Defense of The Faith
An Orthodox Wedding Has No Vows
In Orthodox marriage, the couple gives their consent, but it is God who joins them together through the prayers and crowning of the Church.
A visitor at an Orthodox wedding who expects vows will wait through the entire service. Rings are blessed and placed on two right hands. Crowns are set on two heads. The epistle is read, then the Gospel of the wedding at Cana. A cup of wine is shared, and the priest takes the couple by the hand and leads them three times around a table while the choir chants. At no point does the bride turn to the groom and promise anything, or he to her. The two of them hold candles and say nothing to each other.
The wedding is two services, kept distinct in the service books even when celebrated together. The Betrothal blesses the rings, which the couple exchange. The Crowning is where the Church asks God to join them.
