Orthodox wedding at Holy Theophany Orthodox Church, Colorado Springs. Reception at Craftwood Inn, Manitou Springs, Colorado
The Beauty of the Orthodox Wedding Ceremony
Kristie & Michael were married in Holy Theophany Orthodox Church in Colorado Springs. I wanted to use their wedding to explain the beauty of the Orthodox wedding ceremony since it looks very different than most other wedding ceremonies here in America.
The betrothal, the exchange of rings, is done in the entrance of the church, sometimes even done on a different day than the wedding and this is the first part of the ceremony. The priest blesses the rings and places them on the ring finger of the right hand, as opposed to the left hand, to symbolize God’s right hand of blessing on the marriage, and many Orthodox Christians wear their wedding rings on their right hand.
The focal point of of the Orthodox Christian wedding ceremony is the crowning, this is the joining together of the two servants of God into one with their connected crowns. The crowns serve as both a crown of glory, as sons and daughters of the king of kings, and martyrs crowns like the crown of thorns worn by Christ.
The Gospel is then read, the priest reads the story of Christ’s first miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. And right after that the couple drinks blessed wine from a common cup, in honor of the first miracle as well as a symbol of complete unity, sharing the joys and burdens of their common cup in life.
And finally, the priest leads the couple around the front of the church in the dance of Isaiah. The couple follows the priest 3 times around a table. This is the first steps and act the couple does as a married couple. They are following the priest, who stands in for Christ, and walking in a circle represents eternity.
The Orthodox Christian wedding ceremony is a truly beautiful ceremony, reverent and full of symbolism. If you ever get the chance to experience it I would highly recommend.
And if you are looking for a Photographer for your Orthodox wedding ceremony, or any wedding ceremony, check out my portfolio HERE
