Crowning service for one of our parish couples this Sunday before Liturgy at St. Aidan's 9:30am. All invited! "The “Crowning,” in which crowns or wreaths [customs vary in each parish] are placed on or held above the heads of the bride and groom. This signifies that in marriage there is a certain amount of sacrifice, especially in the area of “give and take.” It also signifies that in a certain respect the bride and groom become the “king and queen” of their own “kingdom,” or family, which is an integral part of the Kingdom of God. The sharing of a common cup of wine, which signifies that in marriage all things are shared equally. The procession around the sacramental table, during which the priest leads the couple three times as they take their first steps together as husband and wife. The removal of the crowns and the final blessing, in which all gathered wish the couple many years of blessings." - https://www.oca.org/questions/sacramentmarriage/orthodox-wedding-ceremony Read more about the Crowning Ceremony at the OCA link above, or at the link below: https://www.goarch.org/-/crown-them-with-glory-and-honor-marriage-in-the-orthodox-church (fb)

Christ is Risen! Fr. Gregory at Holy Myrrhbearers Antiochian Orthodox Church in Bonners Ferry, Idaho has extended the following invitation: Since our Feast Day (Holy Myrrhbearers) always fall on a Sunday, we often celebrate with the area clergy on the following Saturday, the Leave Taking of our feast. This year, the Leave Taking falls on Saturday, May 10th, and I would like to invite you to celebrate with us that day! The festal Liturgy begins at 10am Pacific time, (11:00am MST) with procession and lunch, and it would be wonderful if you could join us. Let Fr Andrew know if you will be joining those of us who will be going to celebrate their feast day! (fb)