Wayside Inn, Sudbury, Massachusetts.....The Service of the Crowning - Congratulations Moira and Bill!!

Moira and Bill had a magnificent wedding at the Martha Mary Chapel, and the Longfellow's Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Moira wanted a service that would honor her Greek heritage and the ritual included the Service of the Crowning. This service is highlighted by seven significant acts.

• The Exchange of Rings - symbolizing the unbreakable bond of Christian marriage.
• The Lighted Candles - where the Bride and Groom are given lighted candles to hold to symbolize the purity of their lives which should shine with the light of virtue.
• Joining of the Hands - Three long prayers read to ask God to grant the Bride and Groom a long and peaceful mutual love and understanding, happiness, and health. The right hands are joined and God is called upon to join them into one.
• The Crowning - The crowns are raised and the sign of the cross made three times, over the heads of the bride and groom. after which they are placed on their heads. The crowning signifies the newly crowned married couple receive the grace of the Holy Spirit to be the founders of a new generation as they are crowned with virtue and holiness.
• The Bible Readings - following the crowning, St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians concerning the mystery and holiness of marriage and the duties of the husband and wife to each other; and St. John's gospel of Christ's miracle at the Marriage of Canna that shows how our Lord blessed the sacred institution of marriage.
• The Common Cup - Drinking from the "common cup" symbolizes that a couple must share every joy and sorrow. The bride and groom must each drink from it three times.
• Circling the Table - The bride and groom are led by the Minister around the table or altar 3 times. By circling, the couple signifies their oath to preserve this marriage bond forever. The circle symbolizes eternity, the triple circling honors the Holy Spirit. It also symbolizes that they will be following the word of God as they start their lives together.
• Benediction - Finally, after final words of blessing, the crowns are lifted from their heads and the newlyweds thus ending the marriage ceremony.