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You are here: Experts > Homework Help > Christianity - General > Eastern Orthodox > Ethiopian wedding customs
Expert: Ashraf Nisseem - 11/5/2009
Question
My husband and I have been invited to the wedding of a colleague at the Ethiopian Orthodox Cathedral. We are unfamiliar with the wedding traditions and this church. The wedding is at 7 a.m. on a Saturday but the reception is not until 7 p.m. the same day, at the Cathedral's reception hall. It seems very unusual to have the wedding ceremony so early in the morning. Can you tell us what we need to know so that we act appropriately- what to wear, should I cover my head, what the ceremony is like, etc. Thank you.
Answer
hi betty,
thank u for ur question.
it is so gracious of u to make the effort to bring happiness to others. i wish ur friend the very best.
the wedding is early cuz it is originally done during the Holy Mass so that the couple and their families and friends can receive Holy Communion as a blessing to them and sign of the holiness of marriage. u should wear non revealing clothes (like formal work clothes). maybe u can try to wear ethiopian clothes for the occasion if they have some. it will be fun. u can also ask ur friend for some more details about the weddin.
in church, and at prayer in general, a woman is supposed to cover her head cuz St. Paul says: "Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head it is just as though her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head. A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man." (1 Corinthians 11:3-9)
when the Holy Bible is read u should stand up. it's a Holy Mass at church which is full of happy hymns. Holy Communion is only allowed for Orthodox Christians who attend the ceremony.
this site has some good info about weddings in ethiopia.
http://www.e-lopers.com/marriage-gurage.htm
God bless u and i m happy to answer all ur questions by the grace of God.
in Christ,
ashraf
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