Holy Matrimony, or the Mystery of Crowning, is a Sacrament of the Church in which a man and a woman become one in a perfect realization of love. According to the Eastern Fathers of the Church, the mystery was instituted by God In Paradise:
"The Lord God said: It is not good for man to be alone, so
I will make him a helper fit for him...so the Lord God
caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he
slept, took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh;
and the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man he
made into a woman and brought her to the man."
Genesis 2:18-22
"And God blessed them, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful
and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it, and have
dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the
air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.'"
Genesis 1:28
"Therefore, a man leaves his father and mother and cleaves
to his wife, and they become one flesh."
Genesis 2:24
The presence of Jesus Christ at the Wedding in Cana of Galilee confirmed the honor, dignity and sanctity of marriage. Steeped in symbolism, our marriage ceremony attempts to express this great mystery, and to manifest the spiritual treasures of our Holy Scriptures and the riches of our Patristic Tradition.
When You Are Contemplating Marriage:
- Call the pastor to inform him of your upcoming event. Make an appointment with him at least one year in advance. The pastor will inform you of records needed.
- Reserve the wedding date with the church at least one year in advance.
- Call the church office at least two months before the wedding to schedule the wedding rehearsal, if not done previously.
- Pre-Cana is required. Pre-Cana classes are conducted the last Saturdays in April and September.
- Please keep in mind that the Sacrament of Marriage is celebrated at St. Ann's on Sundays anytime between 3pm and 6pm. On Saturdays, the ceremony cannot start any later than 2:30pm. Ceremonies can also be held on Friday. Weddings may not be celebrated during Great Lent and Christmas Lent (December 10-24).
- Aisle runners are not used in our church.
- Absolutely NO rice or confetti is to be thrown inside or outside of the church.
- A state marriage license must be obtained within four weeks prior to marriage. Please present license to the clergy no later than the rehearsal night.
- If you desire the priest to go to your reception, do not forget to send him an invitation.
- At the reception, please do not forget to ask your clergy to bless the food.
- After you return from your honeymoon, call the church office to arrange for the "Crown Removal Ceremony" which should take place at the first weekend liturgy upon your return.
