Orthodox Christian weddings in Ethiopia

"what therfore God has joined together, let not man separate"(matthew 19:6)

A procession of the newlwy weds from the curch to the bride's house

One of the seven sacrements of the christsian faith is matrimonyor marriage. The Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Teklil wedding is more than just a ceremony; it’s a special time that brings a couple together in faith. The Teklil includes many meaningful steps, from exchanging rings to the crowning, all filled with prayers and blessings. These rituals show the couple's commitment to each other and to God. Although not a coprehensive list, let us look into the major steps in this ceremony.

Vows by the Husband

At the beginning of the ceremony, the groom makes a promise to his bride. He vows to love and support her in both good times and bad, staying with her until death. His words show how much he values her and the life they will share.

Vows by the Wife

The bride also makes her vows, promising to love and support her husband. She pledges to be obedient and respectful to him, knowing that they are starting their journey together before God and their family.

 The Prayer Over the Covenant Rings

The priest prays over the rings, asking God to bless them. These rings are not just jewelry but symbols of the couple’s promise to each other. The prayer asks for peace, unity, and strength to be with them as they build their life together.

Prayer of Matrimony

In this prayer, the priest asks God to join the couple in peace. He prays that God will bless them with love, harmony, and a home full of faith. The priest calls on God to guide them throughout their lives.

Prayer Over the Vestments (The Kaba)

The priest blesses the wedding garments, asking God to make them a sign of joy and honor. He prays that the couple’s life will be full of peace and righteousness, and their home will be blessed with goodness.

 Prayer Over the Oil

The priest prays over the oil, asking God to make it a symbol of purity and strength. The oil is then used to anoint the bride and groom, bringing blessings of health, wealth, and protection for their marriage.

 The Blessing of the Crown (The "Aklil")

Crowns to be placed on the couples head after blessing

The priest blesses the crowns, asking God to make them symbols of honor, wisdom, and protection. He prays that the couple’s marriage will bring joy, peace, and a life full of blessings.

Exhortation

The priest speaks directly to the bride and groom, offering advice on how to live a happy and successful marriage. He tells the groom to cherish his wife and the bride to respect her husband, reminding them both of the love and blessings they will receive if they follow God’s guidance.

Concluding Prayer

At the end of the ceremony, the priest prays for the couple and for everyone who has gathered. He asks God to bless their marriage with joy, protection, and peace. The ceremony closes with a hymn as the marriage register is signed.

Conclusion

A  Teklil wedding is full of important moments that show love, faith, and commitment. From the vows to the prayers, each part helps bring the couple closer to each other and to God. If you’re planning your own Teklil wedding, Ledges can help you find the right people to make your day special. It connects you with trusted vendors who understand these important traditions and can help bring your wedding dream to life.