Holy Matrimony – Marriage
Holy Matrimony is a sacrament of the Orthodox Church in which a man and a woman are joined together by God. The two persons become truly one flesh. They remain two persons but become one living being in the community of marriage. It is man and woman together, in unity, who form a complete and perfect human nature. “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.” (Gen 1: 27)
This intimate union of man and woman in marriage points to an even greater reality – the union of our Lord Jesus Christ with His Church. It is love that unites man to woman, and it is love that unites Christ to the Church. Through this very love, the sacrament of marriage brings us into the Kingdom of God. “When husband and wife are united in marriage, they are no longer seen as something earthly, but as the image of God Himself” (St. John Chrysostom, 4th century). This mystery is accomplished through the grace of God in the Church.
If you want to get married in the Church, kindly contact the Pastor of the Church at least three months before planning and setting your marriage date.
Second and Third Marriages must receive the blessing of the Archbishop prior to the marriage. Expect 6-9 months to process the paperwork necessary for these seconf or third marriages.
It is not allowed to schedule weddings during the Lenten season; the Advent and Epiphany seasons; the Fasting season preceding both the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul and the Feast of Dormition; as well as on special fasting days. Please see below the list of unavailable times for weddings in the Orthodox Church.
Besides, Holy Matrimony includes many rituals, and each of them has special meaning and significance. Please see herewith the meaning of these rituals.
It is recommended to sit with the Pastor to receive the material for reading and to receive the adequate marriage preparation sessions that are very important to start a great marriage.
All marriages require four counseling sessions with the parish priest prior to the marriage. These four sessions are in addition to the initial interview.
The following forms must be provided to the office before the ceremony:
- Groom Baptism Certificate
- Groom Good Standing and free to marry from his Church Priest
- Bride Baptism Certificate
- Bride Good Standing and free to marry from her Church Priest
- State License and Certificate Of Marriage
Additional Important Helping information:
- The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony – Meaning of the Marriage Ceremony
- The Wedding Orthodox Service – Husband and Wife
- Unavailable Wedding Dates & Prohibitions Information
- Wedding Planning Information
- Orthodox Marriage Rehearsal Information
- Steps to Prepare for Confession before Marriage
The Financial Aspects
St. George facility usage donation of $1,000.00 is requested.
- Kindly pay online via the Button below, or mail a check payable to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church at least four weeks prior to the event to secure the date.
- The Archdiocese fees for issuing the Baptism Certificate for each child are $25.00.
- Kindly pay these fees directly to the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese via the Archdiocese Payment Button and copy the “Order ID” from the receipt and fill at its location at the bottom of the Application Form.
- The usual honorariums are as follows:
- Bishops: $400-$500
- Priest: $200-$400
- Deacons: $75- $100
- Sub-deacons: $75
- Chanter: $100
Please make separate checks payable to each individual name or cash.