Holy Matrimony

A couple wishing to marry should first contact the church office to arrange an appointment with the parish priest. We recommend scheduling the wedding and priest meetings at least six months before the desired date.

Weddings are generally not celebrated during the following fasts and feasts:

• December 13–25
• January 5–6
• February 2
• Great Lent and Holy Week
• August 1–15
• August 29
• September 14
• The Feast of the Ascension
• The Feast of Pentecost

Because marriage is a Holy Mystery, it presupposes that:

1. At least one member of the couple is an Orthodox Christian who has been baptized or chrismated in the Church, is committed to Christ and His Church, and has been an active steward for at least one year before the wedding.
2. If the other person is not Orthodox, that person must be a baptized Christian. The baptism must have been performed with water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

1. Verification of baptism and parish stewardship for the Orthodox spouse or spouses.
2. Verification of Trinitarian Christian baptism for a non-Orthodox spouse.
3. An ecclesiastical marriage licence issued through the Church.
4. A valid civil marriage licence issued in Ontario.

The koumbaro or koumbara participates sacramentally by exchanging the rings and crowns. Usually one sponsor performs both roles. If there are two sponsors, one may exchange the rings and the other the crowns.

Unlike the usual role of a best man or maid of honour, the Orthodox sponsor becomes a spiritual adviser to the family. The sponsor must therefore be an Orthodox Christian in good standing.

1. The sponsor must be a member in good standing of the Orthodox Church.
2. A sponsor from another parish must provide a letter of good standing from that parish priest.
3. If married, the sponsor's marriage must have been blessed in the Orthodox Church.
4. If divorced after an Orthodox marriage, an ecclesiastical divorce must have been issued.

Other members of the wedding party do not need to be Orthodox. A couple may name a non-Orthodox best man and maid of honour in addition to the official Orthodox sponsor.

Bridal and attendant attire should reflect the dignity of a church service. Revealing or very low-cut clothing should be avoided. A suitable shawl or covering may be worn when needed.

1. Two decorated candles.
2. Wedding rings for both the bride and groom for the Service of Betrothal.
3. Wedding crowns, or stefana. These may be Greek-style wreaths joined by a long white ribbon or traditional metal crowns. If using metal crowns, confirm availability and condition with the parish.

Organ music is not essential to the sacrament but has become customary at many Orthodox weddings in Canada. An organist may play as guests enter, during the processional and at the recessional.

Music must honour the Christian faith and should come from the hymns of the Church or suitable classical Christian traditions. All selections should be discussed with the parish priest. Organist fees are the couple's responsibility; the chanter's fee is included in the sacrament fees.

Guest Orthodox clergy in communion with the Orthodox Church may participate. The invitation must be extended by the priest of the parish where the wedding is celebrated.

Non-Orthodox clergy may not participate in the sacrament itself. In accordance with Archdiocesan policy, they may be acknowledged after the service and may be invited to offer a prayer and brief words to the couple. Discuss all visiting clergy with the parish priest in advance.

Inter-Christian marriages

The Orthodox Church may bless a marriage between an Orthodox Christian and a non-Orthodox Christian when the non-Orthodox partner has received Christian baptism with water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the couple intends to baptize and raise their children in the Orthodox faith.

Marriage in the Orthodox Church does not automatically make the non-Orthodox spouse a member of the Orthodox Church. Reception into the Church is a separate, freely chosen process of instruction and sacramental reception undertaken in consultation with the parish priest.

Inter-religious marriages

For canonical and theological reasons, the Orthodox Church cannot celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage between an Orthodox Christian and a non-Christian. Couples with questions about their circumstances are encouraged to speak personally with the parish priest.

There is no substitute for Jesus Christ in maintaining the dignity and sanctity of marriage. The promises made during the wedding must be lived out through prayer, forgiveness, faithfulness and participation in the life of the Church.

A non-Orthodox spouse is always welcome in our parish. Becoming Orthodox, however, must be a free decision made after prayer, reflection and instruction— never merely for convenience or because of the wedding.

The Lord and this parish are here to help, support and sustain you in your marriage and life of faith. May the Lord grant you many years together in peace and oneness of mind and heart.