ΜΥΚΟΝΟΣ 2026
ORTHODOX TRADITIONS
Greek Orthodox weddings have remained nearly unchanged since ancient times.
During a Greek Orthodox wedding, the bride and groom experience a wide range of rituals, symbolisms, and prayers in order to celebrate the core meaning of marriage.
THE STOLISMA
Also known as The Dressing Ceremony. Before the church ceremony, the bride and groom are dressed and prepared separately surrounded by loved ones.
Red Ribbon: A red ribbon is tied around the bride and groom three times for protection and fertility.
Shaving of the Groom: The best man (koumbaros) traditionally shaves the groom, symbolising trust and the transition to the man of his kingdom.
Kapnistiri (Incense Blessing): The family member uses incense to bless the bride and groom, invoking spiritual protection and purity.
KOUMBAROS AND KOUMERA
The koumbaros (best man) and koumera (maid of honour) play a central role in the ceremony.
Giving of the Rings: They exchange the rings between the couple three times, representing the bond of marriage, the Holy Trinity, and the unbreakable union.
THE COMMON CUP
The couple drinks from the same cup of wine, symbolising their shared life, joys, and sorrows.
THE STEFANA
The couple is crowned with linked floral or metal crowns, which represent the glory of marriage, unity, and the couple’s new kingdom (their home).
During the Crowning, the Stefana are interchanged three times by the koumbaros/koumera the and then by the priest, who takes the crowns in his right hand, and blesses the groom three times, placing the crown upon his head. He does the same to the bride, placing her crown upon her head.
The tradition of the "Crowning" began in ancient times, when the Stefana were made from lemon blossoms, olive branches, and vine leaves. And, other than the Stefana being made of different materials in modern times, the ceremony of the Crowning has remained the same in the Orthodox church.
THE DANCE OF ISAIAH
The couple is led around the altar three times in a ceremonial walk by the priest, signifying their first steps together as husband and wife, guided by God and the Church.