On the Mels program, they were granted a boon. Eastern Orthodox weddings have a long tradition of ritual and symbolism. Throughout the ceremony, the couple is supported by their koumbaros, who continue to play an important role in their lives. The majority of rituals in the observance of the Holy Trinity are repeated three times. Eastern Orthodox engagement ceremonies involve the deification of the engagement rings.
A priest congratulates engaged couples by instructing them to make the sign of the cross with their rings and to recite their wedding vows. During the wedding ceremony, he was able to hold both rings while pressing each ring three times to the forehead of each groom. Finally, one monk or koumbaros indicates that the other will pay for the offense by exchanging their rings three times.
Typically, rings are worn on the third finger of the right hand, which has religious connotations. At the conclusion of the wedding ceremony, the priest hands lit candles to the bride and groom to hold in their left hands (or sometimes before). The flames symbolize a willingness to accept God’s gifts. While praying for their union, the priest shook the couple’s right hand.
