A Big Fat Greek Orthodox Wedding

A totally different experience from other weddings that I've been to. Most of the modern weddings I've been to are very personal in nature, where the bride and groom say their own vows and/or the officiating minister gives a personal message. The wedding also usually involves a particular theme to the couple's liking.

On the other hand, the Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony was an extremely traditional, yet beautiful service. It's more of a ritual 'cause everything was scripted. The program they handed out was like a script for a play--15 pages long! :) The priest recites/sings everything to the couple to bless them in their marriage, and another priest responds in song. (Imagine reading a Shakepeare play, but making every line sound like a verse in a song.) During the ceremony there were many acts/rites that symbolize, I believe, the GO faith. The bride and groom actually say little or nothing and are there just to participate. Even though it was only about an hour long, it seemed like forever. Thankfully, I decided to read along ('cause two-thirds of the ceremony was in Greek), or else I would have fallen asleep just like my mom. :) A funny thing too at the end of the service--even before the bridal party and their family had left the sanctuary, the janitorial staff was already ripping down the decorations. I wonder what all the rush was?... :)