From the Parish Priest – Fr. Romey Rosco
In my 39 years of priesthood, I have often (yes, often) had to carefully work with a bride (Orthodox or otherwise) who wants to either reject or add something to the Orthodox wedding “service.” It may be a rebellion to St. Paul’s words exhorting wives to “obey their husbands,” or a refusal of my request that the bride and bridesmaids select less revealing gowns to wear in God’s House. An how quick they are to say “But it’s my wedding!” (an attitude that friends and family tend to endorse).
Is this what the Orthodox Church teaches? There are seven sacraments in the life of the Church – seven privileged moments in which we participate in the life and Body of Christ. All of those sacraments are centered on Christ, not on the baby being baptized, not on the confessing penitent, not on the communicant, nor the man being ordained, etc., but on Christ! And it is for the recipients to humbly approach each holy sacrament with preparation, humility and obedience to Him. In Holy Matrimony, Christ unites the couple as one, with Himself.
Yes, every Orthodox wedding marks a special day, but on which the whole Church celebrates Christ, with joy for the chosen couple.
From The Weekly Bulletin, Vol. XLII No. 27, 5 July 2015
Sts. Peter & Paul Romanian Orthodox Church, Dearborn Heights MI
