Eastern
Orthodox Church
The rings are blessed by the Priest, who
takes them in hand, and makes the sign of
the cross over the Bride and Groom's head.
The "Koumbaros" (Best Man) then exchanges
the rings three times, taking the Bride's
ring and placing it on the Groom's finger,
and vice-versa. This exchange signifies that
in married life, the weaknesses of the one
partner will be compensated for by the
strength of the other, and the imperfections
of one by the perfection's of the other.
Candles are held throughout the Wedding
Service, which begins immediately after the
Betrothal Service. The candles are like the
lamps of the five wise maidens of the Bible
who, because they had enough oil in them,
were able to receive Christ when He came in
the darkness of the night. The candles
symbolize the spiritual willingness of the
couple to receive Christ, Who will bless
them through this sacrament. The Office of
the Crowning which follows is the climax of
the Wedding Service. The crowns are signs of
the glory and honor that God crowns them
during the sacrament. The Bride and Groom
are crowned as the King and Queen of their
own little "kingdom", their home, which they
will (hopefully) rule with wisdom, justice,
and integrity. |
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