In the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, a man and a woman solemnly vow before Christ, the priest and the congregation to love, respect and cherish each other for life. Therefore, in the Armenian Apostolic faith the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony must be performed in the Church. Through the wedding sacrament husband and wife unite themselves spiritually. The Bible says “What therefore God hath joined together let no man put asunder.” [Matthew 19,6]
The Armenian Wedding Service includes the following:
- Processional to the Front of the Chancel
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Exchange of Vows
- Blessing of the Rings
- Hymn: Aysor Yergnayink (Today The Celestials Rejoice)
- Joining of the Right Hands and Heads
- Hymn: Naya ee Mez (Look Upon Us)
- Prayer and Introit
- Processional into the Chancel
- Hymn: “Oorakh Ler” (Rejoice,O Holy Church)
- The Trisagion
- Litany of the Faithful
- Readings
- Epistle of St. Paul: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
- The Gospel according to Matthew: 19:3-9
- Blessing of the Crowns and Crowning
- Hymn: “Tak Bardzanats” (O Glorious Crown)
- Prayer of Crowning
- Hymn: “Ov Yeranelit” (O Thou Blessed of All)
- Removal of Crowns
- Blessing of the Cup of Wine
- The prayer of dismissal
- The Lords prayer
- The recessional
The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony must be performed according to the canons of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Please contact the Church Office at (301) 229-8742 to schedule a time to meet with our priest. You will be asked to go through pre-marital counseling sessions, where you will be introduced to and learn the broader meaning of marriage. You will also want to schedule your ceremony well in advance, as our church calendar fills-up quickly.