Wedding Ceremony

Christian Priest:
I ntroductory Remarks: Christian priestt to provide a brief welcoming remark
introducing himself and Hindu priest

Hindu Priest:
Kanya Dan and Hasta Melap: Giving Away of the Bride and accompanying prayers

Christian Priest:
We have come together in the presence of God, to witness the marriage of Patrick and
Monika, to ask his blessing on them, and to share in their joy.

The Scriptures teach us that marriage is a gift of God in creation and a means of his
grace, a holy mystery, in which this man and this woman become one flesh. It is God's
purpose that, as a husband and a wife give themselves to each other in love throughout
their lives, they shall be united in that love as Christ is united with the Church.

Marriage is given, that husband and wife may comfort and help each other, living
faithfully together in need and in plenty, in sorrow and in joy. It is given, that with delight
and tenderness you may know each other in love, and through the joy of their union may
strengthen the union of their hearts and lives. It is given, that they may have children and
be blessed in caring for them and bringing them up in accordance with God's will, to his
praise and glory.

In marriage husband and wife belong to one another, and begin a new life together in the
community. It is a way of life that all should honour; and it must not be undertaken
carelessly, lightly, or selfishly, but reverently, responsibly, and after serious thought.




Hindu Priest:
Tying the knot Priest introduces this Indian tradition (explains meaning behind tying
the knot). Bride's mother approaches and ties the string. Mother sits down.

Havan (Fire lighting): Priest lights fire and explains tradition of walking around fire.

Mangal Fera (Circles of the Holy Fire): The priest then lights the holy fire and the
Bride and the Groom are explained the significance of this ceremony. They take a total of
(4) four rounds around the holy fire. The bride leads the first three rounds whereas the
groom then leads the 4
th
and final round.
Om Svaha! With the first turn, we pray for happiness in the union of the couple.
Om Svaha! With the second turn, we pray for the long life of the couple.
Om Svaha! With the third turn, we pray for the healthy life of the couple.


Om Svaha! With the fourth turn, we pray for the happiness and health of the couple.

Sapda Padi (Seven Steps): both the bride and the groom take (7) seven steps together in
friendship. There are seven vows they take at every step; together we shall. The priest
explains significance of seven steps.

Christian Priest:
The Priest says to the couple
The vows you are about to take are to be made in the name of God, who is judge of all
and who knows all the secrets of our hearts: therefore if either of you knows a reason
why you may not lawfully marry, you must declare it now.

Patrick, do you take Monika to be your wife? Do you promise to love her, comfort her,
honor and protect her and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall
live?

[He answers: I do.]

Monika, do you take Patrick to be your husband? Do you promise to love him, comfort
him, honor and protect him and forsaking all other, be faithful to him as long as you both
shall live?

[She answers: I do]

The couple face each other and join hands
The groom takes the bride's right hand in his and says:
I, Patrick, take you Monika
to be my wife,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part,
according to God's holy law;
and this is my solemn vow.

They loose hands.
The bride takes the grooms right hand in hers, and says:
I, Monika, take you Patrick
to be my husband,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,


in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part,
according to God's holy law;
and this is my solemn vow.

[THEY LET GO OF HANDS]

Christian Priest:
Ring Exchange
The Priest receives the rings and says:
Heavenly Father, by your blessing, let these rings be to and a symbol of unending love
and faithfulness, to remind them of the vow and covenant which they have made this day.

The wedding rings serve as symbols of the covenant you have just affirmed. They are the
outward and visible signs of an inward and invisible love that binds your lives together.
As they are of the finest of earths materials, so your love is of the richest of spiritual
values. As rings are without seam, having no beginning and no end, they symbolize the
perfection of a love that cannot end.

Bless these rings, O God, that they may be the visible sign of the vows here made, that
each who gives and each who wears one, may ever be reminded of their promises,
evermore living and growing in the spirit of your love. Amen.

In the presence of God, and before this congregation, and have given their consent and
made their marriage vows to each other. They have declared their marriage by the joining
of hands and by the giving and receiving of a ring. I therefore proclaim that they are
husband and wife.

That which God has joined together,
let no one divide.

Hindu Priest:
Garland Exchange
Exchange of the garland. Explain the meaning and proceed with the exchange.

Closing prayer/remarks by Hindu priest


Christian Priest:
Wedding Blessing
Most gracious God
We give thanks for the marriage of Monika and Patrick
Defend them from every enemy
Lead them into all peace
Let their love be a seal upon their hearts,


A mantle about their shoulders and a crown upon their foreheads
Bless them in their work and in their companionship
In their sleeping and in their waking
In their joys and in their sorrows
In their life and their death.
May God the father, son and holy spirit bless, preserve and keep you
Fill you with his favor and grace that you may faithfully live together
In this life and in the age to come, have life everlasting AMEN

The Lords Prayer:
As our Savior taught us, so we pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed by thy name,
thy kingdom come,
they will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen

The Final Blessing:
The Priest blesses the couple and the congregation, saying
God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love, defend you on every side, and
guide you in truth and peace; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen

You may kiss the bride.

Priests say TOGETHER upon the start of the kiss
It is my privilege to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Scott!

Recessional