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HOLY MATRIMONY
The sacrament in which a man and woman solemnly declare before
Christ, and in the presence of the priest, family and congregation,
their love and faithfulness for one another, for life. This sacrament
reveals to us the dignity of the human person when blessed by Christ.
The community comes together to rejoice in this revelation, the
divinization of two persons becoming one in His love, mutually
fulfilling and perfecting one another. The marriage liturgy of the
Ukrainian Catholic Church is rich in ritual and symbolism. We would like
to share with you the essence of these symbols and acts so that you may
join in celebration with us.
Processional (stand)
Psalm 127 (choir)
CANDLES
Candles symbolize the presence of Christ and the spiritual
willingness of the couple to receive His blessings through this
Sacrament.
Litany of Peace
Wedding Prayer
EXCHANGE OF WEDDING RINGS
The Ring is a visible symbol of endless love and union that will
exist between the couple. This exchange of rings by the Bride and Groom
signifies that in married life, the weaknesses of one partner will be
compensated by the strength of the other; that by themselves, the newly
betrothed are incomplete, together they are made perfect.
The Marriage Vows
THE EMBROIDERED RUSHNYK (TOWEL)
The Bride and Groom kneel on an embroidered rushnyk when taking
their vows. The whiteness of the cloth symbolizes the virtue of the
purity with which the couple accepts this Sacrament. The rushnyk also
symbolizes the road of life, which they will walk together.
THE CROWNING
The crowning is the highlight of the wedding service. Crowns,
symbolizing eternal love, are placed on the Bride and Groom's head. The
Bride and Groom are crowned as king and queen of their own home, priests
of the family unit, which they must rule with wisdom, justice and
integrity.
Prokimenon
The Scripture Reading : The first letter of St. Paul to the
Corinthians (5:20-33).
Gospel
Litany
THE COMMON CUP
This cup of wine reminds us of the miracle at Cana and is a sign
of God's blessing of lawful wedlock. It also symbolizes the oneness of
life of the couple a lift which will contain hardship as well as joy,
now to be shared equally by both. In the early Church this cup was the
Communion Chalice and at this point the couple would approach for Holy
Communion, the "Seal" of their marriage in Christ.
Removal of the Crowns and Blessing
THE TRIUMPHANT PROCESSION
This ceremonial walk reminds us that we should center our lives
upon Christ, who is present in the Holy Gospel and His Icon on the
tetrapod. The Priest joins the left hand of the Bride and Groom with an
embroidered rushnyk signifying the union of a man and woman in marriage.
This brief walk comprises the first steps of the couple as husband and
wife; it is fitting that they revolve around Christ. A hymn to the
Mother of God is sung, as well as troparia to the Holy Martyrs, who have
already received their crowns, that they might always intercede for the
couple before the Lord.
THE BLESSING
The Priest removes the crowns, blessing the couple with these
words: "Bridegroom! Be exalted like Abraham, blessed like Isaac and
multiply like Jacob, walking in peace and righteously doing God's
commandments." Then, "And you, 0 Bride! Be exalted like Sarah, gladdened
like Rebecca and multiply like Rachel, being happy with your husband and
keeping the precepts of the La
Welcome
to Helen and Philip's wedding album. 