Lyla Dejesus
Indian Orthodox weddings are steeped in tradition and ritual, with a rich history dating back to the seventh century AD. The ceremony itself is a sacred affair, held in an Orthodox church building, and typically lasting 45 minutes to an hour. The liturgy of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony in the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Church is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, with prayers and hymns that emphasise the sanctity of marriage and the new covenant between God, the bride, and the groom. The rituals, such as the tying of the minnu and veiling of the sari, blend Indian customs with religious symbolism, creating a unique cultural experience.
Characteristics and Values of an Indian Orthodox Wedding
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Location | Orthodox church building |
| Participants | Bride, groom, Koumbaros/Koumbara, wedding party |
| Requirements | Bride and groom must be baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity; at least one must be an Orthodox Christian |
| Prohibitions | Marriages not officiated during certain seasons or on certain dates, including fasting days, eves of Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and eves of major holy days |
| Rituals | Recital of opening prayer, Psalms 51 and 21: 1-4, blessings of the crowns, tying of minnu, veiling of sari |
| Symbols | Wedding crowns, silver tray, almonds, candles, minnu (golden pendant), wedding sari |
| Themes | Self-sacrifice, spiritual union, covenant between God and man, Christ and the Church |
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What You'll Learn
The ceremony: 45 minutes to an hour
The ceremony for an Indian Orthodox wedding usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour. It is steeped in tradition and symbolism, with many rituals and blessings. The ceremony is a holy sacrament in the Eastern Orthodox Church, officiated by a priest who blesses the union between a man and a woman.
The ceremony begins with the betrothal or engagement, where the couple exchanges rings as a pledge to enter into marriage. The rings are blessed by the priest, who waves his right hand over them and chants: "May these rings be blessed and may they be for the fulfilment of gladness to the children of the Holy Church." The deacons respond with "Barekhmor- Bless my Lord", and the priest continues with a blessing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The priest then places the rings on the couple's fingers, saying: "May the right hand of our Lord Jesus Christ be stretched out to you in mercy."
Following the ring exchange, the couple is crowned. The crowns are blessed by the priest, who holds them while reciting a prayer: "O Lord, Who did adorn the sky with luminaries: the sun, the moon and all the stars; O God, Who did crown the earth with fruits, flowers and blossoms of all kinds; O Jesus Christ Who did crown kings, priests, and prophets...". The crowning ceremony symbolises the bride and groom as king and queen of a newly established family, with the bridegroom's crown representing the sun and the bride's crown, the moon. The deacons chant in response, and a brief prayer is offered for the best man and matron of honour.
The ceremony also includes the tying of the minnu, a tiny golden pendant in the shape of a rice grain with seven bauble dots forming a cross on its surface. The strand of the minnu is taken from seven strands of the bride's wedding sari, given to her by the groom, symbolising the first gift of clothing from the groom to the bride. The tying of the minnu symbolises that married life is founded on the new covenant between God and humanity, established through the cross.
The ceremony is concluded with a final prayer: "May He grant you as a reward for your efforts thirty fold, sixty fold and a hundred fold." The entire ceremony is filled with blessings, prayers, and hymns, seeking God's presence and blessings on the couple and their new journey together.
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Location: must take place in an Orthodox church building
For those planning an Indian Orthodox wedding, it is important to note that the ceremony must take place in an Orthodox church building. This is because marriage is considered a sacrament intimately tied to the life of the Church and, therefore, must be administered within the Church, which resides in physical buildings under the authority of bishops.
This means that an Indian Orthodox wedding cannot take place at a private home, botanical garden, beach, or any other location outside of an Orthodox church building. The couple must also ensure that the church they choose is available on their desired wedding date, as the Church does not officiate marriages during certain seasons or on certain dates, such as fasting days.
In addition to the location requirement, there are other important considerations for couples planning an Indian Orthodox wedding. Both parties must be baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity, and at least one of them, but preferably both, must be an Orthodox Christian. The couple must also appoint a Koumbaros/Koumbara, who is a member in good standing of the Eastern Orthodox Church and will serve as an ecclesiastical witness to the marriage.
The Koumbaros/Koumbara is a crucial member of the wedding party and is often considered more important than the best man or maid of honor. They may also exchange the rings and crowns and hold the ribbon during the ceremony. It is customary for the Koumbaros/Koumbara to purchase the wedding crowns, silver tray, almonds, candles, and other items used during the ceremony.
By following these guidelines and ensuring that the ceremony takes place in an Orthodox church building, couples can ensure that their Indian Orthodox wedding adheres to the traditions and requirements of the Orthodox Church.
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Participants: bride, groom, Koumbaros/Koumbara, and wedding party
Participants in an Indian Orthodox wedding include the bride, groom, Koumbaros/Koumbara, and wedding party.
The Bride and Groom
The bride and groom are the focal points of the ceremony, representing the "martyrdom" or self-sacrifice each must make for a long, successful marriage. They must both be baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity, and at least one of them must be an Orthodox Christian.
Koumbaros/Koumbara
The Koumbaros or Koumbara is the next most important person in the ceremony after the couple. They are an ecclesiastical witness, attesting to the reality of the marriage before God and the Church. They must be a member in good standing of the Eastern Orthodox Church and be baptised Orthodox. The Koumbaros/Koumbara may also exchange the rings and crowns and hold the ribbon during the ceremony. They also purchase the wedding crowns, silver tray, almonds, and candles used in the ceremony.
Wedding Party
The wedding party typically includes bridesmaids and groomsmen, though in predominantly Orthodox countries, there may be just one sponsor, male or female. These additional members of the wedding party do not need to be Orthodox.
The Ceremony
The ceremony usually takes place in an Orthodox church building, not at a private home or outdoors. It involves blessings of the crowns, the tying of the minnu, and the veiling of the bride with a sari, which is an inclusion from Indian tradition. The liturgy of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony in the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Church has been in use since the 7th century AD. The ceremony is usually performed on a Sunday afternoon, though Saturday weddings are also common in some places.
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Requirements: couples must meet certain requirements, including being baptised
Indian Orthodox weddings are steeped in tradition and ritual, with specific requirements that couples must meet. The liturgy of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony in the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Church has been in use since the 7th century AD. One of the most important requirements is that the couple must be baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity. At least one member of the couple, but preferably both, must be an Orthodox Christian. This is a requirement across all jurisdictions.
The wedding ceremony itself is approximately 45 minutes to an hour long. It usually takes place in an Orthodox church building, under the authority of bishops, and not at a private home or other secular venue. The couple must also select a Koumbaros/Koumbara, who is a witness before God and the Church, attesting to the reality of the marriage. This person must be a baptised Orthodox Christian and a member in good standing of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
In addition to the above, there are other important considerations for couples. For instance, the date of the wedding ceremony is crucial. The Church does not officiate marriages during certain seasons or on specific dates, such as fasting days (usually coloured red on liturgical calendars). These dates can vary by jurisdiction, but they typically include all Wednesdays and Fridays, the Nativity Fast (November 15 to December 24), and the Apostles' Fast.
Furthermore, couples planning to marry in the Orthodox Church should ensure they have all the required legal documents and items needed for the ceremony. Pre-marital counselling may also be required, as some churches mandate specific sessions and seminars for the couple to attend. It is also important to consult with the priest early in the planning process to ensure their availability and the church's facilities.
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Timing: weddings are typically held on Sunday afternoons
The timing of an Indian Orthodox wedding is an important consideration for couples. While the specific timing may vary depending on local traditions and the guidelines of the particular diocese, there are some general timing guidelines that are typically followed.
Firstly, it is important to note that Orthodox weddings must take place in an Orthodox church building, under the authority of bishops. Therefore, the availability of the church and the priest's schedule should be considered when planning the wedding timing. Communication with the priest is essential to ensure their availability and to understand any specific timing requirements or recommendations they may have.
In terms of days of the week, Sunday afternoons are traditionally preferred for Orthodox weddings. This is because weddings are typically held after the Divine Liturgy, and Sunday is a day of worship in the Orthodox Church. However, Saturday weddings are not uncommon, especially in the afternoon, as this allows for preparation for communion and the vigil on Saturday evening. Nevertheless, some practices may discourage Saturday weddings due to the potential interference with these religious observances.
When planning the timing of an Indian Orthodox wedding, it is also important to be mindful of the liturgical calendar. The Church does not officiate marriages during certain seasons or on specific dates, such as fasting days (usually Wednesdays and Fridays) and the eves of major holy days. Therefore, couples should consult the liturgical calendar and their priest to ensure they choose a date and time that is permitted by the Church.
Additionally, there may be specific timing requirements or traditions within the Indian Orthodox community that should be considered. For example, the liturgy of the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony in the Malankara (Indian) Orthodox Church has been in use since the seventh century AD, and there may be unique rituals or traditions associated with Indian Orthodox weddings, such as the blessings and rituals involving crowns and traditional Indian garments, that influence the timing of the ceremony and any associated festivities.
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Frequently asked questions
An Indian Orthodox wedding ceremony typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour.
Both parties must be baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity, and at least one of them must be an Orthodox Christian. The ceremony must take place in an Orthodox church building, and the couple must have a Koumbaros or Koumbara, who is a member in good standing of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
The Koumbaros or Koumbara is the ecclesiastical witness, attesting to the reality of the marriage. They may also exchange the rings and crowns and hold the ribbon during the ceremony.
Indian Orthodox weddings typically take place on Sunday afternoons, after liturgy. However, Saturday weddings are also common, especially in the afternoon.
Marriages are not performed during the four fasting seasons, on the eves of Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, or on the eves of major holy days.
