Weddings are emotional, high-stress situations for just about everyone. For Greek brides who are living in the United States, and American brides getting married to a Greek the stress is even greater. Most Greek Orthodox weddings in the United States combine both Greek and American customs. Merging the two cultures to create a Greek-American wedding that adheres to both customs and traditions could bring the stress levels to overdrive.
In the first part of the service, the couple becomes betrothed by the church. The priest blesses the rings and touches the foreheads of the bride and groom with them. Making the sign of the cross above their heads with the rings, he proclaims to each of them, “The servant of God [name] is betrothed to the servant of God [name] in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The rings are put on the right hands, and the official sponsor — koumbáros (male) or koumbára (female) — exchanges the rings three times, symbolizing the complimentary role of husband and wife.
The bride and groom each hold a lighted candle during the service, similar to a parable in the Bible where five wise maidens prepare to receive Christ the Bridegroom by lighting their lamps with oil. The candles remind the couple of the light of of Christ who is with them throughout the sacrament and their coming life together.
Crowns (stéphana) joined with a ribbon are worn by the bride and groom who are to be respected as king and queen in their home and family. As this crowning takes place, the blessing of God is invoked upon the couple. “O, Lord our God, crown them with honor and glory.” As these words are sung, the koumbáros or koumbára exchange the crowns three times.
