prosperity, throwing rice at a couple is seen as one way to wish them a happy and blessed life together.

  11. The Blessing In the final prayer the Priest blesses and removes the crowns, beseeching to God to grant the newlyweds a long, happy and fruitful life together. The Priest then lifts the Holy Gospel and bring it down between the bride and groom, separating the couples joined hands. This symbolizes that only the word of God should come between them.

  12. The Tradition of Koufeta The sugar coated almonds are called the Koufeta. They are placed on the tray with the crowns and given to the guests at the reception. The hard bitterness of the almonds represent the endurance of marriage and the sweetness of the sugar symbolizes the sweetness of future life.

  13. Thank You for Listening! Any questions?

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