Here's a video and text of the Orthodox Liturgy of Holy Matrimony in the Coptic rite.
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The service begins with a procession with the future bride and groom, led by the chanters, readers, subdeacons, deacons and priests walking together from the west doors of the nave, towards the chancel. During this procession, the following hymn is sung:
After the procession, the bride sits at the right hand of the bridegroom (see Psalm45:9). Then the priest takes the wedding rings and blesses them as he declares the wedding:
Priest:
He makes the sign of the cross upon himself, then upon the rings saying:
Congregation: Amen. Our Father who art in Heaven.....
Priest:
He makes the sign of the cross upon the rings saying:
Congregation: Amen. Our Father who art in Heaven.....
Priest:
He makes the sign of the cross upon the rings saying:
Congregation: Amen. Our Father who art in Heaven.....
Priest: Glory and honour, honour and glory to the All-Holy Trinity; the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now, and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen
Priest: Pray.
Deacon: Stand up for prayer.
Priest: Peace be with all.
Congregation: And with your spirit.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the beneficent and merciful God, the Father of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. For He has covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to Him, spared us, supported us, and has brought us to this hour. Let us also ask Him, the Lord our God, the Pantocrator, to guard us in all peace this holy day and all the days of our life.
Deacon: Pray.
Congregation: Lord have mercy.
Priest: O Master, Lord, God the Pantocrator, the Father of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we thank Thee for everything, concerning everything, and in everything. For Thou hast covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to Thee, spared us, supported us, and hast brought us to this hour.
Deacon: Pray that God have mercy and compassion on us, hear us, help us, and accept the supplications and prayers of His saints, for that which is good, on our behalf, at all times; and forgive us our sins.
Congregation: Lord have mercy.
Priest:
Therefore, we ask and entreat Thy Goodness, O Lover of mankind, grant us to complete this holy day, and all the days of our life, in all peace with Thy fear.
All envy, all temptation, all the work of Satan, the counsel of wicked men and the rising up of enemies, hidden and manifest, take them away from us, and from all Thy people, and from this bridegroom and his bride, and from this holy place that is Thine.
But those things which are good and profitable do Thou provide for us, for it is Thou Who has given us the authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. By the grace, compassion and love of mankind, of Thine Only-Begotten Son, our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Through Whom the glory, the honour, the dominion, and the adoration are due unto Thee, with Him and the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver, Who is of One Essence with Thee, now, and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen.
Deacons: (The priest offers incense while the deacons sing the following cymbals’ verses:)
O God Who formed man with Thine hands alone, and gave him his wife to be a helpmeet and support to him, be Thou now, our Master an advocate unto this couple, (the priest makes the sign of the cross upon their foreheads)
Deacons: O Christ Logos of the Father: the Only-begotten God: give unto us Thy peace: this which is full of all joy.
Congregation: Lord have mercy (3)
Priest: (Saying the following prayer upon the garments)
O Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who adorned the heavens with the stars and manifested the earth in the beauty of flowers bearing fruits of diverse kinds, Who has bestowed on mankind heavenly things, and hast given unto them the comforts of the earth. Do Thou, now O Good One and Lover of mankind, (here shall he make the sign of the cross)
The priest puts the cope on the bridegroom. He also put the rings on the bride and the groom.
Deacons:
A chapter from the Epistle of our teacher Paul to the Ephesians. His blessing be upon us. Amen.
Deacon: Stand up for prayer.
Priest: Peace be with all.
Congregation: And with your spirit.
Priest:
Deacon: Pray for the Holy Gospel.
Congregation: Lord have mercy.
Priest:
Congregation: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Deacon: Stand in the fear of God, let us hear the Holy Gospel.
Priest:
Blessed be He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord. Bless, O Lord, the reading from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew.
Congregation: Glory be to thee O Lord
Reader:
Stand with the fear of God, let us hear the holy Gospel. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew. His blessings.....
Congregation: Be upon us Amen.
Priest: Our Lord God, Saviour, and King of us all. Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Glory be to Him forever… Glory is God's.
Congregation: Glory be to thee O Lord.
Reader:
From the Psalms of David, the Prophet and King. His blessings be upon us. Amen.
Reader:
Congregation: Forever, Amen.
Reader:
Congregation: Glory to Thee, O Lord.
Deacons:
Deacons: O Christ Logos of the Father: the Only-begotten God: give unto us Thy peace: this which is full all of joy.
Deacon: In the wisdom of God, let us attend. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. In truth…
THE ORTHODOX CREED
O God, Who abides forever without beginning, to Whose wisdom there is no bound, and to Thy power no limit, Who made man from the earth and formed him. Who gave unto him woman from his rib and joined her to him as a helpmeet for him, inasmuch as it pleased Thy Godhead and Thy goodness that it is not good for man to be alone. We now beseech Thee, O our Master, join Thy servants “Mm” and “Ww” that they may be joined together in one flesh. Let them enter into the law of happiness; let them abide in sound doctrine. Bestow upon them living fruit of the womb, that they may have joy in good offspring and peaceful times. Set them in readiness for all good works in Christ Jesus our Lord. Through Whom the glory, the honour, the dominion, and the adoration are due unto Thee, with Him and the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver, Who is of One Essence with Thee, now, and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen.
Deacons:
O Lord our God, creator of all natures, Who formed Man from the earth, and Who hast joined unto him a helper from the rib which Thou hast taken from him, and hast joined them in the union of matrimony for the life and the unfailing increase of the human race. Thou hast said unto them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and have dominion over it.” Thou also, O Good One and Lover of mankind, bless the union of Thy servants “Mm” and “Ww”, who had been joined together according to Thy will. Bless them and let them increase, even as Thou hast blessed our fore-fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Bless them like Thou hast blessed Abraham and Sarah. Exalt them like Isaac and Rebecca. Let them increase even as Thou hast increased Jacob and his seed. Give them glory even as Thou hast given glory to Joseph in the land of Egypt. Grant them his purity. Make them to increase like Elkana and Anna, whom Thou hast blessed and granted Samuel the faithful prophet. Make them worthy of the good news of Thine holy archangel, like Zacharias and Elizabeth whom Thou hast granted John, the greatest offspring among those born of women, who became the fore-runner of Thine Only-begotten Son. Thou also, O Master and Lord hast blessed Joachim and Anna and didst fashion of them the rational arc, Mary, Mother of God, of whom Thine Only-begotten Son was incarnate and came into the world. He blessed the wedding of Kana of Galilee . Bless Thy servants “Mm” and “Ww” who have been united at this hour. Grant them abundance, wisdom and the blessings of salvation, that they may be found in all piety and all chastity, united in their body and their soul, and become worthy of the blessing which comes from Thee. That they may glorify Thine Holy Name with Thine Only-begotten Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and at all times and unto the age of ages. Amen.
Deacons: (2nd & 3rd Verses are for Virgin Mary)
Priest:
O Lord our God, the Great, the Eternal, Who brought life into being from that which was not, and made the universe by Thy Word. Thou hast formed man with Thy pure hand after Thine own image and likeness. Out of the one Thou hast made the other, saying, “it is not good for man to be alone”. Thou didst bring a deep sleep upon Adam , and he slumbered, and Thou didst take a rib out of his side and filled its place with flesh instead. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and should cleave to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh. That which God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Thou Who blessed Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob in his marriage, Who sanctifies all those who are joined with a blessing, do Thou now, O Master, Lord, look down upon Thy servants “Mm” and “Ww” his helper. Confirm their union, keep their bed pure, overshadow them and their home with Thine invincible right hand. Save them from all envy and all treachery. Keep them in oneness of heart and peace. Grant them joy and happiness , that they may present to Thee, O living God, living fruit of the womb. Bless them as Thou hast blessed Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca and Jacob in his marriage.
As for the men and the women who are in this place with us, bless them in the name of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, Through Whom is due unto Thee glory, with Him and the Holy Spirit, Now and at all times and unto the age of all ages. Amen.
Deacons:
Priest:
Incline Thine ear, O Lord, and hear us, we sinners and unworthy. Confirm the union of Thy servants “Mm” and “Ww” his helper. Save them from all evil. Let them live long with abundance of days, living in tranquility and piety and patience and humility, blameless and without offence. Enlighten the eyes of their heart and their understanding unto the doing of Thy will at all times ; for Thou art merciful; great is Thy mercy towards all who cry unto Thee, and we offer up to Thee, glory and honour and worship, together with Thy Good father and the Holy Spirit, now and at all times and unto the age of all ages. Amen.
Deacons:
Priest: (holding the oil)
O Master, Lord, God the Pantocrator, the Father of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Who, from the fruit of the sweet olive, didst anoint priests and kings and prophets, we pray and beseech Thee, O Lord, God, Lover of mankind: with a blessing bless this oil, that it may be an oil of sanctification for Thy servants, “Mm” and “Ww”.
The priest continues with these verses. The congregation responds with "Amen" following each:
The priest anoints the bridegroom and the bride with the oil.
Deacons: (While the priest anoints the Bridegroom)
Deacons: (While the priest anoints the Bride)
Priest:
O Lord God of hosts, infinite in Thy mercies and boundless in Thy goodness, receive our prayers; protect Thy servants “Mm” and “Ww” watch over their union, keep their bed pure. Surround us and them with Thine holy angels. Send down upon us from Thy prepared mansion the multitude of Thy compassions. Disperse away the multitude of our transgressions through Thy goodness. And grant unto us that we may dwell in the places of repose that belong to Thy saints in the kingdom of the heavens. Through Thine Only-begotten Son Jesus Christ. Through Whom is due unto Thee glory and honour together with Him and the Holy Spirit, the life-giver, Who is of one essence with Thee, Now and at all times and unto the age of all ages. Amen
The priest, holding the crowns, says the following prayer:
O lord, Who art Holy, Who crownest Thy saints with unfading crowns, Who united in one the heavenly and the earthly, bless now, O our Master, these crowns, which we have prepared to set upon Thy servants. Let them be unto them crowns of glory and honour;
Congregation: Amen.
The priest continues with these verses. The congregation responds with "Amen," following each:
Grant unto Thy servants who shall wear them (that they would be guided by) an angel of peace and would be bound by the bond of love. Save them from all foul thoughts and base desires, and deliver them from all evil burdens and all the assaults of the devil. Let Thy mercy be upon them. Hear the voice of their prayer. Set Thy fear in their heart. Manage their life that they may be without want unto old age.
Make them to rejoice in the sight of sons and daughters, and those to whom they shall give birth, bring them up to be profitable members of Thine One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, firm in the Orthodox faith forever. Guide them in the way of righteousness, through the gracious will of Thy Good Father and the Holy Spirit, now and at all times and the ages of all ages. Amen.
Priest: (As he places the crowns on their heads)
The priest makes the sign of the cross on them, the congregation responds with "Amen,”:
Deacons:
Deacons:
Priest: (making the sign of the holy cross upon the head of the bridegroom)
(Then shall he sign the bride and say):
Deacons: The Chrubim worship Thee, and the Seraphim glorify Thee, proclaiming and saying; Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord in thousands and honoured in myriads; Thou art the incense, O our Saviour, for Thou hast come and saved us. Have mercy on us.
Priest: Now, since you have been present at this blessed hour before the sanctuary of the Lord of Hosts and His holy altar, and in the midst of this Orthodox congregation, you have been joined together and united in the blessedness of matrimony. According to this very law and tradition our Christian fore-fathers, in purity and holiness, were married and joined in blessed matrimony following the rule of monogamy for procreation. So, you too, ought to recognize each other’s rights, and submit yourselves to one another. Let each one of you be honest to the other, even as Saint Paul said, “The wife has no power over her own body but the husband, and likewise also the husband has no power over his own body but the wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:4)
Deacons: My own peace, which I have received from My Father I leave unto you, now and forever
Deacon: Receive O groom, your bride; she’s yours: Jesus Christ hath given her to you: and at the hands of the priest handed her to you: and blessed you both by His Holy Name.
Congregation: Lord have mercy (3)
The priest hands over the groom and the bride to one another.
Priest: (Addressing the Bridegroom)
Deacons:
Deacon: Listen, O bride, and incline your ears: Forsake your people and your father's house: For the bridegroom desires your chastity: He is your husband and worthy to be heard.
Congregation: Lord have mercy (3)
Priest: (Addressing the bride)
Deacons: O King of Peace, give us Thy peace, establish for us Thy peace, and forgive us our sins.
Deacon: A holy matrimony and a solemn crowning: you have blessed, O priest of Emmanuel: May the blessing of the wedding of Cana of Galilee: dwell upon “Mm” the groom and “Ww” the bride.
Congregation: Lord have mercy. (3)
Priest: May God bless you, my son, and your wife, as He blessed Noah and his wife, when they came out of the ark to start a new life through their offspring; and as He blessed Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob in his marriage. May the blessings of our Lord, exalted be His Name, which dwelt in the wedding of Cana of Galilee, dwell upon you and your home, keep you in harmony, maintain the spiritual love in your hearts, and grant you a long peaceful life and blessed children.
May He accept from us the prayers of this blessed crowning, give us the incorruptible instead of the corruptible and the heavenly instead of earthly and forgive us our sins and lapses, and secure us against the schemes and hostilities of Satan, the evil one. May He support our Government, keep the attending congregation by His mighty hand all the days of their life, confer prosperity upon their homes, deliver them from temptations of the enemy, and grant them the serene heavenly joy; through the intercessions of our lady, the Lady of us all, the pride of our race, the pure Virgin, the mother of salvation, the immaculate and most highly favoured amongst all humans, St. Mary, and the great saint St. Mark the Apostle and Evangelist, and all the righteous martyrs and the pure saints. Amen.
Congregation: Our Father Who art in heaven; hollowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread (or: the morrow’s bread). And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, in Christ Jesus, our Lord. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever. Amen.
(The priest looks eastward and prays the first two absolutions of the Son)
Congregation: In Christ Jesus, Our Lord
Deacon: Bow your heads to the Lord
Congregation: Before Thee, O Lord
Deacon: Let us attend with the fear of God
Priest: Peace be with all
Congregation: And with your spirit
Priest: (Bowing his head and looking towards the west)
Master, Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son and Logos of God the Father, Who has broken every bond of our sins through His saving, life-giving sufferings; Who breathed into the face of His holy Disciples and saintly Apostles, and said to them, “Receive ye the Holy Spirit. Whose sins ye will remit, they are remitted to them, and those which ye will retain, they shall be retained.” Thou also now, our Master, through Thine holy Apostles, hast given grace to those who for a time laboured in the priesthood in Thine Holy Church, to forgive sin upon the earth, and to bind and to loose every bond of iniquity. Now, also, we ask and entreat Thy Goodness, Lover of mankind, for Thy servants,
+ my fathers, and my brethren, + and my weakness;
those who bow their heads before Thine Holy Glory. Dispense unto us Thy mercy, and loose every bond of our sins, and, if we have committed any sin against Thee, knowingly or unknowingly, or through anguish of heart, or in deed, or in word, or from faint-heartedness, do Thou, the Master, Who knows the weakness of men, as a Good one, and a Lover of mankind, O God, grant us the forgiveness of our sins;
+ bless us, purify us; + make us absolved, and all Thy people absolved. Fill us with Thy fear, and straighten us unto Thine holy, good will, for Thou art our God, (and) the glory, and the honour, and the dominion, and the adoration are due to Thee, together with Thy Good Father and the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver, Who is of One Essence with thee, now, and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen.
Congregation: Lord have mercy (3)
Amen. Alleluia. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now, and forever, and to the age of ages. Amen.
We proclaim and say, “O our Lord, Jesus Christ, bless the air of heaven, bless the waters of the river, bless the seeds and the herbs; may Thy mercy and Thy peace be a fortress onto Thy people.” Save us and have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord bless. Amen. Bless me. Lo, metanoia. Forgive me. Say the blessing.
Priest: May God have compassion upon us, bless us, manifest His face upon us, and have mercy upon us. Lord, save Thy people, bless Thine inheritance, pasture them, and raise them up forever. Exalt the horn of the Christians through the power of the life-giving Cross, through the supplications and prayers which our Lady, the Lady of us all, the holy Mother of God, Saint Mary, makes for us; and (those of) the three great, holy Luminaries, Michael, Gabriel and Rafael, and the four Incorporeal Beasts, and the twenty four Priests, and all the heavenly ranks, and Saint John the Baptist, and the Hundred and Forty Four Thousand, and our lords, the fathers, the Apostles, and the Three Holy Youths, and Saint Stephen, and the Divinely-Inspired Evangelist, Mark, the holy Apostle and martyr, and Saint George, and Saint Theodore, and Philopateer Mercurius, and the holy Abba Mena, and the whole choir of martyrs, and our righteous father, the great Abba Antony, and the righteous Abba Paul, and the three holy Abba Macarii, and our father Abba John, and our father abba Pishoi, and our father Abba Paul, the man of Tammoh, and our Roman fathers, Maximus and Domitius, and our father Abba Moses, and the Forty Nine Martyrs, and the whole choir of the cross-bearers, and the just and righteous, and all the Wise Virgins, and the angel of this blessed day, and the blessing of the holy Mother of God, first and last. May their holy blessing, and their grace, and their might, and their favour, and their love, and their help, be with us all, forever, Amen.
Priest: O Christ is our Lord
Congregation: Amen. So be it
Priest: O Christ our God, King of peace, grant us Thy peace, establish for us Thy peace, and forgive us our sins. For Thine is the power, the glory, the blessing, and the might for ever. Amen. Our Father Who art in heaven..
Priest: And now, may the love of God the Father, and the grace of His Only-Begotten Son, Our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and the communion and the gifts of the Holy Spirit be with you.
Go in peace. The Lord be with you all.
Deacons: (Leading the wedded in a procession onto the narthex)
+ + +
THE LITURGY OF HOLY MATRIMONY
The service begins with a procession with the future bride and groom, led by the chanters, readers, subdeacons, deacons and priests walking together from the west doors of the nave, towards the chancel. During this procession, the following hymn is sung:
THE HYMN OF KING OF PEACE
O King of Peace, give us Thy peace, establish for us Thy peace, and forgive us our sins.
Disperse the enemies of the Church. Fortify Her that She may not be shaken forever.
Emmanuel, our God is now in our midst, in the glory of His Father, and the Holy Spirit.
May He bless us all, purify our hearts and heal the sicknesses of our souls and bodies.
We worship Thee, O Christ, with Thy Good Father and the Holy Spirit, for Thou hast come and saved us. (Have mercy on us)
DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE
After the procession, the bride sits at the right hand of the bridegroom (see Psalm45:9). Then the priest takes the wedding rings and blesses them as he declares the wedding:
Priest:
In the Name of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we declare the marriage of the blessed son of Orthodoxy, “Mm”, to the blessed daughter of Orthodoxy, “Ww”.
He makes the sign of the cross upon himself, then upon the rings saying:
In the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; One God.
Blessed be God the Father, the Pantocrator. Amen.
Congregation: Amen. Our Father who art in Heaven.....
Priest:
In the Name of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we declare the marriage of the blessed daughter of Orthodoxy, “Ww”, to the blessed son of Orthodoxy, “Mm”.
He makes the sign of the cross upon the rings saying:
Blessed be His Only-Begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Congregation: Amen. Our Father who art in Heaven.....
Priest:
In the Name of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we declare the marriage of the blessed son of Orthodoxy, “Mm”, to the blessed daughter of Orthodoxy, “Ww”.
He makes the sign of the cross upon the rings saying:
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. Amen.
Congregation: Amen. Our Father who art in Heaven.....
Priest: Glory and honour, honour and glory to the All-Holy Trinity; the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now, and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
(In the joyful tune)Priest: Pray.
Deacon: Stand up for prayer.
Priest: Peace be with all.
Congregation: And with your spirit.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the beneficent and merciful God, the Father of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. For He has covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to Him, spared us, supported us, and has brought us to this hour. Let us also ask Him, the Lord our God, the Pantocrator, to guard us in all peace this holy day and all the days of our life.
Deacon: Pray.
Congregation: Lord have mercy.
Priest: O Master, Lord, God the Pantocrator, the Father of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we thank Thee for everything, concerning everything, and in everything. For Thou hast covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to Thee, spared us, supported us, and hast brought us to this hour.
Deacon: Pray that God have mercy and compassion on us, hear us, help us, and accept the supplications and prayers of His saints, for that which is good, on our behalf, at all times; and forgive us our sins.
Congregation: Lord have mercy.
Priest:
Therefore, we ask and entreat Thy Goodness, O Lover of mankind, grant us to complete this holy day, and all the days of our life, in all peace with Thy fear.
All envy, all temptation, all the work of Satan, the counsel of wicked men and the rising up of enemies, hidden and manifest, take them away from us, and from all Thy people, and from this bridegroom and his bride, and from this holy place that is Thine.
But those things which are good and profitable do Thou provide for us, for it is Thou Who has given us the authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. By the grace, compassion and love of mankind, of Thine Only-Begotten Son, our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Through Whom the glory, the honour, the dominion, and the adoration are due unto Thee, with Him and the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver, Who is of One Essence with Thee, now, and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen.
Deacons: (The priest offers incense while the deacons sing the following cymbals’ verses:)
Hail to the bride-chamber adorned with many sorts, of the True Bridegroom, Who has joined (Himself to) humanity.
That we may praise Thee, with Thy Good Father and the Holy Spirit, for Thou hast come and saved us. (Have mercy on us.)
PRAYER OF MATRIMONIAL PLEDGE
Priest:O God Who formed man with Thine hands alone, and gave him his wife to be a helpmeet and support to him, be Thou now, our Master an advocate unto this couple, (the priest makes the sign of the cross upon their foreheads)
+ the bridegroom; “Mm” + and his helpmeet; “Ww”Unite them in the pledge of true fellowship; and give them a token of the symbol of their union, that they may be one in the bonds of love; saying unto them, “My peace I give unto you, My peace I leave with you.” For Thou art the peace of us all, and unto Thee we offer up the glory and the honour, together with Thine Only begotten Son and the Holy Spirit the life-giver, now and at all times and unto the age of all ages. Amen.
Deacons: O Christ Logos of the Father: the Only-begotten God: give unto us Thy peace: this which is full of all joy.
Congregation: Lord have mercy (3)
Priest: (Saying the following prayer upon the garments)
O Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who adorned the heavens with the stars and manifested the earth in the beauty of flowers bearing fruits of diverse kinds, Who has bestowed on mankind heavenly things, and hast given unto them the comforts of the earth. Do Thou, now O Good One and Lover of mankind, (here shall he make the sign of the cross)
+ We entreat Thee, bless these garments which are set forth,Keep them pure in soul, body and spirit. Let their life be spent in peace and happiness through the doing of righteousness. Bestow upon them the enjoyment of the things of heaven and the things of earth. May they be rich in the works of righteousness; their houses and their stores fill them with every good thing. May they be worthy to do Thy will at all times. For Thou art merciful, plenteous in compassion and righteousness. And unto Thee is due the glory with Thy Good Father, and the Holy Spirit the Life giver. Who is of One Essence with Thee, now, and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen.
+ That they may be unto Thy servants garments of glory and salvation,
+ garments of joy and gladness,
The priest puts the cope on the bridegroom. He also put the rings on the bride and the groom.
Deacons:
With a spiritual Garment, Archangel Michael was clothed. And with a girdle of pearls, Archangel Michael was girt.
With the garment of chastity, this bridegroom is clothed. And the crown of gladness is set upon his head.
As David the king and psalmist has said; glory and honour hast Thou given for a crown upon him
Thou hast overtaken him with the blessing of Thy goodness. Thou hast set upon him a crown of precious stones
He asked life of Thee, O Lord, and Thou hast given him the length of days forever. Amen.
THE HYMN OF THE CENSER
Deacons:This censer of pure gold, bearing the aroma, is in the hands of Aaron the priest, offering up incense on the altar.
We worship Thee, O Christ, with Thy good Father and the Holy spirit, for Thou hast come and saved us
THE PAULENE EPISTLE (Ephesians 5:22-6:3)
Reader:A chapter from the Epistle of our teacher Paul to the Ephesians. His blessing be upon us. Amen.
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church; and He is the Saviour of the body. Therefore, as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for It; that He might sanctify and cleanse It with the washing of water by the word, that He might present It to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that It should be holy and without blemish.
So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the Church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the Church. Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
The grace of God the Father be with you all. Amen.
HYMN OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Deacons:The Spirit, the Paraclete Who came upon the Apostles on the feast of Pentecost, and they spoke in diverse tongues.
It came to pass, when the days of Pentecost were fulfilled, the twelve Apostles were all gathered together.
When the Spirit, the Paraclete came down from heaven, He spread (Himself) upon each one (of them) and they spoke in diverse tongues.
And there came a great fear, and a sound came from heaven and it filled the place where the disciples of Christ were.
And there appeared to them the likeness of tongues of fire, divided upon each one of the honoured disciples.
The Holy Spirit filled the twelve disciples and they spoke in diverse tongues according to the command of the Holy Spirit.
THE HYMN OF THE TRISAGION
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, Who was born of the Virgin, have mercy upon us.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, Who was crucified for us, have mercy on us
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, Who rose from the dead and ascended into the heavens, have mercy on us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to and to the Holy Spirit, both now, and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
THE PRAYER OF THE GOSPEL
Priest: Pray.Deacon: Stand up for prayer.
Priest: Peace be with all.
Congregation: And with your spirit.
Priest:
O Master, Lord, Jesus Christ our God, Who said to His saintly, honoured Disciples and holy Apostles, "Many prophets and righteous men have desired to see the things which you see, and have not seen them, and to hear the things which you hear, and have not heard them. But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear."
May we be worthy to hear and to act (according) to Thine Holy Gospels, through the prayers of Thy saints.
Deacon: Pray for the Holy Gospel.
Congregation: Lord have mercy.
Priest:
Remember also, O our Master, all those who have bidden us to remember them in our supplications and prayers which we offer up unto Thee, O Lord our God.
Those who have already fallen asleep, repose them. Those who are sick, heal them.
For Thou art the life of us all, the salvation of us all, the hope of us all, the healing of us all and the resurrection of us all; and to Thee we send up the glory, and the honour, and the adoration, together with Thy Good Father and the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver, Who is of One Essence with Thee, now, and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen.
Congregation: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Deacon: Stand in the fear of God, let us hear the Holy Gospel.
Priest:
Blessed be He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord. Bless, O Lord, the reading from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew.
Congregation: Glory be to thee O Lord
Reader:
Stand with the fear of God, let us hear the holy Gospel. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew. His blessings.....
Congregation: Be upon us Amen.
Priest: Our Lord God, Saviour, and King of us all. Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Glory be to Him forever… Glory is God's.
Congregation: Glory be to thee O Lord.
PSALM
Psalm 19:5 & 128:3Reader:
From the Psalms of David, the Prophet and King. His blessings be upon us. Amen.
As a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.Congregation: Alleluia.
Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
GOSPEL READING
Matthew 19:1-6Reader:
Blessed is He Who cometh in the Name of the Lord. Our Lord, God, Saviour, and King of us all, Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God to Whom is Glory.....
Congregation: Forever, Amen.
Reader:
And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, He departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judea beyond Jordan; and great multitudes followed Him; and He healed them there. The Pharisees also came unto Him, tempting Him, and saying unto Him, "Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?"
And He answered and said unto them, "Have ye not read, that He which made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh’? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."
Congregation: Glory to Thee, O Lord.
Deacons:
Those whom the Holy Spirit has attuned together like a harp, they praise God at all times.
In Psalms and praises and spiritual songs, day and night with a heart that keeps not silent.
THE LITANY
Priest: chants these verses and the congregation responds with "Lord have mercy," following each one:+ O Lord, God, the Pantocrator, Who art in heaven, the God of our Fathers; we pray Thee, O Lord: hear us and have mercy upon us.
+ Thou Who hast created the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is therein, and hast adorned them in Thy wisdom; we pray Thee, O Lord: hear us and have mercy upon us.
+ Thou Who hast made man after Thy likeness and Thine image, and placed him in the Paradise of Joy; we pray Thee, O Lord: hear us and have mercy upon us.
+ Thou Who hast formed woman from the rib of Adam, and gave her unto him for an helpmeet for him; we pray Thee, O Lord: hear us and have mercy upon us.
+ Thou Who blessed Abraham and Sarah, and united her to him as a wife, and gave unto him the rank of Patriarch; we pray Thee, O Lord: hear us and have mercy upon us.
+ Thou Who preserved Isaac, and joined him to Rebecca, and saved him from his enemies; we pray Thee, O Lord: hear us and have mercy upon us.
+ Thou Who blessed Jacob in his marriage and made him an heir of the promise; we pray Thee, O Lord: hear us and have mercy upon us.
+ Thou Who exalted Joseph, and joined him to Asenath, and through him did nourish all the land of Egypt; we pray Thee, O Lord: hear us and have mercy upon us.
+ Thou Who deigned in the last days to be born of a virgin, and gave light to the race for men; we pray Thee, O Lord: hear us and have mercy upon us.
+ Thou Who was present at the wedding of Cana of Galilee, bless this wedding even as Thou hast blessed that wedding; we pray Thee, O Lord: hear us and have mercy upon us
+ Thou Who came into the wedding of Cana of Galilee and blessed the wedding there, and changed the water into wine by the power of Thy Godhead, bless and overshadow this union of Thy servants, “Mm” and “Ww”. Keep them in peace, unity and love, and guard them, We pray Thee, O Lord: hear us and have mercy upon us.
+ O Beneficent and Merciful One, plenteous in goodness and compassion, make us O Lord, (worthy to) glorify Thy goodness, O Lover of Mankind. We pray Thee, O Lord: hear us and have mercy upon us.
Deacons: O Christ Logos of the Father: the Only-begotten God: give unto us Thy peace: this which is full all of joy.
THE THREE SHORT PRAYERS
The priest says the Three Short Prayers for Peace, the Fathers and the Congregations.Deacon: In the wisdom of God, let us attend. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. In truth…
THE ORTHODOX CREED
We believe in one God, God the Father, the Pantocrator, Who created heaven and earth, and all things seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; True God of True God; begotten, not created; of One Essence with the Father; by whom all things were made; Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and of the Virgin Mary, and became Man.
And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; suffered and was buried; and on the third day He rose from the dead, according to the Scriptures; ascended into the heavens; He sits at the right hand of His Father; and He is coming again in His glory to judge the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end.
Yes, we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord the Giver of Life, Who comes forth from the Father; Who, with the Father and Son, is worshipped and glorified; Who spoke by the prophets.
And in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, we confess one Baptism for the remission of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the coming age. Amen.
THE FIRST PRAYER FOR MARRIAGE
Priest:O God, Who abides forever without beginning, to Whose wisdom there is no bound, and to Thy power no limit, Who made man from the earth and formed him. Who gave unto him woman from his rib and joined her to him as a helpmeet for him, inasmuch as it pleased Thy Godhead and Thy goodness that it is not good for man to be alone. We now beseech Thee, O our Master, join Thy servants “Mm” and “Ww” that they may be joined together in one flesh. Let them enter into the law of happiness; let them abide in sound doctrine. Bestow upon them living fruit of the womb, that they may have joy in good offspring and peaceful times. Set them in readiness for all good works in Christ Jesus our Lord. Through Whom the glory, the honour, the dominion, and the adoration are due unto Thee, with Him and the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver, Who is of One Essence with Thee, now, and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen.
Deacons:
As Thou hast given unto Thine holy Apostles, likewise say unto us, My peace I give to you.
The gate which is in the East, is the Virgin Mary, the pure bride- chamber of the pure Bridegroom.
THE SECOND PRAYER FOR MARRIAGE
Priest:O Lord our God, creator of all natures, Who formed Man from the earth, and Who hast joined unto him a helper from the rib which Thou hast taken from him, and hast joined them in the union of matrimony for the life and the unfailing increase of the human race. Thou hast said unto them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and have dominion over it.” Thou also, O Good One and Lover of mankind, bless the union of Thy servants “Mm” and “Ww”, who had been joined together according to Thy will. Bless them and let them increase, even as Thou hast blessed our fore-fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Bless them like Thou hast blessed Abraham and Sarah. Exalt them like Isaac and Rebecca. Let them increase even as Thou hast increased Jacob and his seed. Give them glory even as Thou hast given glory to Joseph in the land of Egypt. Grant them his purity. Make them to increase like Elkana and Anna, whom Thou hast blessed and granted Samuel the faithful prophet. Make them worthy of the good news of Thine holy archangel, like Zacharias and Elizabeth whom Thou hast granted John, the greatest offspring among those born of women, who became the fore-runner of Thine Only-begotten Son. Thou also, O Master and Lord hast blessed Joachim and Anna and didst fashion of them the rational arc, Mary, Mother of God, of whom Thine Only-begotten Son was incarnate and came into the world. He blessed the wedding of Kana of Galilee . Bless Thy servants “Mm” and “Ww” who have been united at this hour. Grant them abundance, wisdom and the blessings of salvation, that they may be found in all piety and all chastity, united in their body and their soul, and become worthy of the blessing which comes from Thee. That they may glorify Thine Holy Name with Thine Only-begotten Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and at all times and unto the age of ages. Amen.
Deacons: (2nd & 3rd Verses are for Virgin Mary)
My own peace, which I have received from My Father, I leave unto you, now and forever.
All the kings of the earth walk in your light, and the nations in your brightness, O Mary the Mother of God.
Solomon calls you in the Song of Songs,
My sister and my love, my true city Jerusalem.
THE THIRD PRAYER FOR MARRIAGE
Priest:
O Lord our God, the Great, the Eternal, Who brought life into being from that which was not, and made the universe by Thy Word. Thou hast formed man with Thy pure hand after Thine own image and likeness. Out of the one Thou hast made the other, saying, “it is not good for man to be alone”. Thou didst bring a deep sleep upon Adam , and he slumbered, and Thou didst take a rib out of his side and filled its place with flesh instead. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and should cleave to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh. That which God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Thou Who blessed Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob in his marriage, Who sanctifies all those who are joined with a blessing, do Thou now, O Master, Lord, look down upon Thy servants “Mm” and “Ww” his helper. Confirm their union, keep their bed pure, overshadow them and their home with Thine invincible right hand. Save them from all envy and all treachery. Keep them in oneness of heart and peace. Grant them joy and happiness , that they may present to Thee, O living God, living fruit of the womb. Bless them as Thou hast blessed Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca and Jacob in his marriage.
As for the men and the women who are in this place with us, bless them in the name of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, Through Whom is due unto Thee glory, with Him and the Holy Spirit, Now and at all times and unto the age of all ages. Amen.
Deacons:
Forget not Thy covenant, Which Thou hast established with our fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Thy saints.
O angel of this day, flying up high with this hymn,
remember us before the Lord, that he may forgive us our sins.
You are brighter than the sun, you are the sunrise,
towards which the righteous, look with joy and rejoicing.
PRAYER OF SUBMISSION
Priest:
Incline Thine ear, O Lord, and hear us, we sinners and unworthy. Confirm the union of Thy servants “Mm” and “Ww” his helper. Save them from all evil. Let them live long with abundance of days, living in tranquility and piety and patience and humility, blameless and without offence. Enlighten the eyes of their heart and their understanding unto the doing of Thy will at all times ; for Thou art merciful; great is Thy mercy towards all who cry unto Thee, and we offer up to Thee, glory and honour and worship, together with Thy Good father and the Holy Spirit, now and at all times and unto the age of all ages. Amen.
Deacons:
May God bless us and let us praise His Holy name. May His praise always be, in our mouth at all times
Blessed be the Father and the Son and the holy Spirit, The perfect Trinity, we worship Him and glorify Him.
THE BLESSING OF THE OIL
Priest: (holding the oil)
O Master, Lord, God the Pantocrator, the Father of our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Who, from the fruit of the sweet olive, didst anoint priests and kings and prophets, we pray and beseech Thee, O Lord, God, Lover of mankind: with a blessing bless this oil, that it may be an oil of sanctification for Thy servants, “Mm” and “Ww”.
The priest continues with these verses. The congregation responds with "Amen" following each:
+ A weapon of truth and righteousness;To the glory and honour of Thine Holy Name, with Thine Only-Begotten Son, and the Holy Life-Giving Spirit, Co-Essential with Thee, now and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen.
+ An anointing of purification and incorruption;
+ A light, and an unfading beauty;
+ For rejoicing and true adornment;
+ For might, deliverance and victory against all the workings of the adversary;
+ For renewal and salvation of their soul, their body and their spirit;
+ For wealth and the fruit of good works.
The priest anoints the bridegroom and the bride with the oil.
Deacons: (While the priest anoints the Bridegroom)
May this oil drive away demons, may this oil avail against evil spirits. May this oil be of the good spirits, may this oil avail against the assaults of the unclean spirits. Through Jesus Christ the King of Glory.
Blessed be the Father and the Son and the holy Spirit, The perfect Trinity, we worship Him and glorify Him.
Deacons: (While the priest anoints the Bride)
Thou hast anointed my head with oil, and Thy cup inebriates me like strong wine.
Thy mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
All nations shall bless them, saying, so be it (Amen)
The Lord hath sent forth His angel and took me from my father's sheep, and anointed me with the oil of His anointing.
My brethren are comely and great, they shall bless me, saying, so be it, so be it (Amen)
Blessed be the Father and the Son and the holy Spirit, The perfect Trinity, we worship Him and glorify Him
Priest:
O Lord God of hosts, infinite in Thy mercies and boundless in Thy goodness, receive our prayers; protect Thy servants “Mm” and “Ww” watch over their union, keep their bed pure. Surround us and them with Thine holy angels. Send down upon us from Thy prepared mansion the multitude of Thy compassions. Disperse away the multitude of our transgressions through Thy goodness. And grant unto us that we may dwell in the places of repose that belong to Thy saints in the kingdom of the heavens. Through Thine Only-begotten Son Jesus Christ. Through Whom is due unto Thee glory and honour together with Him and the Holy Spirit, the life-giver, Who is of one essence with Thee, Now and at all times and unto the age of all ages. Amen
THE BLESSING OF THE CROWNS
The priest, holding the crowns, says the following prayer:
O lord, Who art Holy, Who crownest Thy saints with unfading crowns, Who united in one the heavenly and the earthly, bless now, O our Master, these crowns, which we have prepared to set upon Thy servants. Let them be unto them crowns of glory and honour;
Congregation: Amen.
The priest continues with these verses. The congregation responds with "Amen," following each:
+ Crowns of blessing and salvation;
+ Crowns of joy and gladness;
+ Crowns of happiness and rejoicing;
+ Crowns of virtue and righteousness;
+ Crowns of wisdom and understanding;
+ Crowns of comfort and strength.
Grant unto Thy servants who shall wear them (that they would be guided by) an angel of peace and would be bound by the bond of love. Save them from all foul thoughts and base desires, and deliver them from all evil burdens and all the assaults of the devil. Let Thy mercy be upon them. Hear the voice of their prayer. Set Thy fear in their heart. Manage their life that they may be without want unto old age.
Make them to rejoice in the sight of sons and daughters, and those to whom they shall give birth, bring them up to be profitable members of Thine One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, firm in the Orthodox faith forever. Guide them in the way of righteousness, through the gracious will of Thy Good Father and the Holy Spirit, now and at all times and the ages of all ages. Amen.
Priest: (As he places the crowns on their heads)
+ Set, O Lord, upon Thy servants, crowns of grace invincible; Amen.
+ Crowns of high and great glory; Amen.
+ Crowns of good and insuperable faith; and bless all their works. Amen
For Thou art the Giver of all good things, O Christ our God, and glory and honour are due unto Thee, with Thy Good Father, and the Holy Life-Giving Spirit, Co-Essential with Thee, now and at all times....
The priest makes the sign of the cross on them, the congregation responds with "Amen,”:
+ Crown them with glory and honour, O Father.
+ Bless them, O Only-Begotten Son.
+ Sanctify them, O Holy Spirit.
Deacons:
In the Name of the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Holy and Co-Essential Trinity. Worthy, Worthy, Worthy is the bridegroom and his helper
Deacons:
Unfading crowns, the Lord has set, upon this bridegroom of Jesus Christ
Shine, Shine, O bridegroom, and your true bride, which is in your prepared mansion.
Take the joy and the gift of God, which Christ our God has given unto you.
Go in joy to your bride-chamber, which is adorned with many sorts.
BLESSING PRAYERS FOR THE GROOM & THE BRIDE
Priest: (making the sign of the holy cross upon the head of the bridegroom)
He Who blessed our father Adam, and Noah and Abraham and Moses in the Land of Median, blesses you O bridegroom and your helper.
He Who blessed Isaac the beloved and Abel the first righteous man, and Solomon and his father David, blesses you O bridegroom and your helper.
He Who blessed our father Jacob and Job the righteous, blesses you seven folds O bridegroom and your helper.
(Then shall he sign the bride and say):
He Who blessed our father Adam and Eve, and Abraham and Sarah and Isaac and Rebecca, blesses this marriage.
He Who blessed Jacob in his marriage and Anna the mother of Samuel, blesses this marriage.
He Who blessed Joseph and Asenath, and Zacharias and Elizabeth, and Mary the Mother of the Bride-groom and all the blessed women, blesses this marriage.
Deacons: The Chrubim worship Thee, and the Seraphim glorify Thee, proclaiming and saying; Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord in thousands and honoured in myriads; Thou art the incense, O our Saviour, for Thou hast come and saved us. Have mercy on us.
HANDING OVER THE WEDDED TO ONE ANOTHER
Priest: Now, since you have been present at this blessed hour before the sanctuary of the Lord of Hosts and His holy altar, and in the midst of this Orthodox congregation, you have been joined together and united in the blessedness of matrimony. According to this very law and tradition our Christian fore-fathers, in purity and holiness, were married and joined in blessed matrimony following the rule of monogamy for procreation. So, you too, ought to recognize each other’s rights, and submit yourselves to one another. Let each one of you be honest to the other, even as Saint Paul said, “The wife has no power over her own body but the husband, and likewise also the husband has no power over his own body but the wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:4)
Deacons: My own peace, which I have received from My Father I leave unto you, now and forever
Deacon: Receive O groom, your bride; she’s yours: Jesus Christ hath given her to you: and at the hands of the priest handed her to you: and blessed you both by His Holy Name.
Congregation: Lord have mercy (3)
The priest hands over the groom and the bride to one another.
THE ADMONITION
Priest: (Addressing the Bridegroom)
My blessed son, “Mm”, supported by the grace of the Holy Spirit; take unto yourself your wife “Ww”, at this blessed hour, in good will, purity of heart and in sincerity. Strive to do all that is good for her. Be affectionate to her. Make haste to do all that pleases her heart. Take care of her as her parents did. You have been crowned by this heavenly marriage and this spiritual Mystery of Matrimony, and the grace of God has dwelt upon both of you.
Remember, that if you fulfill these commandments, the Lord will guide you in all that you do, increase your livelihood, grant you blessed children that will gratify you, and grant you a long and peaceful life, and reward you on earth and in heaven.
Deacons:
Hear my daughter, behold, give ear:
forget your people and your father’s house:
for the King desires your beauty:
for he is your Lord.
Hear O bride and understand
Incline you ears (to what I say)
The bridegroom desires your goodness
He is your man and worthy to be heard
Deacon: Listen, O bride, and incline your ears: Forsake your people and your father's house: For the bridegroom desires your chastity: He is your husband and worthy to be heard.
Congregation: Lord have mercy (3)
Priest: (Addressing the bride)
My blessed daughter, the happy bride, “Ww”, you have heard what was said to your husband; take it to yourself too. Honour and respect him, be steadfast in submitting to him, even more than what was commanded of him. Today, as you start to be with him alone and as he becomes responsible for you after your parents, you ought to receive him with joy and gladness. Do not frown at his face or ignore any of his rights upon you, and fear God in all your dealings with him. For God hath commanded you to submit and be obedient to him, as you were to your parents. Deal with him as our mother Sarah, who obeyed Abraham, and in love called him ‘Master’, and both were blessed by the promises. God also looked upon her obedience, blessed her, gave her Isaac in her old age, and made her offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand on the seashore.
So, if you listen to what we have instructed you, and follow all these commandments, the Lord will guide your life, increase your livelihood, confer blessings upon your house, and grant you blessed children that will gratify you.
Deacons: O King of Peace, give us Thy peace, establish for us Thy peace, and forgive us our sins.
Deacon: A holy matrimony and a solemn crowning: you have blessed, O priest of Emmanuel: May the blessing of the wedding of Cana of Galilee: dwell upon “Mm” the groom and “Ww” the bride.
Congregation: Lord have mercy. (3)
THE FINAL BLESSING
The bridegroom and the bride kneel before the altar to receive the final blessing:Priest: May God bless you, my son, and your wife, as He blessed Noah and his wife, when they came out of the ark to start a new life through their offspring; and as He blessed Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob in his marriage. May the blessings of our Lord, exalted be His Name, which dwelt in the wedding of Cana of Galilee, dwell upon you and your home, keep you in harmony, maintain the spiritual love in your hearts, and grant you a long peaceful life and blessed children.
May He accept from us the prayers of this blessed crowning, give us the incorruptible instead of the corruptible and the heavenly instead of earthly and forgive us our sins and lapses, and secure us against the schemes and hostilities of Satan, the evil one. May He support our Government, keep the attending congregation by His mighty hand all the days of their life, confer prosperity upon their homes, deliver them from temptations of the enemy, and grant them the serene heavenly joy; through the intercessions of our lady, the Lady of us all, the pride of our race, the pure Virgin, the mother of salvation, the immaculate and most highly favoured amongst all humans, St. Mary, and the great saint St. Mark the Apostle and Evangelist, and all the righteous martyrs and the pure saints. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER & END OF SERVICE
Congregation: Our Father Who art in heaven; hollowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread (or: the morrow’s bread). And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, in Christ Jesus, our Lord. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever. Amen.
(The priest looks eastward and prays the first two absolutions of the Son)
Congregation: In Christ Jesus, Our Lord
Deacon: Bow your heads to the Lord
Congregation: Before Thee, O Lord
Deacon: Let us attend with the fear of God
Priest: Peace be with all
Congregation: And with your spirit
Priest: (Bowing his head and looking towards the west)
Master, Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son and Logos of God the Father, Who has broken every bond of our sins through His saving, life-giving sufferings; Who breathed into the face of His holy Disciples and saintly Apostles, and said to them, “Receive ye the Holy Spirit. Whose sins ye will remit, they are remitted to them, and those which ye will retain, they shall be retained.” Thou also now, our Master, through Thine holy Apostles, hast given grace to those who for a time laboured in the priesthood in Thine Holy Church, to forgive sin upon the earth, and to bind and to loose every bond of iniquity. Now, also, we ask and entreat Thy Goodness, Lover of mankind, for Thy servants,
+ my fathers, and my brethren, + and my weakness;
those who bow their heads before Thine Holy Glory. Dispense unto us Thy mercy, and loose every bond of our sins, and, if we have committed any sin against Thee, knowingly or unknowingly, or through anguish of heart, or in deed, or in word, or from faint-heartedness, do Thou, the Master, Who knows the weakness of men, as a Good one, and a Lover of mankind, O God, grant us the forgiveness of our sins;
+ bless us, purify us; + make us absolved, and all Thy people absolved. Fill us with Thy fear, and straighten us unto Thine holy, good will, for Thou art our God, (and) the glory, and the honour, and the dominion, and the adoration are due to Thee, together with Thy Good Father and the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver, Who is of One Essence with thee, now, and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen.
Congregation: Lord have mercy (3)
Amen. Alleluia. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now, and forever, and to the age of ages. Amen.
We proclaim and say, “O our Lord, Jesus Christ, bless the air of heaven, bless the waters of the river, bless the seeds and the herbs; may Thy mercy and Thy peace be a fortress onto Thy people.” Save us and have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord bless. Amen. Bless me. Lo, metanoia. Forgive me. Say the blessing.
Priest: May God have compassion upon us, bless us, manifest His face upon us, and have mercy upon us. Lord, save Thy people, bless Thine inheritance, pasture them, and raise them up forever. Exalt the horn of the Christians through the power of the life-giving Cross, through the supplications and prayers which our Lady, the Lady of us all, the holy Mother of God, Saint Mary, makes for us; and (those of) the three great, holy Luminaries, Michael, Gabriel and Rafael, and the four Incorporeal Beasts, and the twenty four Priests, and all the heavenly ranks, and Saint John the Baptist, and the Hundred and Forty Four Thousand, and our lords, the fathers, the Apostles, and the Three Holy Youths, and Saint Stephen, and the Divinely-Inspired Evangelist, Mark, the holy Apostle and martyr, and Saint George, and Saint Theodore, and Philopateer Mercurius, and the holy Abba Mena, and the whole choir of martyrs, and our righteous father, the great Abba Antony, and the righteous Abba Paul, and the three holy Abba Macarii, and our father Abba John, and our father abba Pishoi, and our father Abba Paul, the man of Tammoh, and our Roman fathers, Maximus and Domitius, and our father Abba Moses, and the Forty Nine Martyrs, and the whole choir of the cross-bearers, and the just and righteous, and all the Wise Virgins, and the angel of this blessed day, and the blessing of the holy Mother of God, first and last. May their holy blessing, and their grace, and their might, and their favour, and their love, and their help, be with us all, forever, Amen.
Priest: O Christ is our Lord
Congregation: Amen. So be it
Priest: O Christ our God, King of peace, grant us Thy peace, establish for us Thy peace, and forgive us our sins. For Thine is the power, the glory, the blessing, and the might for ever. Amen. Our Father Who art in heaven..
BENEDICTION
Priest: And now, may the love of God the Father, and the grace of His Only-Begotten Son, Our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and the communion and the gifts of the Holy Spirit be with you.
Go in peace. The Lord be with you all.
Deacons: (Leading the wedded in a procession onto the narthex)
Hail to Mary, the queen; the vine which has not decayed, and no one had cultivated, and in it was found the Cluster of Life.
The Son of God in truth was incarnate of the Virgin. She brought Him forth; He saved us and forgave us our sins.
You have found grace, O Bride! Many have spoken of your honour, for the Word (Logos) of God came and was incarnate of you.
Which woman on earth became Mother of God save you? For you, an earthly woman had become a mother to the Creator.
Many women attained honours and obtained the kingdom, but they have not achieved your honour, O fairest among women.
You are the exalted tower in which was found the precious stone; to wit, Emanuel, Who came and dwelt in your womb.
Let us honour the virginity of the blameless Bride, the pure, the all-holy Theotokos Mary.
You are exalted above the heavens and more honoured than earth and all the creation in it, for you became a mother to the Creator.
You are in truth the true pure bride-chamber of Christ; the Bridegroom according to the prophetic sayings.
Intercede on our behalf, O Lady of us all the Mother of God, Mary the Mother of our Saviour, that He may forgive us our sins.
