Prerequisites for Wedding Requests
In the Holy Orthodox Church, the sacrament of Marriage is not a right, but a privilege granted to those who have properly prepared for such a serious endeavor as Holy Marriage. It must be noted that nothing that Holy Mysteries or Sacraments which an Orthodox Christian engages in ever merely a private transaction between two individuals. When a husband and wife marry in the Holy Orthodox Church, they are involving, by necessity, an event which Jesus Christ Himself participates through Grace, by which the priest celebrates in person, and by the praying community, the church participates in collectively. In view of this "ecclesial" dimension of marriage, therefore, a wedding must be performed within the context of the Orthodox Church in order for the Church to recognize and affirm the validity and authenticity of the marriage. Expecting the church to act in any other way would be to expect the church to act in a manner less than She is. It would be considered unjust to demand of Her to be any less than She is deemed to be by our Lord Jesus Christ. At St. Petka Serbian Orthodox Church, we will always seek to maintain the highest level of integrity when it comes to sharing not only the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, but to witness faithfully the seriousness of His Divine Mysteries.
I. Requirements Prior to the Wedding
Church Membership
This prescription should not be taken lightly. One or both members of the engaged couple must be a member in good standing of St. Petka Serbian Orthodox Church and be a pledging Steward for the current year. More importantly, the couple should be attending services on a regular basis. Preparing for a wedding can be a very trying time for couples. This is why it is so very important to remember the actual, mystical reason for the occasion, which often falls prey by the secular arrangements being made. This is an opportunity to begin a lifelong commitment to actively live ones’ Christian faith through marriage.
Regarding Previously Married Couples:
If one of the spouses has been previously married and divorced, he/she must present a copy of the civil divorce decree. Furthermore, if a previous marriage took place in the Orthodox Church, the divorced spouse must also have received a “Decree of Ecclesial Divorce” document and submit the original along with the marriage application. Please be advised, the process of an ecclesial divorce can take a few months.
Inter-Christian Marriages
It is a fact that, the more a couple has in common, the more likely they are to live together in peace and concord. Shared faith and traditions spare couples and their children, as well as their extended families, many serious problems, and help to strengthen the bonds between them. Even so, the Orthodox Church will bless marriages between Orthodox and non-Orthodox partners, provided that:
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The non-Orthodox partner is a Christian who has been baptized, in water, in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (this is not optional); and
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The couple should be willing to baptize their children in the Orthodox Church and raise and nurture them in accordance with the Orthodox Faith.
A baptized Orthodox Christian whose wedding has not been blessed by the Orthodox Church is no longer in good standing with the Church, and may not receive the Sacraments of the Church, including Holy Communion, or become a Sponsor of an Orthodox Marriage, Baptism or Chrismation.
A non-Orthodox Christian who marries an Orthodox Christian does not thereby become a member of the Orthodox Church, and may not receive the Sacraments, including Holy Communion, or be buried by the Church, serve on the Parish Council, or vote in parish assemblies or elections. To participate in the Church’s life, one must be received into the Church by the Sacrament of Baptism or, in the case of persons baptized with water in the Holy Trinity, following a period of instruction, by Chrismation.
Inter-religious Marriages
Canonical and theological reasons preclude the Orthodox Church from performing the Sacrament of Marriage for couples where one partner is Orthodox and the other partner is a non-Christian. As such, Orthodox Christians choosing to enter such marriages fall out of good standing with their Church and are unable to actively participate in the life of the Church. While this stance may seem confusing and rigid, it is guided by the Orthodox Church’s love and concern for its member’s religious and spiritual well-being.
Choosing a Kum (Sponsor)
In the wedding ceremony the Orthodox Church requires a practicing Orthodox Christian Sponsor. The Sponsor is the one who stands as witness on behalf of the Orthodox Church during the ceremony. Hence, it is requirement that this person be an Orthodox Christian; there are no exceptions to this rule. The Sponsor exchanges the rings and the crowns during the ceremony. By participating in the sacrament in this manner, the sponsor is making a pledge to be a guide and support to the marriage.
The Role of the Sponsor
By custom, the Sponsor is the one who (if spouses agree) may eventually baptize the first child of the couple. Usually one Sponsor exchanges both the rings and the crowns. If there are two sponsors, one may exchange the rings and the other the crowns.
Requirements to Serve as a Sponsor
• The Sponsor must also be a member in good standing of the Orthodox Church.
• If he/she belongs to another Orthodox parish, the priest must receive a letter of good standing from a fellow parish priest.
• If he/she is married, the marriage must have been blessed by the Orthodox Church; if divorced (after marriage in the Orthodox Church) an ecclesiastical divorce must already have been issued.
Stari Svatovi/Best Man & Maid of Honor
Couples may still designate a Best Man and Maid of Honor who are not members of the Orthodox Church. If this is the case, the Sponsor stands next to the groom or bride.
Reserving and Setting a Wedding Date with the Church
Reservations for wedding dates are made at a scheduled appointment with the priest by the person being married. Do not reserve hotels or print invitations without confirming with the priest that the date is available. Due to the time required for pre-marital preparation at least 3-4 months are needed to complete the required program in order to be married in the Church.
II. Items Needed for the Wedding Day:
The couple may decide which of the following items are to be provided by the Sponsor or themselves:
• Two Wedding Rings (always provided by the spouses)
• The Crowns (available for use from the church)
• Two decorated candles
• Cloth to tie the hands of the bridal couple
III. Pre-Marital Requirement:
In order to provide the engaged couple with every opportunity to enjoy all the blessings of married life, participation in pre-marital counseling is mandatory. This is standard in the diocese in all parishes. Since more Orthodox Christians are involved in inter-faith marriages and with the modern rise in the divorce rate, the church now requires ALL potential marriage candidates to engage in pre-marital counseling guided by an Orthodox priest.
This counseling sessions will cover the following:
a. Explore the sacramental nature of marriage as viewed by the Orthodox Church
b. Give awareness to many of the practical issues and problems that may surface in the initial years of a marriage concerning romance and intimacy; in-laws; finances; family life; communication; conflict such as frustration, disagreements, arguments, disappointments, etc.)
c. Speak on the religious expression of marriage
d. Present the guidelines for marriage at St. Petka Serbian Orthodox Church
e. Distribute the Ecclesiastical Affidavit and petition the Diocese of Western America for marriage.
IV. Documents Needed for the Ecclesial License to Marry
At the first consultation with the priest you will apply for the ecclesial license to marry. The following items are required to complete the application to be married in the Church.
• Baptismal certificates/dates for the Bride and the Groom.
• If the Bride or Groom was previously married in a civil service, a copy of the civil divorce must be presented.
• If the Bride and Groom are already civilly married, a copy of the Certificate of Marriage must be presented.
• If the Bride or Groom was married before in the Orthodox Church, they must present the original ecclesial divorce certificate.
V. Civil Marriage License
Couples are also required by law to obtain a civil marriage license from the city in order for a priest to marry them in a Church. The License will be signed at the conclusion of the Wedding ceremony by the Priest, the Bride and Groom and two witnesses. You may be required to provide a driver's license as proof of age. Both parties must be present to obtain a marriage license.
VI. Preparation for the Sacrament
The Bride and/or Groom who are of the Orthodox Faith are encouraged to participate in the sacraments of Holy Confession and Holy Communion the week before the wedding.
Sexual Relations Prior to Marriage
Marriage in the Orthodox Church is a sacrament and Jesus Christ is the celebrant. He is being asked to bless your marriage and life together. As with any sacrament one’s life must be lived according to the teachings and gospel of Christ which includes valuing the intimate aspects of sexual union. As part of preparing for the wedding day, couples engaging in sexual relations are asked to cease in preparation, if they have already initiated this component of their relationship. Sexual discipline is a necessary component for every Orthodox Christian, especially married couples who seek to deepen their faith in Christ by dedicating themselves to prayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Invitations to the Reception
No invitations should be printed until the date and time have been confirmed with the parish priest. The Priest and his family never assume their own presence at any event outside of the services. If you wish to have the Priest and wife or family attend your reception, please send them an invitation in advance to their home address.
Music Options for your Wedding
Because of the nature of Orthodox Worship, only vocals are traditionally permitted in an Orthodox Church. Please do not assume, based on past experiences, that bands or instruments will be allowed in the church. If you wish to have some kind of music other than the music which normally accompanies the sacrament itself, you must speak to the priest before you book any bands or musicians, in order to receive a blessing from the local hierarch, if at all.
Location of the Wedding Sacrament
Orthodox Christian Weddings are not permitted to take place at any venue other than the Church i.e. at a home, resort, hotel, park or beach. When an Orthodox Church is available it must be used for the ceremony.
Flowers in the church
Floral decorations are allowed on the pew ends or in front of the sanctuary. The florist must contact the Church Office and make arrangements for the Church to be opened prior to the ceremony.
Photographer
Flash photography is allowed, however, most professional do not need to use a flash at St. Petka's. A videographer is also allowed, however, they must not have bulky and oversized stands and equipment. You do not want your wedding to look like a movie set. The photographer should be instructed to speak with Fr. Milovan concerning restrictions just prior to the ceremony.
Bridesmaids' Dresses
A sense of modesty must be maintained in the Sanctuary. Every wedding takes place in God's holy house and requires a corresponding sense of decorum.
Groomsmen & Ushers
Non-Orthodox persons may act as ushers or bridesmaids at an Orthodox Wedding, but the Kum/Kuma must be an Orthodox Christian, as stated earlier.
Length of the Wedding Ceremony/Arrival Time
The wedding ceremony is approximately 45-60 minutes long. Each wedding party will have up to one hour prior to the scheduled wedding time for access to the Church.
Non-Orthodox clergyman must receive a blessing from the Hierarch to participate, no exceptions. The priest serves at the discretion of his bishop and must receive a blessing beforehand. If the bishop chooses to grant the presence of a non-Orthodox clergyman, then:
• the non-Orthodox clergyman will not be able to participate much, if at all, during the ceremony.
• at the conclusion of the Orthodox ceremony, the guest clergyman, will be properly acknowledged and may give his benediction and blessings to the couple.
Vows
The first part of the wedding ceremony is the betrothal or the "Service of the Promise" in which the couple’s commitment to each other is being sealed with their commitment to Christ. There are no exchange of vows as part of the Orthodox Christian Marriage ceremony.
Clapping & Cheering
We remind you that this beautiful, intricately-symbolic service is a Sacrament of the Holy Orthodox Church and ask that you please maintain proper reverence for our temple and refrain from clapping or cheering until you are outside of the church building.
Non-Orthodox Spouses
A Christian from another church who desires to marry an Orthodox Christian does not automatically become a member of the Orthodox Church. If they would like to become a member of the church, they should first speak to the parish priest. If they have been baptized in the name of the Trinity they may be received through the sacrament of Chrismation.
Days when marriages are not permitted:
Wednesdays & Fridays
January 18 and 19 - The Eve of Epiphany
Great Lent and Holy Week
Apostles Fast (dates vary)
August 14 - 28 - Fast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary
September 11 - Feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist
September 27 - Feast of the Cross
November 28- January 7 - Christmas Fast
All Holy Feast Days of our Lord
