The sacrament of Holy Matrimony is the sanctification of the union between a man and a woman for a life in marriage in Christ. During the ceremony the rings are blessed, and the couple is crowned as king and queen of their small kingdom, which is their newly established family. They are called to faithfully love each other until the end of their lives and to rule their kingdom with faith and wisdom.
The rite of crowning is followed by the blessing of the common cup. A goblet of wine is blessed in remembrance of the Marriage at Cana of Galilee in the presence of Christ. As the bride and groom drink from the cup they are called on to share everything in life from that moment on.
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For the sacrament of Holy Matrimony to be performed in the Armenian Church, both the bride and the groom must have received a Christian baptism and chrismation. The major sacramental witnesses, or best man and maid of honor, should be baptized and chrismated in the name of the Holy Trinity.
Wedding date: A date shall be set for the solemnization of Holy Matrimony in joint consultation with the Pastor at least three months prior. By Canon Law, no marriage may take place Sunday mornings nor any time during Great Lent or Holy Week. Marriages may be performed any day and at any time except Saturday evenings (after sundown) and early Sunday afternoons.
A couple shall contact Holy Cross Church to confirm availability of the Pastor and sanctuary prior to making or confirming any other wedding arrangements. All weddings are to follow the cannons of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church and the laws of the Province of Quebec. The couple must meet with the Pastor at least once before the wedding date for pre-marital preparation. The church office will make all necessary
arrangements for the deacon, organist and the choir, and will provide the couple with additional details and forms.
“A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
Gen 2:24
Photography and Sound Recording
Photographs may be taken at any time during the ceremony. Still photographers and videographers should exercise caution and maintain decorum during the actual celebration of the sacramental rite. Most importantly, caution should be used by the photographer not to blind the eyes of the Priest, Deacon or any other participant. At no time and nor for any reason can the photographer stand on the steps of the Altar or be at the Altar itself.
guest Clergy
A. If a priest of a different religious tradition to be invited, the Pastor will assign to him those portions he sees fit according to the Canons and traditions of the Armenian Church.
B. If the clergy are to be invited to the reception, an invitation should be sent to them.
Wedding Ceremony Guidelines
Please review the following guidelines
- No marriage can be solemnized outside of the Holy sanctuary A. Both the bridegroom and the bride must have received the Sacraments of Baptism and hrismation (Confirmation). If there is a question in this regard, the pastor must be consulted. If either party is not a member of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church, proper documentation of their Baptism (Baptism Certificate or Letter of Confirmation of Baptism) must be presented to the pastor by the first meeting.
- If either party has been divorced, a copy of the Divorce Judgment Notice or certificate (a good photocopy) must be provided to the pastor.
- No ceremony can be celebrated if it is the intention that a second religious service in another church is to be held.
- Both the bridegroom and the bride must provide a copy of their Birth certificate and a copy of Government ID. Those have Failure to submit the requested documents will forfeit the date chosen.
- Rehearsals shall be arranged by appointment with the Pastor.
Decoration of the Sanctuary guidelines
Please review the following guidelines
- Requests for adorning the church with flowers, lighting, and other appointments must be approved by the pastor.
- No furniture or furnishings of the church may be removed from their respective places.
- Flowers may be placed on the altar table, the floor of the bema (upper sanctuary) and in the chancel, with the exception of the steps leading up to the altar.
- Fixtures such as podiums and stands are allowed but should be placed so as not to obscure the view of the altar from the congregation. The pastor should be informed of such props.
- If flowers are to be taken, the floral arrangements are not to be removed from the altar by any persons other than those designated by the pastor.
- No decorations shall be nailed or screwed to the furnishings nor attached in any way that would damage the church furniture.
- The wedding runner/white carpet can be acquired from the Church office.
- Decorations which do not comply with the above will be removed prior to the service.
How to Request a Wedding Ceremony
For more information about wedding ceremony or to request a service, please contact the church. We will be pleased to answer your questions and assist you with the necessary arrangements.