So you want to get married? Congratulations.
Everything you will need to know to have a marriage in the sacrament on the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church is on this page. Secure a date for the wedding by calling the church office (773-637-1711) as soon as possible. In the event that another wedding has been scheduled for the same day, it may be possible to adjust the time of each wedding to accommodate both parties. However, to avoid conflicts, it is best to have an alternate date in mind.
IT IS NOT ALLOWED TO HOLD A WEDDING CEREMONY OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH
All couples prior to the date of the wedding, will meet with the Parish Priest for pre-marital counseling. In cases of if one of the marrying couple is coming from protestant denominations, they may need to be confirmed by the church he or she will marry in. No marriage is permitted for mix faith couples according to the canons of the Church (ex. Christian & Muslim, Christian & unbaptized, etc.)
It is also required that the best man a.k.a. Godfather of the Cross – be a member of the Armenian Church. In case of non-Armenian, speak to Fr. Andreas. A non-baptized Christian may not stand as best man in the Church.
The Order of the Ceremony
- The Processional
- The Lords Prayer
- Hymn Aysor Yergnayinkn (today the Angels Rejoice)
- Exhortation
- Blessing of the rings
- Joining of the Right Hands
- Hymn: Naya ee mez (Look at us and have mercy on Christ)
- Hymn: Ourakh Ler Soorp Yegeghetsi (Rejoice, O Holy Church)
- The Trisagion Hymn, Elevation of the Gospel
- The Litany of the faithful
- Scripture Readings
- Gospel reading (Matthew 19:3-9)
- The crowning of the bride and groom
- The prayer of the crowning
- The blessing of the cup of wine
- Hymn: Takavor Yergnavor (Heavenly King)
- Homily
- The prayer of dismissal
- The Lords prayer
- The recessional
Basic The explanation of the Wedding Service
The Sacrament
Holy Matrimony is a Sacrament of the Armenian Church, in which a man and a woman solemnly vow before Christ, the priest and the congregation to be true to each other for life. Their union is blessed by Christ through the Church. The marriage ceremony of the Armenian Church is replete with symbolism.
The Exchange of Vows
The bride and groom solemnly pronounce their “Yes” and pledge to be loyal to each other through out their life.
The Blessing of the Rings
Rings, after being blessed by the priest, are exchanged between the bride and the groom, giving expression of the fact that the spouses in marriage will be constantly complementing each other. Each will be enriched by the union.
The Rite of Crowning
The rite of crowning is the climax of the wedding service. The crowns are the sign of the glory and honor with which God crowns the bride and the groom during the Sacrament. They are crowned as the king and queen of their own little kingdom, the home, which they will rule with wisdom, justice, and integrity. The crown is a symbol of sacrifice as well. By wearing the crowns, the couple pledge to be ready to sacrifice in life for the benefit of their unity.
The Blessing of the Common Cup
Wine, in the Bible is symbol of happiness. The church, by presenting the blessed wine to the couple wishes that their life be full of happiness. The drinking of wine from the common cup serves to impress upon the couple that from that moment on they will share everything in life, joys as well as sorrows. The the source of their life will be one and the same.
Sample Wedding Music Choices
General
- WEDDING SONG (There is Love).
- THE LORD’S PRAYER, By Albert H. Malotte
Seating of the Mothers
- Ave Maria, By Schubert
Procession of the Bridesmaids
- Canon in D, By Johann Pachelbel
Bridal Procession
- Bridal March from “Lohengrin” (here comes the bride)
- Trumpet Voluntary, By Henry Purcell.
- Hornpipe, by G.F.Hendel