This article is dedicated to those who have already married, and those who are just about to begin this sacrament. Here you will find detailed answers to many questions that are compiled according to the opinions and answers of Orthodox pastors.
Wedding candles are our main theme. Before you begin reading, it should be explained that each subheading is a frequently asked question from couples. Next is the answer to it.
Why get married?
There are several sacraments in Orthodoxy, one of them is a wedding. It is necessary so that the couple sanctify their marriage, make a promise to God to always be together in fidelity, love, harmony. At the same time, the husband and wife, along with the clergy, pray for the consecration of the marriage. Be sure to take wedding rings, which the priest consecrates and puts on the newlyweds on the ring fingers - this is a symbol of eternity. But in a spiritual sense, we are talking about Eternity (with a capital letter), as about life after death. No wonder they say that married couples after death meet in heaven and never again break up.
What is needed and the price of the issue?
If the couple is not rich, then he will certainly ask the question: “How much is the wedding?”. In fact, the answer to this question is clearly impossible.
Let's list what is necessary for the wedding:
- personal presence of both spouses;
- neat appearance of the spouses (a suit on the groom, a modest long (preferably white) dress on the bride and a scarf / tippet / veil);
- wedding rings; if not, wedding rings;
- two wedding candles;
- rushnyk (towel);
- two icons: the Savior and the Mother of God.
If you have the right clothes and shoes for the ceremony, then you do not need the cost of outfits.
The presence of wedding rings from the registry office is allowed. It’s not necessary to buy a new pair. If there are none, then it is advisable for the husband to purchase a gold ring, and for the wife - silver. Such were the traditions in past centuries, they are preserved to this day.
Wedding candles can be chosen as the simplest and cheapest, as well as expensive, decorated festively.
A towel can be sewn on your own or ask relatives, friends to do this. In church shops, they are sold at different prices, depending on the material, the complexity of the pattern.
Icons can be brought from home so as not to buy new ones.
Which candles are better to choose?
Priests and married couples are advised to purchase quality wedding candles only in church shops / stores. It is undesirable to buy from hand, you risk taking a fake.
During the wedding, the candles should burn and not go out. In addition, the sacrament can last from 45 minutes to 1 hour. Buy thick big candles. You can even with the provided handles and saucers so that dripping wax does not burn your hands.
Price of the sacrament
Let's talk about how much the wedding costs. In fact, everywhere is different. In Moscow, as a rule, the cost is from about 5 to 10 thousand rubles. Last price - Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
In provincial cities, the cost is ten times lower. Many priests marry for a donation (as much as you give) or for free (if the family is in distress). As a rule, a married couple simply donates a rushnyk, wedding candles or clothes for those in need to the temple.
Where to put the candles?
You brought home the wedding candles. What to do with them now? You have two options:
- You can put on candlesticks next to wedding and other icons;
- put in a special box with shrines (the oil, the countryman, baptismal shirts and crosses, holy water, prosphora and incense, and so on) brought from pilgrimage trips.
Keep candles in a secluded place so that they are not broken by children or pets. If the candles suddenly break, do not be alarmed; there is no place for superstition in Christianity. Just handle them carefully.
Can I light candles?
Many happy couples who have just consecrated the marriage forget to ask the priest: “When can I light wedding candles?” But getting an answer to this question is never too late. Here's what the shepherds advise - light the wedding candles not just like that, but with warm and hot prayer, especially in moments such as:
- grief;
- joy;
- wedding and wedding anniversary;
- birth of children;
- quarrels, family disorders ;
- desire to pray for each other.
You can pray for other reasons.
In conclusion, let us say that the wedding candle is a symbol of faith, love and hope. It is enough to ignite them, so that peace and tranquility come in the soul. And the prayer itself will come from the depths of the soul. To have enough wedding candles for many, many years, do not spare money, buy large ones and of high quality material.