In the Episcopal Church Holy Matrimony is the sacramental rite in which a woman and man enter into a life-long union, making their vows before God and the Church, and receiving the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.
In the Episcopal Church Holy Matrimony is the sacramental rite in which a woman and man enter into a life-long union, making their vows before God and the Church, and receiving the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows.
It is required that one, at least, of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons, or official rules, of the Episcopal Church.
The canons of the Church require the man and woman to make the following declaration of intention before the service
We, desiring to receive the blessing of Holy Matrimony in the Church, do solemnly declare that we hold marriage to be a life-long union of husband and wife as it is set forth in The Book of Common Prayer.
We believe that the union of husband and wife, in heart, body, and mind, is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord.
And we do engage ourselves, so far as in us lies, to make our utmost effort to establish this relationship and to seek God's help thereto.
The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage, as found in the Book of Common Prayer (1979) of the Episcopal Church is the normal service used for weddings at Saint Mary’s. The Holy Eucharist is a central part of this liturgy and all baptized persons are invited to receive the Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ. Members of other Christian denominations who are baptized and who receive the Holy Communion in their own congregations are warmly invited to share in receiving communion. Marriage is a sacramental rite, and as such, the content of the wedding service is under the supervision of the officiating priest. Within the liturgy the couple selects scripture readings (see below) and may ask family members or friends to serve as readers. If music is used, this is another area in which, under the supervision of the organist and music director at Saint Mary’s, a couple may help to shape the liturgy.
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Ms. Adriana Sween
The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divien
1047 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10025
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