Has anyone heard of the Orthodox Church of America?

[Deb in IA]

We went to our niece's wedding there last weekend. Her family joined this church about 2 years ago, and really love it.

It was very interesting.

The wedding was similar to the Russian Orthodox service (as in "The Deer Hunter"), except in English.

The bride and groom never actually take vows to each other. They answer questions from the priest.

And the bride is repeatedly called the "handmaiden" to the groom, and she is told to "subject herself to her husband".

Here's the website for the church:
http://www.oca.org/

 

[RadioNate]

yes, my best friend is a member. i havent been to a wedding but I have been to a regular service

 

[Deb in IA]

RadioNate, did you have to stand up during the service?

We STOOD for the entire wedding. An hour long. My feet were a mess . . .

 

[chrissyk]

My mother's family is Greek Orthodox. My grandmother did say something about that vow that she had to subject herself to her husband. She said that there was a tradition that if the bride stomped the groom's foot during that vow, all bets were off. She tried, but her foot got stuck in her dress, LOL!

 

[crazyforgoofy]

Originally posted by Deb in IA

And the bride is repeatedly called the "handmaiden" to the groom, and she is told to "subject herself to her husband".

Yeah, that'd work for me

 

[Deb in IA]

Originally posted by crazyforgoofy
Yeah, that'd work for me

LOL, crazy. Even our 13 year old DD was at that part . . .

 

[RadioNate]

Originally posted by Deb in IA
RadioNate, did you have to stand up during the service?

We STOOD for the entire wedding. An hour long. My feet were a mess . . .

There was a lot of standing but not the entire time. The service was LOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGG. I'm talking several hours. My friend is getting married in a month so we'll see what the wedding is like.

 

[Deb in IA]

Wear comfortable shoes!! Really!