At least one member of the engaged couple must be a member in good standing of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and a pledging steward for the current year.

Regular attendance at services is highly encouraged. While wedding preparations can be overwhelming, this is an excellent opportunity to begin a lifelong commitment to actively practicing one's Christian faith.

If one partner has been previously married and divorced, they must provide a copy of the civil divorce decree.

If the prior marriage occurred within the Orthodox Church, the divorced spouse must present an original “Decree of Ecclesial Divorce” along with the marriage application. Please note that obtaining an ecclesial divorce can take several months.

The non-Orthodox bride or groom must be a baptized Christian in the name of the Holy Trinity, and a copy of the baptism certificate is required.

The couple must agree to baptize their children in the Orthodox Church.

The Orthodox Church requires a sponsor (koumbaros for a male or koumbara for a female) during the wedding ceremony. This individual serves as a witness on behalf of the Orthodox Church, so it is essential that they be an Orthodox Christian—no exceptions are permitted. The sponsor will exchange the rings and crowns during the ceremony, committing to guide and support the marriage.

Traditionally, the sponsor may also baptize the couple's first child, if agreed upon. Usually, one sponsor exchanges both the rings and crowns; however, if there are two sponsors, one may handle the rings while the other manages the crowns.

The koumbaros/koumbara must be a member in good standing of the Orthodox Church.

If affiliated with another Orthodox parish, a letter of good standing from the parish priest is required.

If married, the union must have been blessed by the Orthodox Church; if divorced (after an Orthodox marriage), an ecclesiastical divorce must be obtained.

Couples may select a best man and maid of honor who are not members of the Orthodox Church. In this case, the sponsor will stand beside the groom or bride.

Wedding date reservations must be made through a scheduled appointment with the priest. Please refrain from booking hotels or printing invitations until the date is confirmed. A minimum of 3–4 months is required for pre-marital preparation to complete the necessary program for marriage in the Church.

Two wedding rings (always provided by the spouses)

The crowns or stephana (typically provided by the koumbaros or koumbara)

Two decorated candles (usually included with the stephana)

A wedding tray filled with koufeta (Jordan almonds).

To ensure the engaged couple enjoys all the blessings of married life, participation in pre-marital counseling is mandatory. Please contact the Church office to schedule your appointments, which typically consist of 2–3 meetings based on individual circumstances. One of the meetings will involve reading and discussing the book After the Honeymoon by Peter Kalellis.

Baptismal certificates/dates for both the bride and groom.

If either party was previously married in a civil ceremony, a copy of the civil divorce must be provided.

If the couple is already civilly married, a copy of the Certificate of Marriage is required.

If either the bride or groom was previously married in the Orthodox Church, the original ecclesial divorce certificate must be submitted.

Couples must also obtain a civil marriage license from the city for the priest to officiate in the Church. The license will be signed at the conclusion of the wedding ceremony by the priest, the bride and groom, and two witnesses. Proof of age may require a driver's license. Both parties must be present to obtain the marriage license.

It is encouraged that the bride and/or groom of the Orthodox faith participate in the sacraments of Holy Confession and Holy Communion during the week leading up to the wedding.

Stewardship Commitment: A pledge of $400.00 is required. If you are a member in good standing at another Orthodox Church, a letter from the parish priest is necessary, and the fee will be $200.00.

A separate check for $100.00 should be made out to the Annunciation to cover administrative fees for the wedding rehearsal and wedding day.

All financial obligations must be settled before commencing paperwork for a License to Marry from the Holy Metropolis of Pittsburgh, and this payment is due at the signing of the wedding papers.

A chanter is required for all weddings, with a minimum honorarium of $75.00 payable to the chanter.

Contact the Church organist to select music to be played before the ceremony. The organist has a set fee due before the wedding date.

Other music options for the wedding processional and recessional include:

Please consult online sources to order the stephana and candles.

Weddings must be held exclusively in the Church; they cannot occur at any other venue, such as a home, resort, hotel, or local park. An Orthodox Church must always be used for the ceremony.

Floral decorations are permitted on pew ends or in front of the sanctuary. The florist must coordinate with the Church office to arrange access to the Church prior to the ceremony, typically one hour beforehand.

Flash photography is allowed; however, most professionals do not need to use flash at Annunciation. Videographers are also permitted, but bulky equipment is not allowed to maintain the sacred atmosphere. Photographers should consult with the parish priest regarding any restrictions just before the ceremony.

A sense of modesty must be upheld in the sanctuary. Since every wedding occurs in God's holy house, decorum is essential.

Non-Orthodox individuals may serve as ushers or bridesmaids at an Orthodox wedding; however, the koumbaros/koumbara must be an Orthodox Christian, as previously stated.

The wedding ceremony lasts approximately 45 minutes. Each wedding party will have up to one hour of access to the Church prior to the scheduled ceremony.

The active participation of non-Orthodox clergy during the ceremony is not permitted; however, they may be acknowledged and may offer their blessings to the couple after the Orthodox ceremony concludes.

The initial phase of the wedding ceremony is the betrothal or "Service of the Promise," where the couple's commitment to one another is sealed alongside their commitment to Christ. There is no exchange of vows during the Annunciation marriage ceremony.

A Christian from another denomination who desires to marry an Orthodox Christian does not automatically become a member of the Orthodox Church. If they wish to join, please speak with Fr. Dean. Those baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity will be welcomed through the sacrament of Chrismation.

January 5 and 6 – The Eve of Epiphany

Great Lent and Holy Week

August 1 – 15 – Fast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary

August 29 – Feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist

September 14 – Feast of the Cross

December 13 – 25 – Christmas Fast

All Holy Days of our Lord