Yes, it’s different, pretty different from a regular wedding

Things that are different:

Godparent of the marriage - Koumbara/ Koumbaro

A religiously significant sponsor in a Greek Orthodox wedding, with deeper spiritual duties, exchanging crowns and rings, and becoming lifelong spiritual godparents to the couple's children

Ring exchange

The ring exchange, called the Betrothal, happens early in the service, where the priest blesses the rings and places them on the couple's right hands, symbolizing commitment and the Holy Trinity

Wedding crowns - Stefana

Stefana, or Greek wedding crowns, symbolize the couple's divine crowning as King and Queen of their new home, representing honor, glory, and unity blessed by God, linked by a ribbon signifying their inseparable bond, and often symbolizing martyrdom or sacrifice within marriage

Shared chalice

Shared Chalice (Common Cup) is a key ritual symbolizing the couple's unity and shared life, stemming from the miracle at Cana where Jesus turned water into wine; the bride and groom each drink blessed wine from the same cup three times

Going around the table 3 times - Dance of Isaiah

Symbolic final procession where the priest leads the newly crowned couple in three circles around a table, representing their first steps together as husband and wife, following Christ (symbolized by the Gospel) into an eternal life, accompanied by hymns about martyrdom and salvation

Candles

The groom and bride are each given a candle called 'Lambathes'. The candles are lit to symbolise the willingness of the couple to receive Christ, who will bless them throughout this sacrament

No Vows

There are no vows

Z&J

Wedding Day

3:45 PM–5:00 PM

Ceremony

Reception