Ukrainian Catholic Weddings

[Catya]

I’ve just been asked to help someone organize a Ukrainian Catholic wedding. I’ve only ever been to one about 20 years ago and that was for a young bride, so it was a big wedding with lots of guests, etc. I don’t remember that much about the ceremony. I’ve been to several divine liturgies over the years and they were magnificent, but the wedding I’ll be involved with will be for a mature couple and there won’t be many guests. Is it possible to do a UC wedding on a small scale but with dignity?

My guess is that it’s possible to get by with a cantor instead of a choir - is that so?

I think the couple would like all of the traditional features of the ceremony (betrothal at the door, kneeling on the cloth, the dance of Isaiah, etc)

Any information or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[tsyhan]

Catya - please discuss this w/ a good Ukrainian priest before “organizing” on your own. He’s certainly your best source of information. Here are 3 good videos to help you with the “mechanics” of the service: bit.ly/wedding-1 , bit.ly/wedding-2 and bit.ly/Ilya-Sarah which are all from St. Elias parish in Brampton, ON I can send you text, notes and audio recordings which match if interested. ( email me at infosaintelias@gmail.com)

 

[Catya]

Thank you so much! The videos will be most helpful - especially because they’re Canadian.

Yes, we will be in close consultation with the priest, but I wanted to have some foreknowledge before doing so.

Much appreciated!

 

[ByzCathCantor]

Catya - I’m glad you were pointed to the St. Elias videos, as they are very well done and very complete. I recall viewing two complete ceremonies on their YouTube channel not too long ago. Further, IMHO their little parish is truly a glimpse of heaven on earth, and their services are profoundly beautiful and rendered with love and joy!

I would second tsyhan’s suggestion - consult a good Ukrainian priest. A Ukrainian Catholic wedding is truly special, on any scale - I don’t think its possible to spoil it!