‘Tis the season for weddings, and couples are walking down the aisle in June more than any other time of the year. As countless brides make final arrangements for their nuptials, focusing on flowers, seating arrangements, caterers, and budgets, the average cost of a wedding in 2024 is around $33,000, depending on the number of attendees. The venue and catering are the largest expenses for most weddings, but the question remains – is it necessary to invite God to your wedding?
Dr. Roxanne Louh, a family therapist from Florida, believes that having God at the center of a marriage is crucial. Marriage is a challenging relationship as it involves merging two different histories, life stories, and dispositions. Without God holding the couple accountable to something greater than their own feelings, the marriage can become divisive. Dr. Louh, who is married to Greek Orthodox priest Fr. Nicholas Louh, emphasizes the importance of having God in the relationship to achieve a marriage made in heaven.
Fr. Louh preaches that God has a purpose for everyone, whether they are married or single. He and Dr. Louh conduct marriage seminars to help couples increase their chances of a happy marriage. They stress the significance of making God the center of the union, ensuring that both individuals are aligned with God’s purpose for them. In their view, inviting God to the marriage is essential for a successful and fulfilling relationship.
According to the Louhs, marriage was one of the first acts of creation in the Bible, symbolized by Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis. Additionally, the birth of Christ and the miracle at the wedding in Cana highlight the importance of God in marriages. Inviting God to weddings is believed to bring blessings and strengthen the bond between the couple.
Brad Wilcox, from the National Marriage Project, asserts that couples who attend religious services regularly are happier in their marriages, less likely to divorce, and more satisfied with their lives. Despite the desire for a divine union, divorce rates in the United States remain high, with approximately 50% of marriages ending in divorce or separation. The Louhs advocate for regular attendance at religious services to maintain a strong and enduring marriage.
Nancy Pearcey, in her book “The Toxic War on Masculinity,” defends evangelical men, highlighting their low rates of divorce and domestic violence compared to secular couples. Evangelical couples are shown to have the lowest rates of divorce and domestic violence in America, contrasting with the negative portrayal often seen in the media. The importance of faith and regular church attendance in maintaining a healthy and strong marriage is emphasized by both Wilcox and Pearcey.
In a Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony, the couple does not speak but is represented by the priests, symbolizing the role of God as the mediator in the marriage. The crowning of the couple with Stefana and the symbolic walk around the altar signify the couple’s commitment to each other and to God. The ceremony emphasizes the spiritual aspect of marriage and the importance of selflessness and sacrifice for the well-being of the family.
The Louhs acknowledge that emotions can cloud judgment in relationships, leading to unstable marriages. They stress the need for a strong foundation in God to withstand the challenges of married life. Building a relationship on God’s principles rather than fleeting emotions is essential for a lasting and fulfilling marriage. God’s presence in a marriage provides a firm foundation and guidance for a successful union.
Through their teachings and seminars, the Louhs encourage couples to prioritize God in their relationships to achieve a marriage made in heaven. The symbolism and rituals in a Greek Orthodox wedding underscore the spiritual aspect of marriage and the importance of faith in maintaining a strong and enduring relationship. Invite God to your wedding, and your marriage will be blessed with love and commitment, leading to a lifelong partnership filled with happiness and fulfillment.
