Our wedding will take place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos and Saint Andrew, which belongs to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain. An Archdiocese is a group of Orthodox churches led by a bishop or archbishop within a particular region. The Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain oversees Greek Orthodox parishes across the UK.

 

The cathedral is called “Greek Orthodox” because the Archdiocese is overseen by bishops from the historic Christian tradition of the Greek-speaking eastern Mediterranean, and many services are traditionally in Greek. However, our wedding service will be celebrated in English so that all of our family and friends can fully take part in and understand the ceremony.

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The Orthodox Church is the oldest Christian Church in the world, tracing its roots directly back to Jesus Christ and the Apostles of the early Church. Although there are Greek, Russian, Georgian, Romanian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Syrian (Antiochian), and Jerusalem Orthodox Churches, they are not separate religions or denominations, but all part of the one Orthodox Christian Church, sharing the same faith, sacraments, and core beliefs, while reflecting different languages and cultural traditions. 1000 years ago, the Church in England was once part of the Orthodox Church; as a result, the wedding ceremony will likely feel both foreign and familiar.

The Orthodox Church understands itself as the continuous, unbroken expression of the Christian faith established by Christ and the Apostles, preserving the same core beliefs, sacraments, and liturgical life - meaning the traditional style and structure of worship -  for two thousand years. 

 

As a result of this ancient and traditional worship, stepping into an Orthodox church for the first time may feel a little different from churches you may have attended before, but we hope that you can take some time on this special day to appreciate the beauty and symbolism of the Orthodox wedding service. 

 

Questions are always welcome and encouraged.

The Orthodox wedding service is called the Rite of Crowning, named for the crowns placed upon the heads of the bride and groom, signifying their union as a small Kingdom - a new family in Christ. The service lasts approximately one hour and will be celebrated in English.

 

The ceremony includes prayers, scripture readings, the sharing of a common cup, the exchange of rings and the tying of hands.

 

The cathedral has rows of seating available throughout the service, though guests are also welcome to stand, in keeping with traditional Orthodox practice.

Hats and Veiling: Ladies are welcome and traditionally encouraged to bring a hat or headscarf to wear inside the church, although this is not compulsory. In reverse, men are expected to remove any headgear; this is compulsory.

 

Shoes and Standing: bring comfortable shoes, whilst there are seats available, Orthodox services are typically standing - although you can sit down if you want to.

 

Sign of the Cross: Throughout the ceremony, you may see people crossing themselves; this is done in the Orthodox tradition, right-to-left, with three fingers. You are not required to join in, but encouraged to do so if you feel comfortable.

 

Questions: An Orthodox service will likely be quite different if you have never attended one prior. Questions both during and after the services are encouraged - we are happy to share our faith with you.

Photography: Photographs are welcome during the wedding ceremony. Please ensure the flash is off, and avoid any shutter noise. We request you do not upload on social media until official wedding photos have been released