The Holy Mysteries
Holy Matrimony
Betrothal and Crowning: a man and a woman are crowned as king and queen of a household and set within the marriage of Christ and the Church.
“Crown them with glory and honor.”
An icon of Christ and His Church
Holy Marriage unites a man and a woman in a lifelong communion of faithfulness, self-sacrifice, and love. The couple do not merely make private promises to one another; they are crowned by the Church and joined by Christ within His Kingdom. Their marriage becomes an icon of the union between Christ and His Church.
Husband and wife are called to bear one another’s burdens, grow together in holiness, welcome the gift of life, and make their home a place of prayer and hospitality. The crowns placed upon them signify both the joy of the Kingdom and the martyrdom of laying down one’s life for the beloved.
Practical guidance
Marriage in practice
The service
Betrothal and Crowning
The Betrothal blesses and exchanges the rings; the Crowning is the marriage itself. The two services are ordinarily served together, one after the other.
The signs
Crowns, cup, and procession
Crowns of royalty and of martyrdom; a common cup for a common life; and three circuits around the table in the Dance of Isaiah, led by the priest.
When it is served
Outside the fasts
The crowning is not celebrated on fast days or during the Church’s fasting seasons. Dates and preparation are arranged with the pastor well in advance.
Planning a wedding
Couples wishing to be married in the Cathedral should speak with the pastor before fixing a date, so that preparation and the calendar of the Church can be taken into account.
