TLDR;
This video provides an in-depth explanation of the Orthodox Christian marriage ceremony, focusing on its spiritual significance, historical context, and the symbolism behind its various elements. It emphasizes that marriage is not just about happiness but about striving for holiness and mutual support in the journey towards the Kingdom of God.
- The marriage ceremony is deeply rooted in scripture and tradition, drawing parallels between the couple and biblical figures.
- The service is a journey, starting in the narthex and ascending into the church, symbolizing the couple's spiritual ascent together.
- The importance of fidelity, respect, and mutual support in overcoming personal passions and growing closer to God.
Introduction to the Crowning Ceremony [0:00]
The video introduces the service of the crowning, a key part of the Orthodox Christian marriage ceremony. It showcases the icon of the wedding at Cana, which is typically used and often given to the couple. The tradition of sharing a common cup is explained as a remnant of when the marriage service was part of the liturgy, symbolizing the couple receiving the Eucharist together. Different types of crowns are presented, including those used in the Carpatho-Russian church and the tradition of the couple getting their own set of crowns to keep, often displayed in a shadow box above their bed.
Preamble to the Marriage Ceremony: Psalm 127 [3:05]
The service begins with Psalm 127, which exalts the joy of family life and God's blessings on those who fear Him. The Psalm challenges the couple to seek fulfillment not just in earthly happiness but in the kingdom of God. Old Testament references to Jerusalem and Zion now reflect the Life of Christ in the New Covenant. Marriage is presented as a path to Holiness, requiring a transformation of natural human love into a spiritual reality through Christ and His church. The goal is to help each other reach the kingdom of heaven, overcoming passions and sins together.
Litany and Petitions: Seeking God's Blessing [7:11]
The litany and petitions remind that the sacrament of marriage was originally celebrated within the Divine Liturgy. These petitions emphasize Christian marriage as a communion of love and life, seeking joy and salvation for the family united in Christ. The service calls upon the scriptures, asking God to bless the marriage as He did at the wedding in Cana. Additional petitions highlight the importance of bearing children, maintaining conjugal fidelity, and living a blameless life. Fidelity, respect, and honor are emphasized as crucial components of marriage.
Prayers: Creation, Provision, and Perfection [10:43]
The first prayer references the creation of Eve from Adam's rib, emphasizing God's role as the Creator who provides for His creation. God presents Adam with Eve, uniting them in love and making them one. The Commandment to be fruitful and multiply is interpreted as growing and becoming perfect, with spouses complementing each other to achieve human fullness. Couples are assigned a guardian angel to bolster their relationship. Sin has not stopped God's plan for salvation, and parents must teach their children about the church. The prayer invokes Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, whose marriages prepared the way for Christ.
Second Prayer: Divine and Natural Marriage [22:53]
The second prayer invokes God as the celebrant of spiritual marriage between God and Mankind and the lawgiver of natural marriage between man and woman. God provides for both Heavenly and Earthly needs. God's will is absolute, and couples should seek a spouse through God's guidance rather than relying on physical attraction or premarital sex. The prayer confirms that the roots of conjugal Union are in God's will, referencing the creation of woman from man's rib. What God has joined together, let no one divide. The prayer asks God to send His Heavenly Grace upon the spouses, empowering them to live harmoniously according to His will.
Martyrdom and Aesthetic Discipline in Marriage [28:59]
The church holds married life in equal honor and Glory as being a martyr, a true and faithful witness to Christ. Martyrdom in marriage involves helping each other overcome passions and lifting each other up in prayer. The service does not indicate disdain or fear of sex within marriage. Aesthetic discipline involves spouses working diligently to acquire God's grace through faith and love. Examples of aesthetic practices include abstaining from sexual contact on Wednesdays, Fridays, and before liturgies, as well as during fasting periods.
Archangels and Conjugal Love [36:24]
A manuscript from the 15th century contains a prayer invoking Archangel Michael to prepare the bridal chamber and Archangel Gabriel to bring the couple together. Conjugal love is a vital aspect of married life, transcending division and achieving total communion of body and soul. Virginity is viewed as the integrity and purity of the heart. Purity in marriage is expressed through working towards the Kingdom of Heaven, fighting passions, and loving and respecting each other.
Third Prayer: Joining of Hands and Responsibility [41:50]
In the third prayer, God is asked to extend His hand and join the couple together. The priest joins their hands, symbolizing God offering one spouse to the other, making them responsible for each other's lives. Mutual self-offering implies confidence in each other. Marriage is a huge responsibility, not disposable. Procreation of children is seen as spouses becoming a manifestation of God the Creator, raising future citizens of the kingdom of God.
Blessing and Crowning: Victory and Restoration [45:50]
Crowns symbolize Victory in the New Testament, like the Laurel wreath given to athletes. Christians train in spiritual life for an imperishable wreath. The coronation restores the couple to the condition of being in Paradise, with God restoring their Royal dignity. The couple receives the Holy Spirit to cleanse them from selfishness and empower them to experience a transformation of their love.
Epistle and Gospel Readings: Love and Invitation [50:32]
The epistle reading from Ephesians emphasizes the union between Christ and the church as the model for the relationship between husband and wife. Husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church, with sacrificial love leading to joyful obedience. Wives should be subject to their husbands as the church is to Christ, recognizing each other as icons of God. The Gospel reading from St. John tells the story of the wedding at Cana, where Jesus was invited, affirming the blessing of Christian marriage.
Fervent Petitions and the Lord's Prayer [59:44]
The first prayer emphasizes faithfulness as essential for the survival of the new married couple, leading to conjugal Chastity. Conjugal Chastity does not mean eliminating sexual love but transforming the Eros of the spouses. The Lord's Prayer is followed by the blessing and drinking of the common cup, symbolizing sharing everything in life.
Triple Circular Procession and Hymns: The Journey of Married Life [1:03:38]
The circular procession symbolizes the beginning of the Journey of married life together, led by the priest holding the book of the gospels. The first hymn blesses the Virgin who bore Jesus Christ. The second hymn refers to the Holy Martyrs, inspiring the couple to succeed in their nupal Journey. The third hymn glorifies Christ as the pride of the Apostles and the joy of the martyrs.
Paternal Exhortation and Final Blessing [1:08:10]
The bridegroom is exhorted to be exalted and glorified like Abraham, blessed like Isaac, and fruitful like Jacob. The bride is exhorted to be exalted and glorified like Sarah, joyful like Rebecca, and fruitful like Rachel. The crowns are removed and placed on the altar table, symbolizing the need for protection and preservation throughout their life. The final blessing invokes God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to bless the couple and Grant them a long and healthy life together.