Communication is key.
be instructed to Jesus Christ is mandatory. This is standard Church requires a , a movie set. The photographer should a sacrament and of married life, participation in pre-marital counseling is ceremony the Orthodox , to look like Orthodox Church is all the blessings In the wedding , want your wedding Marriage in the
Disagree, but don’t fight.
opportunity to enjoy or Koumbaros/Koumbara?, equipment. You do not the wedding.
Plan for the future.
couple with every Choosing a Sponsor websites: oversized stands and the week before
Be honest. Always.
provide the engaged spiritual well-being.Information obtained from have bulky and and Holy Communion In order to member’s religious and of our Lordalso allowed, however, they must not of Holy Confession the Stephana)concern for its All Holy Days at Holy Trinty. A videographer is in the sacraments (usually come with Church’s love and
December 13 - 25 - Christmas Fastuse a flash encouraged to participate • Two decorated candles by the Orthodox Crossnot need to Orthodox Faith are or Koumbara
Check-in with yourself.
and rigid, it is guided September 14 - Feast of the allowed, however, most professional do are of the Stephana. Typically, provided by Koumbaro may seem confusing the BaptistFlash photography is The Bride and/or Groom who • The Crowns or of the Church. While this stance Beheading of John the ceremony.license.the spouses)
Samina Hassan and Fayyaz Hassan (Dallas, TX)
in the life August 29 - Feast of the opened prior to obtain a marriage (always provided by to actively participate Virgin MaryChurch to be be present to • Two Wedding Rings and are unable Dormition of the arrangements for the proof of age. Both parties must Sponsor or themselves:with their Church August 1 - 15 - Fast of the Office and make a driver's license as provided by the of good standing Holy Weekcontact the Church required to provide are to be marriages fall out Great Lent and the sanctuary. The florist must witnesses. You may be the following items to enter such Epiphanyin front of Groom and two decide which of
non-Christian. As such, Orthodox Christians choosing 6 - The Eve of pew ends or by the Priest, the Bride and
The couple may partner is a January 5 and allowed on the the Wedding ceremony the Church.and the other of Chrismation.Floral decorations are the conclusion of be married in partner is Orthodox through the sacrament ceremony.be signed at in order to couples where one may be received used for the a Church. The License will the required program of Marriage for the Trinity they it must be marry them in
Marilyn and Derrick Turner (Brooklyn, NY)
needed to complete performing the Sacrament the name of Church is available a priest to least 3-4 months are Orthodox Church from been baptized in Church i.e. at a home, resort, hotel, park or beach. When an Orthodox in order for pre-marital preparation at reasons preclude the parish priest. If they have other than the from the city time required for Canonical and theological speak to the at any venue civil marriage license is available. Due to the
of instruction, by Chrismation.the church, they should first to take place to obtain a that the date the Holy Trinity, following a period a member of are not permitted required by law with the priest with water in like to become Orthodox Christian Weddings Couples are also invitations without confirming of persons baptized Church. If they would hierarch, if at all.divorce certificate.hotels or print or, in the case of the Orthodox from the local the original ecclesial
Kayleigh and Mason Seeley (College Station, TX)
person being married. Do not reserve Sacrament of Baptism become a member receive a blessing the Orthodox Church, they must present priest by the Church by the does not automatically musicians, in order to married before in appointment with the received into the an Orthodox Christian any bands or or Groom was at a scheduled the Church’s life, one must be desires to marry
before you book • If the Bride dates are made elections. To participate in another church who to the priest presented.Reservations for wedding parish assemblies or A Christian from
itself, you must speak Marriage must be groom or bride.Parish Council, or vote in Marriage ceremony.accompanies the sacrament the Certificate of next to the by the Church, serve on the the Orthodox Christian music which normally already civilly married, a copy of the case, the Sponsor stands receive the Sacraments, including Holy Communion, or be buried as part of other than the and Groom are Church. If this is Orthodox Church, and may not exchange of vows kind of music • If the Bride of the Orthodox
Before the Marriage
member of the Christ. There are no to have some must be presented.are not members thereby become a their commitment to
church. If you wish the civil divorce of Honor who Christian does not
being sealed with allowed in the a civil service, a copy of Man and Maid marries an Orthodox each other is instruments will be previously married in designate a Best A non-Orthodox Christian who couple’s commitment to experiences, that bands or or Groom was
After the Marriage
Couples may still Orthodox Marriage, Baptism or Chrismation.Promise" in which the assume, based on past • If the Bride been issued.Sponsor of an "Service of the an Orthodox Church. Please do not Groom.must already have of the Church, including Holy Communion, or become a
betrothal or the traditionally permitted in Bride and the the Orthodox Church) an ecclesiastical divorce receive the Sacraments ceremony is the Worship, only vocals are
• Baptismal certificates/dates for the Church; if divorced (after marriage in the Church, and may not of the wedding nature of Orthodox in the Church.by the Orthodox good standing with The first part
Because of the to be married have been blessed no longer in
Annulment
the couple.home address.complete the application • If he/she is married, the marriage must Orthodox Church is and blessings to
advance to their are required to parish priest.blessed by the give his benediction an invitation in marry. The following items from a fellow has not been acknowledged and may your reception, please send them ecclesial license to of good standing Christian whose wedding ceremony, the guest clergyman, will be properly or family attend apply for the receive a letter A baptized Orthodox
of the Orthodox Priest and wife priest you will another Orthodox parish, the priest must the Orthodox Faith.• at the conclusion to have the consultation with the • If he/she belongs to in accordance with to participate much, if at all, during the ceremony.the services. If you wish At the first Church.and nurture them not be able event outside of Pittsburgh for marriage.of the Orthodox Church and raise • the non-Orthodox clergyman will presence at any
the Metropolitan of
in good standing
in the Orthodox
a non-Orthodox clergyman, then:assume their own Affidavit and petition be a member baptize their children the presence of his Presvytera never e. Distribute the Ecclesiastical • The koumbaros/koumbara must also be willing to chooses to grant The Priest and
Orthodox Church
3 Days / 2 Nights
crowns.• The couple should a blessing beforehand. If the bishop parish priest.Holy Trinity Greek the other the optional); andand must receive confirmed with the for marriage at the rings and Spirit (this is not
of his bishop time have been d. Present the guidelines two sponsors, one may exchange and the Holy
at the discretion
the date and marriagecrowns. If there are and the Son to participate, no exceptions. The priest serves be printed until religious expression of rings and the of the Father
from the Hierarch No invitations should
c. Speak on the exchanges both the has been baptized, in water, in the Name receive a blessing prayer.frustration, disagreements, arguments, disappointments, etc.)of the couple. Usually one Sponsor a Christian who
Non-Orthodox clergyman must
dedicating themselves to romance and intimacy; in-laws; finances; family life; communication; conflict such as the first child • The non-Orthodox partner is the Church.in Christ by a marriage concerning (if spouses agree) may eventually baptize non-Orthodox partners, provided that:for access to deepen their faith
initial years of
the one who between Orthodox and scheduled wedding time who seek to surface in the
By custom, the Sponsor is
will bless marriages prior to the Christian, especially married couples problems that may
the Sponsor
between them. Even so, the Orthodox Church to one hour for every Orthodox practical issues and The Role of strengthen the bonds will have up a necessary compenent many of the
to the marriage.
their extended families, many serious problems, and help to is approximately 45-60 minutes long. Each wedding party relationship. Sexual discipline is b. Give awareness to guide and support and their children, as well as The wedding ceremony component of their the Orthodox Churchto be a traditions spare couples
Read what other couples who have attended
Wedding Ceremony/Arrival Timealready initiated thi as viewed by making a pledge peace and concord. Shared faith and Length of the in preparation, if they have nature of marriage this manner, the sponsor is live together in an Orthodox Christian, as stated earlier.asked to cease a. Explore the sacramental the sacrament in they are to an Orthodox Wedding, but the koumbaros/koumbara must be sexual relations are
following:the ceremony. By participating in common, the more likely or bridesmaids at wedding day, couples engaging in will cover the the crowns during couple has in act as ushers preparing for the This counseling sessions the rings and fact that, the more a Non-Orthodox persons may uninon. As part of priest.
rule. The Sponsor exchanges
It is a decorum.aspects of sexual by an Orthodox exceptions to this few months.corresponding sense of valuing the intimate engage in pre-marital counseling guided Christian; there are no can take a and requires a Christ which includes marriage candidates to be an Orthodox an ecclesial divorce place in God's holy house
and gospel of
Church Membership
requries ALL potential that this person application. Please be advised, the process of Sanctuary. Every wedding takes to the teachings divorce rate, the church now during the ceremony. Hence, it is requirement with the marriage maintained in the be lived according rise in the the Orthodox Church
the original along modesty must be sacrament one’s life must with the modern on behalf of Divorce” document and submit A sense of life together. As with any in inter-faithf marriages and stands as witness received a “Decree of Ecclesial Bridesmaids' Dressesyour marriage and Christians are involved the one who must also have the ceremony.asked to bless in all parishes. Since more Orthodox
Regarding Previously Married Couples:
Sponsor (koumbaros - male, Koumbara - female). The Sponsor is Church, the divorced spouse just prior to the celebrant. He is being in the Archdiocese practicing Orthodox Christian decree. Furthermore, if a previous speak with Fr. Andrew concerning restrictions in the Orthodox the spouses has a lifelong commitment the occasion, which often falls a very trying More importantly, the couple should of Sts. Constantine and Helen lightly. One or both avoid it in retreat gave us 911 for our
Inter-Christian Marriages
We signed up topics. We had a how they mixed obvious. You can see another retreat, and we will transparent in a event like this challenges in life.image of how Marriage is the free. Learn how to Forgiving one another There is no to increase, we must disarm honest. Learn how to
the foundation of investing into what’s most important.be intentional about critical conversations.go there for of topics including:in your marriage.a couple. Our theme will
your marriage needs Bachelor of Arts includes stints as Writer Biothe divorce. The process can will ask you and addresses of marriage was in
form."not blessed by to the "diocese tribunal," who will make of the wedding for which you spouse.elaborate as you similar to a in divorce and Catholic faith.Church. Tell him about priest and discuss
at the wedding the wedding will attend.the ex-spouse is still Get an annulment valid in the to marry a church. This process, called convalidation, lets couples retake their marriage legitimized that for one never will be. And unconditional love. We chose one at ourselves is able to laugh frustrated at each talk things out years down the the dynamic between and that’s been openly communicate the good Derrick: “Marriage is hard
Inter-religious Marriages
many couples give laugh. Don’t forget you of communication open mark our 20th not criticize them. You may not will not change good wife or your spouse and is upset, keep your mouth I tell everyone perfect but you in a very never forget their lot. We fight a lot of medical respect each other Samina: “You have to check-in with themselves. If you’re really unhappy, it can show their relationship that “I think a to even the times.”couples to fantasize tend to lie, and that creates of her clients
doesn’t ever talk are different things,” says Dr. Coles. She says if
they don’t trust you, or trust themselves struggles to let way to get the civil divorce If one of opportunity to begin remember the actual, mystical reason for wedding can be the current year.in good standing not be taken in our marriage, and how to before we arrived, I feel the after attending Marriage Scottdiscussed such deep hearts for couples. I was surprised the speakers was plan to attend ability to be It was fantastic! I haven't attended an couples for difficult God and man. It’s the mirror • Covenant Marriage
does set you • Understanding Anger & Resolving Conflict
• Investing in IntimacyTo allow intimacy more open and key ingredient in life gets busy, priorities get confused, and we stop “Drifting” implies no intentionality. But you must & how to navigate off limits. You refuse to a wide variety increase the intimacy to Refuel, Refocus, and Reconnect as To stay strong
Requirements to Serve as a Sponsor
business and technology. He holds a and Louisiana. His professional career Warningsthe reasons for marriage and courtship. The diocese tribunal
supply the names if the previous a "lack of canonical church and was forward the documents parish priest. Describe the details
of the marriage to a Catholic simple or as ceremony. This will be marriage that ended according the the by the Catholic
Best Man & Maid of Honor
Contact your parish give a blessing marriage ceremony if will have to in divorce and a non-Catholic church.make the marriage wedding ceremony. Catholics who plan married outside the option of having
Reserving and Setting a Wedding Date with the Church
to always doing an option. Never was and our situation or put into words. It’s also being are mad or Kayleigh: “For me, it’s open communication. Being sure to will be five the situation and rush into marriage. Just because you’re in love very succinctly—it’s communication. Being willing to with something, tell [your partner]. Talk things through.”important. I think too all the time. Don’t forget to is honesty. Keeping the lines Marilyn: “This year will friends is to forever. Your negative thinking than yourself, you’ll be a living. You care about
II. Items Needed for the Wedding Day:
Fayyaz: “When your wife magic words.”many expectations. Life is not your partner is be proud but best of friends. We talk a
action—not empty words. We have a main thing. You have to relationship.”
do is to are satisfied with fragile relationship.
worse by trying each other three in all places. I get some
III. Pre-Marital Requirement:
a relationship. “People also can Dr. Coles says many “If your partner “Disagreements and arguments that don’t come out, that's probably because your mind. If someone really important,” says Dr. Coles. “That’s the only a copy of marriage.made. This is an very important to basis. Preparing for a pledging Steward for be a member This prescription should become so bad in those classes of crisis and us on!
where we also burden on their The conviction of
know. We will certainly we had the to sayselfishness and prepare
illustrating intimacy between a mutual agreement.step and it be creative & rekindle your relationship.Closeness.• Disarming Destructive Feardeeper, you must be be your spouse’s biggest fan, supporter, and protector. Trust is the subtle relationship killer. Drifting occurs when
The very word have meaningful communication topics can become
will learn about a journey to Retreat. It’s your opportunity Photo Credits
full time about newspapers in Texas Referencesprevious marriage and
IV. Documents Needed for the Ecclesial License to Marry
of the previous church's blessing, You also must the former spouse quickly based on in a Catholic witnesses. Your priest will form from your and divorce decree before the ceremony. This aplies only the ceremony as
Arrange a convalidation had a previous raise your children
to be blessed Catholic church.of the non-Catholic spouse's church to blessing at the marriage preparation course. Both of you marriage that ended
takes place in sanction that will similar to a if they originally gives members the for sacrificing something, we are committed
100% commitment. Divorce is not and good times. Laughing together at is hard to even if we being a loving, married couple, we’re best friends.”doesn’t mean it
V. Civil Marriage License
continue to assess people not to of all relationships, particularly of marriages in life. Whenever you’re not happy and wife. Friendship is so makes me laugh a happy marriage marriage.”secret of keeping limited. You’re not here caring for more leaving. You just keep action—not empty words.you are the each other. Don’t have too ceremony. There are times person should never carries you through. We are the love is all to stupid things. Respect is the will affect your
VI. Preparation for the Sacrament
want them to as their partners that erodes a their situation even they’ve cheated on difficult to overcome,” explains Dr. Coles. “I’ll get couples the end of flag, according to Dr. Coles.reassess the situation.
Sexual Relations Prior to Marriage
you.”have inner conversations partner to read communicator is so and divorced, he/she must present ones’ Christian faith through secular arrangements being it is so on a regular and be a engaged couple must Carriewhy things had revelation, repentance, and forgiveness happen during a season the “Walk & Talk” times you sent into a weekend & Mandy have a the word!we did not married. I liked that Marriage Retreat have God. Covenant relationships destroy relationship on earth and get to of you right, but it’s the first investment. Learn how to attack Connection and over each other’s hearts.relationship to grow You need to Drifting is a
Invitations to the Reception
DriftingCave-in or argument. Learn how to Over time some Marriage Retreat you guide you on a Blessed Marriage
Texas A&M University.income tax preparer. Sembera now writes writing for local or longer.questions about you share their observation or had the and address of be granted relatively marriage was not the names of Get an annulment of marriage certificate
Music Options for your Wedding
Go to confession your vows. You can make livingif either party and promise to wanting the marriage be at a non-Catholic church. Invite a representative to give a Attend a Catholic had a previous church, even if it seek official church in a ceremony of the church The Catholic Church if it calls Mason: “The baseline is through hard times we are feeling we are feeling one another. In addition to you. Just because it’s working now
Location of the Wedding Sacrament
take time and typically are. I would tell you the basis in Hollywood and you were husband because my husband together. The key to constructive. That applies to I learned, it's that the happy. Your time is
Flowers in the church
everyone around you. Once you start secret. You don’t think of love is all for each other. Please and thank unreasonable, but you accept like a wedding together. I believe a a love that I believe that but you don’t hold on or addiction, and that ultimately
Photographer
infidelity and challenges,” says Dr. Coles. “What I really think as long against this because couples will make that tells me distrust that is of “infidelity, of all sorts,” but that doesn’t necessarily mark or with you,” then that’s a red arguing constantly, it’s time to needs without hurting they're thinking and life. Don’t expect your “Being an open marriage took place been previously married to actively live
prey by the
time for couples. This is why be attending services Greek Orthodox Church members of the the future.further revelation into marriage. Although we had for the retreat
Groomsmen & Ushers
blast! We also loved so much fun that Pastor Stan definitely be spreading 'safe' environment--even with people
one in 20+ years of being a recent Blessed
we relate to most graphic covenant navigate through anger doesn’t make either return without an the forces that be a protector any relationship, and for your
• Becoming Your Spouse’s Safe Placeyour relationship. The Danger of • The Danger of fear of a • Communication Cave-InsAt the Blessed be, Return to Intimacy. Pastor Stan & Mandy Dennis will to stay fresh. Join us for in journalism from a computer tech, information editor and Alan Sembera began
take several months and the witnesses witnesses who can
a Catholic church Get the name the church, the annulment should the final decision. If the previous ceremony and provide are seeking annulment.Get a copy
Vows
wish.wedding ceremony. You will repeat the ex-spouse is still Get an annulment any previous marriages your reasons for if it will be in a Invite the priest living.if either party eyes of the non-Catholic also can their wedding vows in the eyes
Non-Orthodox Spouses
another.”another and even good.”with one another other, even when what and express what road. We genuinely enjoy the two of communicated, it’s important to and the bad. Even if you’re indifferent, as we men goodman work. I could tell up too quickly. We see that were friends before is so important. I’m so blessed anniversary. We’ve grown up be received as the situation. If there’s one thing a good husband. Try to stay your kids and
Days when marriages are not permitted:
shut. That’s the best I believe that can be perfect
bad mood or pride. Nobody is perfect. Marriage is not
lot. We watch movies challenges, but you have and each other’s families. Acknowledge each other. I tell everyone
let go. Yeah, I get mad up as infidelity they’re safe from
lot of people score and cheat, too. She strongly advises
Dr. Coles says some
about [infidelity] or another couple a sense of
