Traditional BYZANTINE Cross Wedding Invitation

This design features a graphic of of a floral Byzantine Cross and Byzantine Cathedral. The Byzantine Cross is a distinctive cross that is commonly used in Byzantine Catholic and Orthodox iconography. It features a slanted crossbeam and three horizontal crossbars, with the top bar representing the sign that was placed above Christ's head on the cross. The Byzantine Cross is a powerful symbol of the Christian faith and can add a beautiful and meaningful touch to a wedding invitation. ___________________________________ A Byzantine Catholic wedding is a traditional and sacred celebration of the sacrament of Holy Matrimony in the Byzantine Catholic Rite, which is a form of Catholicism that originated in the Byzantine Empire. Here are some details explaining what a Byzantine wedding involves: The Ceremony: The Byzantine Catholic wedding ceremony typically takes place in a Byzantine Catholic church and is presided over by a priest. The ceremony can be quite long, lasting up to an hour and a half or more, and is rich in symbolism and tradition. The Crowning: One of the most distinctive features of a Byzantine Catholic wedding is the crowning ceremony, in which the bride and groom are crowned with floral wreaths or ornate crowns to symbolize their union in marriage. The crowning ceremony takes place after the exchange of rings and the recitation of vows. The Eucharist: Another important aspect of the Byzantine Catholic wedding ceremony is the celebration of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, which is an integral part of the liturgy. The bride and groom and all of the wedding guests are invited to participate in the Eucharist, which symbolizes their unity in Christ and their shared faith. The Music: Byzantine Catholic weddings are known for their beautiful and traditional music, which often includes chants, hymns, and prayers in Greek, Slavonic, or other ancient languages. The music can be performed by a choir or by individual singers, and can add a joyful and uplifting element to the ceremony. The Reception: After the ceremony, the bride and groom and their guests often celebrate with a festive reception, which can include traditional foods, music, and dancing. The reception is a time for the newlyweds to share their joy and happiness with their family and friends and to receive the blessings and congratulations of their loved ones. Overall, a Byzantine Catholic wedding is a beautiful and meaningful celebration of the sacrament of Holy Matrimony, steeped in rich symbolism, tradition, and faith. It is a time for the bride and groom to commit themselves to each other in the presence of God and to celebrate their love and union with their family and friends.