Orthodox and Eastern Christian wedding traditions

In the Orthodox and Eastern Christian churches, the wedding is a mystery, or sacrament, in which the couple are crowned. The service has two parts, the betrothal and the crowning, and is sung rather than read. It is among the oldest wedding services in Christianity.

Crowning, stefana and the common cup

The priest places crowns, stefana in Greek, on the heads of the couple, who are joined by a ribbon in the Greek tradition. In Slavic churches the crowns are held over their heads by the groomsmen. The couple drink from a common cup of wine, and they are led three times around the table in the dance of Isaiah. The koumbaros exchanges the crowns three times and holds a central place. Rings are exchanged at the betrothal.

Variation

Greek weddings have the koumbaros and the sugar-almond koufeta. In Russia and Ukraine the rushnyk, an embroidered cloth, is stood upon. Georgian weddings crown the couple with wreaths, and Armenian weddings have the crossing of heads and the crowning with a wreath. Coptic and Ethiopian Orthodox traditions have their own rites, with a long Ethiopian service and a procession.

Remarriage and fasts

Orthodox weddings are not held in Lent or other fast periods. A second marriage uses a penitential service. Mixed marriages with other Christians are often allowed by a bishop, and with non-Christians more rarely. Local practices differ among the churches.