| The
Service of the Crowning |
The
Service of the Crowning is the wedding proper. It is highlighted
by seven significant acts |
| The
Exchange of Rings |
The exchange
of rings symbolizes the unbreakable bond of Christian Marriage.
During the Betrothal, the rings are blessed over the heads of the
bride and groom three times and then are places on the fourth finger
of the right hand. The Betrothal ends with a prayer that the Lord
might make strong their betrothal in faith, truth and love, and
make them of one mind; and that He might grant the betrothal His
heavenly blessings. |
| The
Lighted Candles |
The
bride and groom are given lighted candles to hold, symbolizing the
purity of their lives, which should shine with the light of virtue. |
| The
Joining of Hands |
During the
Service of the Crowning, three long prayers are read asking God
to grant the bride and groom a long and peaceful mutual love and
understanding, happiness and health. The couple's right hands are
then joined by the priest, who calls upon God to join them into
one. |
|
The
Crowning
|
The
priest raises the crown and makes the sign of the cross three times
over the heads of the bride and groom, after which the crowns are
placed on their heads. The crowning signifies that the newly married
couple receives the grace of the Holy Spirit to be the founders
of a new generation and are crowned with virtue and holiness to
live their lives to the glory of almighty God. |
|
The
Bible Readings
|
Following
the crowning, St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians (5:20-33) concerning
the mystery and holiness of Christian Marriage and the duties and
the responsibilities of the husband and wife to each other, chanted
by the canter; and St. John's gospel on Christ's miracle at the
Marriage at Cana (2:1-12) is chanted by the priest to show that
our Lord Jesus Christ blessed the sacred institution of marriage. |
|
The
Common Cup
|
The
drinking from "The Common Cup" symbolizes that the couple
must share every joy and sorrow. The priest gives to the husband
and wife a cup of wine from which each must drink 3 times. |
|
The
Circling of the Table
|
While three
beautiful and joyous hymns are chanted, the priest takes the bride
and groom by the hand and leads them around a small table three
times. By circling the table, the couple signifies their oath to
preserve their marriage bond forever. The circle symbolizes eternity;
the triple circling honors the Holy Spirit |
|
The
Benediction
|
Finally,
amid special words of blessing, the priest lifts the crowns from
the heads of the newlyweds, thus ending the marriage ceremony |
