Music at Church

Chowdah05

Hi All,

 

This is my first post, but I’ve been lurking for quite some time.  I’m hoping you might have some insight into the following question…

 

My FI and I are getting married in 3 weeks in a traditional Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony.  Last night we met with our priest to finalize day-of logistics.  He mentioned that there was no music allowed in the church with the exception of a chanter who would chant traditional Greek hymns.  The no music rule extends to before, after, and during the ceremony.  To clarify, the chanter would actually be chanting when I walk down the aisle with my father.  My question is this:  do you think it is odd ?  I just have my sister and my Godmother as the bridal party, but would it by awkward for them to walk down the aisle in silence? 

 

I suppose I am over thinking this, and it’s not that big of a deal either way.  I’ve been to many other Greek weddings where there have been all kinds of music.  It's a joyful occaion, no?  Should I push the issue?

opalsky007

I don't know a darn thing about Greek Orthodox ceremonies...but I find it unusual that you've heard music at others and yet aren't allowed. Were these other ceremonies at the same church, or is this just a policy of your church? I would talk to your priest and ask why music is not allowed. That way, you start the conversation by sounding curious instead of confrontational.

In any case, I think the chants are beautiful, and very spiritual. Could there be chants as your wedding party enters?

sucrets4

I don't get why this is such a surprise to you.  I'm not familiar with the traditions, but it seems like you would be familiar with your church's customs.

samurai21

I would just ask your priest to clarify why there can't be any music, because you've been to other Greek Orthodox weddings that have had music. It could be something that he specifically does, or something that particular church does for some reason.

Can't hurt to ask right?

Chowdah05

I asked him last night and he said that he is trying to push the community to be more traditional.  This is a relatively new chuch for me as I am originally from New England, which is where the other weddings I have attended were held.  It's not unusual for different priests to have different traditions. I was just surprised at this one.  Thanks for the responses.

shellydiane820

My church was strict with what music could be played.  It had to be religious music, so I guess I can somehow see where you're church is coming from.  However, nobody...chanted?

sucrets4

Well, originally instruments weren't allowed to be used in the church...it was considered evil, so there is a historial background for it, but it's reeeeally old.

shellydiane820

I think of chanting and i think of the wave.

sucrets4

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_music-church?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:3748e540-51a8-45fe-aa6c-501ec92cab5aPost:9021b402-0336-422f-8d2e-3a23eb6a0701">Re: Music at Church</a>:
[QUOTE]Chanting? The first thing that pops in my brain is the Gregorian chant by the Benedictine Monks and that type of music freaks me out.
Posted by Champagne Supernova[/QUOTE]

Aw, it's the basis of everything that came after it!  It can be quite pretty.

Single line chant is less creepy sounding than 2 parts, because when they added the 2nd part it...well, I can't think of how to explain it unless you know intervals.  I suck.