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Orthodox Wedding Services in Italy

An ancient and beautiful ceremony, the Orthodox Wedding Service in an Italy wedding is unique in that the bride and groom do not say any vows. At Orthodox Wedding Services in Italy the ceremony it self illustrates the future couples' willingness to join their lives in matrimony and accept God into their new life together.

A general ceremony would consist of two separate parts. The first part is the Service of Betrothal which in ceremonial prayer embodies and confirms the acceptance of both the bride and groom of there intent to marry. This part of the wedding has a very special meaning and is of significant value in the joining of husband and wife.

The second part is the Sacrament of Marriage. During this part of the Orthodox Wedding Services in Italy the bride and groom will exchange rings. The exchange of rings represents a pledge to share and exchange both their physical and spiritual goods, a pledge of eternal love and devotion.

Another part of the Sacrament of Marriage is the Crowning. This is done after prayers have been offered on their behalf. The bride and groom are crowned by the priest "In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". These crowns have two meanings. First, they reveal that the man and woman, in their union with Christ, participate in His Kingship. Second, as in the ancient Church, crowns are a symbol of martyrdom. The word "martyr" means witness.

There are many locations for your Orthodox Wedding in Italy. You will find accommodating services in Rome, Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Amalfi, Sicily, Chianti as well as Sorrento, Ravello, Palermo, Assisi, Pienza, Cortona and many other Italy wedding locations.

Generally, Orthodox Wedding Services in Italy take place in the afternoon or early evening. Wedding services are not held during seasons of fasting or on certain holy days. You'll need to plan far enough in advance to assure that your Orthodox Italian wedding isn't held on one of the restricted days.

Here are some of those days:

During all the 4 long fasts
During the Meat Fast.
On the Bright Week (Easter).
During the period from Christmas (January 7) to Baptism (Jan.19).
On the eve of the 12 great feasts.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the year.
On September 10, 11, 26 and 27 (due to strict fast on the day of commemoration of beheading of John the Baptist and the Elevation of the Cross).
On the eve of the church holidays (each church has its own days).