Τα Στέφανα
In our tradition there are no spoken vows. Instead, through a sequence of ancient blessings, two lives are quietly made one. Here is what you will witness on the seventeenth of April.
Before the altar, the priest blesses two rings and exchanges them three times — a first promise, made not in words but in gold.
Each is given a lit candle to hold — the light of Christ, and a love that is meant to give its light to others.
Their right hands are joined and bound beneath the priest's stole — a bond he asks God, not man, to keep unbroken.
Two crowns, joined by a single ribbon, are lifted over Valissa and William and exchanged three times — making them, in the eyes of the Church, king and queen of their own home.
From a single cup they share wine three times — for from this day, every joy and every sorrow is one between them.
Crowned and hand in hand, they circle the altar three times — their first steps as husband and wife, with the Church singing them onward.
At the last, sugared almonds — bitter then sweet, like every life together — always an odd number, indivisible, so that what God has joined cannot be divided.
Now you know what you are seeing. When the koufeta reach your hands, take an odd number — one each for health, wealth, happiness — and with them, a wish for us.