Marriage in the Eastern Orthodox Church

[1] Weddings in the Eastern Orthodox tradition have a sponsor present, known as a Koumbaro.

[2] [3] The couple will exchange rings first, as a voluntary pledge to enter into eventual marriage.

The first is from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians (5:20-33), where the priest exhorts married couples “to be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.” The second reading is from the Gospel of John (2:1-11).

Traditional practice involves wine, although some may opt to replace it with grape juice.

The Procession The priest, holding the Book of the Gospels, will lead the couple around the table three times, singing three hymns.