The Betrothal Prayers in the Coptic Orthodox Rite
Prepared by Fr. Jacob B. Nadian
Procession into the Church
The Bridal procession enters the Church and the Singers, Readers, Sub-Deacons, Deacons and Congregation sing the Hymn “O King of Peace” (ie. Epouro):
O King of peace, grant us Your peace, render unto us Your peace, and forgive us our sins.
Disperse the enemies, of the Church, and fortify her, that she may not be shaken forever.
Emmanuel our God, is now in our midst, with the glory of His Father, and the Holy Spirit.
May He bless us all, and purify our hearts, and heal the sicknesses, of our souls and bodies.
We worship You O Christ, with Your Good Father, and the Holy Spirit, for You have (come) and saved us.
Proclamation of the Betrothal
Priest:
In the name of our Lord, our God, and our Savior Jesus Christ, author of the perfect law and founder of the virtuous commandments, we declare at this Orthodox ceremony the betrothal of the blessed Orthodox son (...) to the blessed Orthodox daughter (...).
Priest:
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God. Amen.
Priest:
Blessed be God the Father, the Pantocrator. Amen.
Deacon:
Amen
People:
Our Father Who art in heaven …
Priest:
In the name of our Lord, our God, and our Savior Jesus Christ, author of the perfect law and founder of the virtuous commandments, we declare at this Orthodox ceremony the betrothal of the blessed Orthodox daughter (...) to the blessed Orthodox son (...).
Priest:
Blessed be His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Deacon:
Amen
People:
Our Father Who art in heaven ...
Priest:
In the name of our Lord, our God, and our Savior Jesus Christ, author of the perfect law and founder of the virtuous commandments, we declare at this Orthodox ceremony the betrothal of the blessed Orthodox son (...) to the blessed Orthodox daughter (...).
Priest:
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. Amen.
Deacon:
Amen
People:
Our Father Who art in heaven ...
The Congregation says
Through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Khen PiEkrestos Isos Penshois)
Priest:
Pray.
Deacon:
Stand up for prayer.
Priest:
Peace be with all.
People:
And with your spirit.
The Prayer Of Thanksgiving
Priest:
Let us give thanks to the beneficent and merciful God, the Father of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
For He has covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to Himself, 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.
People:
Lord have mercy.
Priest:
O Master, Lord, God the Pantocrator, the Father of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We thank You for everything, concerning everything, and in everything. For you have covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to Yourself, spared us, supported us, and have 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
(If the Pope or a Bishop is present include the following: And to keep the life and standing of our honored father, Papa Abba (…) and his partner in the liturgy, our father the bishop, Abba (…).)
and to bless the betrothed couple (…) and (…), and forgive us our sins.
People:
Lord have mercy.
Then the priest prays
Priest:
Therefore, We ask and entreat Your goodness, O Lover of mankind, grant us to complete this holy day, and all the days of our life, in all peace with Your 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 Your people, and from this betrothed couple, and from this, Your holy place.
But those things which are good and profitable do provide for us, for it is You who have 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 the evil one.
By the grace, compassion, and love of mankind, of Your only begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. Through Whom the glory, the honor, the dominion, and the worship are due unto You, with Him and the Holy Spirit, the Giver of Life, Who is of one essence with You.
Now and at all times and unto the ages of all ages. Amen.
The Rings
At this point in the service, the rings are exchanged and the engagement document is signed.
Hymn - In The Name Of The Father
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Holy and coessential Trinity.
Worthy, worthy, worthy, St. Mary the Virgin.
Worthy, worthy, worthy are the groom and the bride.
Supplication for the Betrothed Couple
Priest:
O, Lord and true God, the Eternal Word of God, Who engaged man to eternal joy through His glorious Incarnation, amassing faithful souls through the sacrament of His life giving cross, purifying them in the sacred baptismal font, bestowing upon them the gifts of the Holy Spirit and eternal life, becoming for them the Head, the Pastor, and the Supreme Chieftain. We ask of You, O, Good Shepherd, to look after Your servants (...) and (...) so that this engagement may be in accordance with Your wish and Your will, and that our undertaking may end up in happiness and in peace. Amen.
People:
Amen
Blessing of the Betrothed Couple
Priest:
O, God, Who created man with a free will, Who placed him a little below angels, Who adorned him with glory and dignity, Who put him in charge of the work of Your Hands; You did not leave him alone and isolated, saying, “It is not good that man should be alone”, and created Eve to be “a helper comparable to him.” Bless, O Lord, Your servants (...) and (...), keep them and their betrothal pure and legal, bestow upon them the oneness of mind and soul, and grant them a peaceful and spiritual happiness. Amen.
People:
Amen
People:
Our Father Who art in heavens...
Conclusion of the Prayer
People:
Amen. Alleluia: Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit: now and forever and unto the ages of ages: Amen.
We proclaim and say: O our Lord Jesus Christ: bless the air of heaven (bless the waters of the river, or bless the seeds and the herbs.) May your mercy and Your peace be a fortress to Your people. Save us and have mercy on us.
[The following is said if the Pope or a Bishop is present]
You were granted the grace of Moses, the priesthood of Melchizedek: the old age of Jacob, the long life of Methuselah: the excellent understanding of David, the wisdom of Solomon: and the Spirit, the Paraclete who rested upon the apostles.
May the Lord preserve the life and standing of our honored father, the high priest Papa Abba (...)
And our father the metropolitan (bishop), Abba (…) May the God of heaven confirm them on their thrones for many years and peaceful times. And humiliate all their enemies under their feet speedily. Ask Christ on our behalf, to forgive our sins in peace, according to His great mercy.
[Then the Congregation continues]
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord bless, Amen, Bless me, Bless me, Behold, the repentance, Forgive me, Say the blessing.
Priest:
Christ our God
People:
Amen. So be it.
Priest:
O King of Peace, grant us Your peace, establish for us Your peace, and forgive us our sins.
For Yours is the power, the glory, the blessing, and the might, forever. Amen.
Make us worthy to pray thankfully:
People:
Our Father who art in heaven...
Priest:
The love of God the Father; the grace of the only-begotten Son, our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ; and the communion and gift of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Go in peace. The peace of the Lord be with you all.
People:
And with Your spirit.
Procession from the church
O King of peace, grant us Your peace, render unto us Your peace, and forgive us our sins.
Disperse the enemies, of the Church, and fortify her, that she may not be shaken forever.
Emmanuel our God, is now in our midst, with the glory of His Father, and the Holy Spirit.
May He bless us all, and purify our hearts, and heal the sicknesses, of our souls and bodies,
We worship You O Christ, with Your Good Father...
Prepared by Fr. Jacob B. Nadian
Procession into the Church
The Bridal procession enters the Church and the Singers, Readers, Sub-Deacons, Deacons and Congregation sing the Hymn “O King of Peace” (ie. Epouro):
Disperse the enemies, of the Church, and fortify her, that she may not be shaken forever.
Emmanuel our God, is now in our midst, with the glory of His Father, and the Holy Spirit.
May He bless us all, and purify our hearts, and heal the sicknesses, of our souls and bodies.
We worship You O Christ, with Your Good Father, and the Holy Spirit, for You have (come) and saved us.
Proclamation of the Betrothal
Priest:
In the name of our Lord, our God, and our Savior Jesus Christ, author of the perfect law and founder of the virtuous commandments, we declare at this Orthodox ceremony the betrothal of the blessed Orthodox son (...) to the blessed Orthodox daughter (...).
Priest:
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God. Amen.
Priest:
Blessed be God the Father, the Pantocrator. Amen.
Deacon:
Amen
People:
Our Father Who art in heaven …
Priest:
In the name of our Lord, our God, and our Savior Jesus Christ, author of the perfect law and founder of the virtuous commandments, we declare at this Orthodox ceremony the betrothal of the blessed Orthodox daughter (...) to the blessed Orthodox son (...).
Priest:
Blessed be His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Deacon:
Amen
People:
Our Father Who art in heaven ...
Priest:
In the name of our Lord, our God, and our Savior Jesus Christ, author of the perfect law and founder of the virtuous commandments, we declare at this Orthodox ceremony the betrothal of the blessed Orthodox son (...) to the blessed Orthodox daughter (...).
Priest:
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. Amen.
Deacon:
Amen
People:
Our Father Who art in heaven ...
The Congregation says
Through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Khen PiEkrestos Isos Penshois)
Priest:
Pray.
Deacon:
Stand up for prayer.
Priest:
Peace be with all.
People:
And with your spirit.
The Prayer Of Thanksgiving
Priest:
Let us give thanks to the beneficent and merciful God, the Father of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
For He has covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to Himself, 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.
People:
Lord have mercy.
Priest:
O Master, Lord, God the Pantocrator, the Father of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We thank You for everything, concerning everything, and in everything. For you have covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to Yourself, spared us, supported us, and have 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
(If the Pope or a Bishop is present include the following: And to keep the life and standing of our honored father, Papa Abba (…) and his partner in the liturgy, our father the bishop, Abba (…).)
and to bless the betrothed couple (…) and (…), and forgive us our sins.
People:
Lord have mercy.
Then the priest prays
Priest:
Therefore, We ask and entreat Your goodness, O Lover of mankind, grant us to complete this holy day, and all the days of our life, in all peace with Your 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 Your people, and from this betrothed couple, and from this, Your holy place.
But those things which are good and profitable do provide for us, for it is You who have 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 the evil one.
By the grace, compassion, and love of mankind, of Your only begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. Through Whom the glory, the honor, the dominion, and the worship are due unto You, with Him and the Holy Spirit, the Giver of Life, Who is of one essence with You.
Now and at all times and unto the ages of all ages. Amen.
The Rings
At this point in the service, the rings are exchanged and the engagement document is signed.
Hymn - In The Name Of The Father
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Holy and coessential Trinity.
Worthy, worthy, worthy, St. Mary the Virgin.
Worthy, worthy, worthy are the groom and the bride.
Supplication for the Betrothed Couple
Priest:
O, Lord and true God, the Eternal Word of God, Who engaged man to eternal joy through His glorious Incarnation, amassing faithful souls through the sacrament of His life giving cross, purifying them in the sacred baptismal font, bestowing upon them the gifts of the Holy Spirit and eternal life, becoming for them the Head, the Pastor, and the Supreme Chieftain. We ask of You, O, Good Shepherd, to look after Your servants (...) and (...) so that this engagement may be in accordance with Your wish and Your will, and that our undertaking may end up in happiness and in peace. Amen.
People:
Amen
Blessing of the Betrothed Couple
Priest:
O, God, Who created man with a free will, Who placed him a little below angels, Who adorned him with glory and dignity, Who put him in charge of the work of Your Hands; You did not leave him alone and isolated, saying, “It is not good that man should be alone”, and created Eve to be “a helper comparable to him.” Bless, O Lord, Your servants (...) and (...), keep them and their betrothal pure and legal, bestow upon them the oneness of mind and soul, and grant them a peaceful and spiritual happiness. Amen.
People:
Amen
People:
Our Father Who art in heavens...
Conclusion of the Prayer
People:
Amen. Alleluia: Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit: now and forever and unto the ages of ages: Amen.
We proclaim and say: O our Lord Jesus Christ: bless the air of heaven (bless the waters of the river, or bless the seeds and the herbs.) May your mercy and Your peace be a fortress to Your people. Save us and have mercy on us.
[The following is said if the Pope or a Bishop is present]
You were granted the grace of Moses, the priesthood of Melchizedek: the old age of Jacob, the long life of Methuselah: the excellent understanding of David, the wisdom of Solomon: and the Spirit, the Paraclete who rested upon the apostles.
May the Lord preserve the life and standing of our honored father, the high priest Papa Abba (...)
And our father the metropolitan (bishop), Abba (…) May the God of heaven confirm them on their thrones for many years and peaceful times. And humiliate all their enemies under their feet speedily. Ask Christ on our behalf, to forgive our sins in peace, according to His great mercy.
[Then the Congregation continues]
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord bless, Amen, Bless me, Bless me, Behold, the repentance, Forgive me, Say the blessing.
Priest:
Christ our God
People:
Amen. So be it.
Priest:
O King of Peace, grant us Your peace, establish for us Your peace, and forgive us our sins.
For Yours is the power, the glory, the blessing, and the might, forever. Amen.
Make us worthy to pray thankfully:
People:
Our Father who art in heaven...
Priest:
The love of God the Father; the grace of the only-begotten Son, our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ; and the communion and gift of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Go in peace. The peace of the Lord be with you all.
People:
And with Your spirit.
Procession from the church
O King of peace, grant us Your peace, render unto us Your peace, and forgive us our sins.
Disperse the enemies, of the Church, and fortify her, that she may not be shaken forever.
Emmanuel our God, is now in our midst, with the glory of His Father, and the Holy Spirit.
May He bless us all, and purify our hearts, and heal the sicknesses, of our souls and bodies,
We worship You O Christ, with Your Good Father...
