What does Koumbara mean?

Koumbaro and the Koumbara The Koumbaro is the male sponsor of the union and is always the best man. The female is called the Koumbara and will be the maid or matron of honor. Non-Orthodox friends are allowed to be in the wedding party but cannot be sponsors.

What does a Koumbara pay for?

In the Greek Orthodox Church, the Koumbaro(a) is the official sponsor for the wedding. This means that he or she has to be a Greek Orthodox Christian in good standing. Tradition also states that the godparents of the groom and then the bride should be asked first.

What does the Koumbara get for the wedding?

The tray will hold rice and “koufeta” — candy-coated almonds. In addition to the tray, she supplies the stephana and the candles for the service. The koumbara also pays the priest a gratuity for performing the ceremony.

Who buys the Stefana?

The wedding crowns / stefana symbolise the glory and honour that is being bestowed on them by God, and the ribbon symbolises their unity. The Koumbaro / Best Man then exchanges the crowns / stefana between the head of the couple three times.

What is the meaning of Stefana?

crown
Meaning:crown. Stefana as a girl’s name is of Greek origin, and the meaning of Stefana is “crown”. Stefana is related to the name Stephanie.

Can a Greek Orthodox marry an atheist?

In cases involving the marriage of Orthodox and non – Orthodox Christians, the latter must have been baptized in water, in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Church cannot bless the marriage of an Orthodox Christian to a non-Christian.

Is divorce allowed in the Greek Orthodox Church?

The Orthodox Church does allow for divorce, and your priest can guide you through the process if this is the avenue you want to take. This will enable the divorcing couple to remain in good standing with the church.

What do the Greek say when they smash a plate?

Breaking plates is often accompanied with ‘opa! ‘ which means oops, and this is done with great cheer and joy.

Do Greek weddings have a flower girl?

Some weddings even have a special ring bearer, often a young male, and even a flower girl, which is usually a young girl. Some weddings even have more than one flower girl. These extras are by no means a necessary part of the wedding ceremony in the eyes of the church.

What is a Greek wedding crown?

Nowadays the wedding crowns, or ‘Stefania’ as they are called in Greek, are two wire circles, which are placed onto the couples’ heads during the ceremony and are joined by a long ribbon which sits at the back of the head. They may be silver or decorated with pearls or ribbon.

Can a divorced Catholic marry in the Greek Orthodox church?

Divorced individuals are usually allowed to remarry though there is usually imposed on them a penance by their bishop and the services for the second marriage, in this case, are more penitential than joyful.