Stefana: Love's Royal Crowning Ritual

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The crowning ceremony, a profound theological statement  that reflects the sacredness of marriage in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, is the heart of the Eastern Orthodox wedding.

It also gives couples an opportunity to express themselves through their choice of their crowns, known as stefana in Greek and venchik in Russian.

Although the crowning ceremony is deeply religious, because Australia allows inclusion of expressions of spiritual belief in a civil marriage ceremony, you can choose to honour your heritage by making it part of your wedding.

The Crowning Ceremony

The priest take both crowns in his right hand, touches them to the couple's foreheads, makes the sign of the cross over the couple with them, and places them on their heads, marking the beginning of their new life as the king and queen of their family. In some traditions, the Greek, the crowns are joined with a ribbon, in others, such as the Russian Orthodox, the crowns may not be tied with a ribbon.

The Koumbaros or Koumpara then exchanges the crowns three times, representing the Holy Trinity. between the couple. The exchange of crowns seals the marriage, culminating with the priest's blessing.

Following the crowning, the couple participates in the Dance of Isaiah, circling the altar three times with the priest. This signifies their first steps as a married couple, blessed by the Church.

Types of Eastern Orthodox Crowns

Couples can choose their own crowns from a multiplicity of possibilities, ensuring that the crowns reflect the couple's taste There are three main types of crowns, each favoured by a particular section of the Eastern Orthodox tradition:

• Floral Crowns
  In Greek Orthodox weddings, floral crowns are a popular choice. Made from fresh, wax, or artificial blooms like orange blossoms, or wax or artificial they symbolise purity and fertility, together with crowns the new beginning of the couple's life together.
• Metal Crowns
  Russian Orthodox weddings often feature gold or silver crowns adorned with intricate designs and religious icons. These crowns, sometimes with large arcs and velvet linings like those worn by British king and queens symbolise the nature of their commitment.
• Wreath Crowns
  Wreath crowns, made from myrtle, laurel, or olive branches, are favoured in Serbian and Antiochian churches. The crowns used in weddings in those traditions, sometimes have a triangle or pyramid in front, and symbolise victory and eternity, representing the couple's triumph in love together with their eternal devotion.
  

Preservation of the Crowns

After the ceremony, the crowns become cherished keepsakes. They are often displayed in a special case over the couple's bed. Where the crowns are joined by a ribbon, some traditions hold that it is cut upon death, and individuals are buried with their crowns, while others pass them down as family heirlooms.

Koumbaros/Koumbara Role

In Orthodox tradition, a koumbaros (male) and a koumbara (female) act as sponsors or the equivalent of Best Man and Chief Bridesmaid, but much more than that. They play a vital role in the ceremony, assisting the priest in placing the crowns. They are also responsible for the ring exchange and for supporting the couple spiritually.

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