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Orthodox Ceremony

Orthodox Wedding Ceremony Venice

If you are wondering if it is possible have an orthodox wedding ceremony with your sweetheart in Venice, the answer is yes.

In Venice there is one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches in the world, the church of San Giorgio dei Greci. It is the oldest Orthodox Diaspora Church, situated a ten minutes’ walk from San Marco Square, so in the heart of this fascinating and astonishing city.

The construction of this church began in 1536. Its external appearance would suggest a typical Venetian Renaissance church, but don’t be fooled: its interior will reveal its true nature. Upon entering the church, you will find yourself surrounded by an imposing space decorated with mosaics and frescoes on a golden background, typical of Orthodox churches.

Are you wondering why an Orthodox church in the heart of Venice? Because Venice has always had contacts with Christians of the Balkans but also more oriental, being a very important commercial port, which traded goods mainly with the Byzantine Empire.

In this beautiful church we have organized many weddings, and they have always been very emotional. In fact the Orthodox rite of marriage is very touching, based on ancient rituals and symbols. It is a ceremony full of moments of great solemnity, characterized by a series of gestures with a high symbolic meaning.

As you probably know, the Orthodox wedding takes place with two main celebrations, the Engagement and the Coronation (once they took place in two different moments, but now they are combined in a single rite). The engagement begins when the two spouses present themselves in front of the priest with candles in hand and then they are blessed by the priest. After, the priest himself puts the rings on the ring finger of the spouses: the wedding rings are then exchanged three times to symbolize the enrichment that binds the spouses every day of their lives, with a mutual exchange.

After the Engagement, the newlyweds, always accompanied by two witnesses, move on a carpet, that symbolizes the couple's shared life, and the priest pronounces three prayers and unites the hands of the spouses, tying them with a ribbon; then he places crowns on the spouses’ heads, which are exchanged, once again, three times.

In the final phase of the Orthodox wedding ceremony, the priest blesses a cup of wine, from which both spouses drink as a sign of their sharing of all life. After that, the priest leads them three times in a short procession around the center of the church, then loosens their hands and removes their crowns. The celebration of the Orthodox wedding ends with a blessing of the newlyweds.

The Orthodox wedding ceremony is an unique event, full of beautiful meanings and moving moments.

Now that you know you can get married in Venice with the Orthodox rite, are you ready to organize your beautiful unforgettable orthodox wedding? Contact us for any information, we will be happy to answer all your questions!

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