Bride and Groom, Remember These Orthodox Marriage Dates

When planning a wedding, especially one within the Orthodox Christian tradition, it's essential to know the days that are not suitable for getting married. Here is a comprehensive guide to avoid these specific Orthodox fasting periods and feasts:

Understanding the Orthodox Calendar and Its Significance

The Orthodox Christian calendar is rich with religious observances that are not suitable for formal events such as weddings. This is because these days hold unique spiritual and historical significance, and performing a wedding during any of these times could be seen as lessening their importance. It's important to respect these traditions to honor the religious significance and the solemnity of the marriage rites.

The Forbidden Dates

Here are the specific Orthodox Church dates on which marriages cannot be celebrated:

September 14: Holy Cross Day December 13-25: Christmas and its pre-Christmas feasts January 5 and 6: Epiphany Great Lent and Holy Week: These periods begin on a Monday and end on a Saturday before Easter, and traditionally, weddings are not performed during this time Easter and the following week (Easter Sunday is different for Orthodox and Western celebrations, but typically falls around late March or early April) Pentecost: Immediately following Easter, from the 50th day after Easter through the end of the Pentecost week August 1-15: Dormition Fast August 29: Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Understanding the Fasting Periods

Every Orthodox Christian is required to fast on the following dates:

Advent or Nativity Fast (40 days before Christmas) Great Lent (6 weeks before Easter, with the last week being Holy Week) Easter (and the 12th day after Easter) with a strict fast Weeks of Pentecost (50 days after Easter) Dormition Fast (15 days in late July and early August, excluding Sundays) Lenten Fasts in the summer and fall (Fast of the Apostles, Fast of Abraham, Fast before Theophany, etc.)

Why These Dates Are Important

The days mentioned are particularly important because they are part of significant religious observances. For example, during Great Lent, Orthodoxy celebrates the time when Christ fasted and prayed in the desert for 40 days, while Holy Week commemorates His crucifixion and resurrection. Similarly, Christmas and Epiphany celebrate the birth and baptism of Christ, respectively. These are solemn and observed times, making them inappropriate for any celebrations that might be perceived as trivializing these events.

Planning Your Perfect Orthodox Wedding

If you are planning an Orthodox wedding, it's essential to coordinate your dates carefully. Consult with an experienced Orthodox priest or a knowledgeable member of your local congregation to find the best dates that don't fall on any of these fasting periods or feasts. Keep in mind the Orthodox Church service calendar and the rules of fasting before choosing the most auspicious day for you and your beloved partner to wed.

Additional Considerations

Outside of religious considerations, consider other variables such as family schedules, venue availability, and the weather in your planning process. Making sure that the wedding day is not only a day of celebration but also one that respects and honors the traditions and values of the Orthodox faith is crucial.

With careful planning and consideration, you can ensure that your Orthodox wedding is a memorable and meaningful milestone in your relationship, both from a spiritual and personal perspective.