- (07) 5574 0777
- (07) 5574 0434
- 31a Crombie Ave, Bundall, QLD 4217
Every day of marriage is a new adventure in which God is trying to teach us something. Preparing for the wedding is an exciting stage of your new adventure. Many choices need to be made about lots of different things.
We experience deep joy with each couple that comes to us in seeking God’s blessing for their relationship. It is always our desire to make the day as special as possible for you.
The information below aims to inform you about weddings at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Anna.
Strictly speaking the Sacrament of Marriage presupposes that both partners are baptised Orthodox Christians. An Orthodox Christian can marry a non-Orthodox Christian in our Church if the latter has been baptised in the Name of the Holy Trinity in a Christian confession that acknowledges the sacramental nature of Baptism and the couple commit to raising their children in the Orthodox Church. Practically speaking it means that a marriage can take place with a person baptised in the Oriental Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Uniting, and Methodist Churches only. For all other situations please contact the Priest.
If one partner has never been baptised they will need to be received into the Orthodox Church through a process of Catechism (instruction in the Faith) and Baptism before the wedding can take place. This may take some months so please see the Priest as soon as possible.
If either party has been previously married in the Orthodox Church and divorced, a Church Divorce will be necessary. It also will take some time to obtain so please contact the Priest immediately
The Sacrament of marriage can only take place in the Church. Park or beach weddings are not permitted, and in the case where a city or town does not have an Orthodox Church, the service can only take place in an Anglican or Catholic Church or chapel.
You will need to meet with the Priests at least 3 months before the wedding, in order to complete the relevant civil and ecclesiastical paperwork for registration of the marriage. Both partners will need to produce Birth and Baptism Certificates at this meeting, and if both or either have been divorced, a Decree Nisi (Divorce Certificate).
The priest is an authorised Marriage Celebrant and legally obliged to complete the relevant paperwork for the Registrar-General’s Office.
Although we accept Brides often arrive fashionably late, please don’t be more than 5 – 10 minutes late.
The service can be held in English, Greek, or a combination of both. You will need to inform us of your circumstances.
The Registry Book and official papers will be signed by the couple and two witnesses at the end of the Service. A formal table to the right of the Altar has been prepared for that purpose.
We highly recommend you attend the Marriage Preparation Workshop conducted by a Tertiary qualified and Accredited Relationships Counsellor. The Workshop involves two (2) 1½hr sessions with you, as a couple, and the Relationship Professional. The workshop is a good investment and endorsed by our Priest. To make a booking ring Michelle on 0409 671 510.
The Koumbaro or Koumbara is the official witness and sponsor of the marriage. They must be a baptised Christian. If you wish them to be the godparent of your first child then they must be Orthodox Christians. The other members of the wedding party can be anyone you like, married or unmarried, Orthodox or not. The Koumbaro/Koumbara usually provides the following for the ceremony:
Marriage Crowns (Στέφανα)
A Wedding Tray layered with koufeta (sugared almonds)
Two white candles (λαμπάδες) which can be decorated. Originally these were the couple’s baptismal candles and were held by the Groom and Bride. Today they are usually held by two children or are put into candle holders.
Wedding Rings (usually purchased by the couple). These will be blessed and placed on the right hand ring fingers of the bride and groom. (Please ensure that they are correctly measured for the right, not left, hand.) The rings may be given to the priest before the Service starts or may be brought in by a page boy.
A bottle of fortified (sweet) wine (usually Commandaria)
Selection of the Crowns is a matter of personal choice. On the Gold Coast the only place they are sold is in our Church bookstore which opens every Sunday after the Church service. It is a blessing to keep your Crowns in your home. You can do this by storing them in a Crown Case (Στεφανοθήκη).
The wedding tray is usually silver or stainless steel. Before the Service the priest places the Gospel Book, the Crowns and the Rings on it. The Crowns and the Rings are blessed over the Gospel Book during the Service.
Again, this is a matter of personal choice. Please see the priest to arrange the style and timing of any decorations on the day.
Some people like to have the priest attend their wedding reception to bless the table. Please discuss this with the priest at the time of registration 3 months prior.
Parents with their own children or grandchildren
Brothers-in-law with Sisters-in-law
Uncles and Aunts with Nephews and Nieces
First and Second cousins with each other
Foster parents with foster children or foster children with the children of foster parents
Godparents with Godchildren or Godparents with the parents of Godchildren
Godchildren with other Godchildren of the same Godparent
If either party has been previously married in the Orthodox Church and has received a civil divorce (Decree Nisi) they must receive an ecclesiastical (church) divorce before they can be remarried in the Orthodox Church (this process usually takes around six weeks).
To book a wedding please call 0414740477 or email father@gocstanna.org. Fees will be discussed at the time of the booking.
Please email completed forms to Father Romanos: father@gocstanna.org
