Stefana are the ceremonial wedding crowns used during a Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony. Rich in symbolism, the crowns represent the sacred union of the bride and groom as they begin their married life together.
Also known as Greek Orthodox wedding crowns, Stefana are joined together by a ribbon and form an important part of the Orthodox Sacrament of Marriage.
What Are Stefana?
Stefana are a pair of wedding crowns used during the Crowning ceremony of a Greek Orthodox wedding. One crown is placed upon the bride and the other upon the groom, with the two crowns connected by a ribbon.
During the ceremony, the crowns are exchanged between the bride and groom three times as part of the sacred wedding service.
What Do Greek Orthodox Wedding Crowns Symbolise?
Stefana carry deep meaning within the Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony. Their symbolism reflects the couple's unity, commitment and the sacred nature of their marriage.
Unity
The ribbon joining the two crowns represents the bride and groom being united together in marriage.
Commitment
The crowns reflect the couple's commitment to one another as they begin their married life together.
The Holy Trinity
The crowns are exchanged three times during the ceremony, reflecting the significance of the Holy Trinity within Orthodox Christian tradition.
How Are Stefana Used in a Greek Orthodox Wedding?
During the Crowning ceremony, the priest places the Stefana upon the heads of the bride and groom. The crowns are exchanged three times as part of the wedding service.
The couple later takes part in the ceremonial procession around the table as husband and wife, with the Stefana remaining an important symbol of their union throughout this part of the ceremony.
Who Buys the Stefana for a Greek Orthodox Wedding?
Greek Orthodox wedding customs can vary between families and churches. Traditionally, the wedding sponsor or koumbaro or koumbara may play an important role in providing items used during the ceremony, including the Stefana.
Couples should confirm the requirements with their priest and discuss any family traditions with their sponsor before purchasing their wedding crowns.
For Your Wedding Day
Choosing Your Greek Orthodox Stefana
Modern Stefana come in a range of elegant styles, from timeless sterling silver and gold-plated designs to wedding crowns featuring pearls, crystals and delicate porcelain flowers.
Choose a pair that complements your wedding style while creating a meaningful keepsake from your Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony.
What Happens to the Stefana After the Wedding?
After the wedding, many couples preserve their Stefana as a treasured reminder of their Orthodox wedding ceremony and the sacrament of their marriage.
The crowns can be carefully stored or displayed in a decorative keepsake case known as a Stefanothiki, helping protect them while creating a meaningful heirloom to treasure for years to come.
Helpful Information
Greek Orthodox Stefana FAQs
What are Stefana in a Greek Orthodox wedding?
Stefana are the ceremonial wedding crowns placed on the bride and groom during a Greek Orthodox wedding. The two crowns are connected by a ribbon and form an important part of the Orthodox Crowning ceremony.
What do Greek Orthodox wedding crowns symbolise?
Stefana are rich in symbolism within the Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony and represent the couple's sacred union, commitment and shared life together.
Why are the Stefana exchanged three times?
The Stefana are exchanged three times during the Orthodox wedding ceremony, reflecting the significance of the Holy Trinity within Orthodox Christian tradition.
Who buys the Stefana for a Greek Orthodox wedding?
Traditions can vary between families and churches. The koumbaro or koumbara may traditionally play a role in providing the Stefana or other ceremony items. Couples should confirm their church's requirements and family traditions before purchasing their wedding crowns.
Are Stefana connected together?
Yes. The bride and groom's wedding crowns are joined together by a ribbon, representing their union as a married couple.
What do you do with Stefana after the wedding?
Many couples preserve their Stefana as a meaningful keepsake from their Orthodox wedding. They can be carefully stored or displayed in a dedicated keepsake case known as a Stefanothiki.
What are Stefana made from?
Modern Stefana are available in many different styles and materials. Designs may feature sterling silver, gold-plated finishes, pearls, crystals or delicate porcelain flowers, depending on the style of wedding crowns chosen.
Greek Orthodox Weddings
Find Your Greek Orthodox Wedding Crowns
Explore our collection of Stefana in elegant styles designed for this meaningful part of your Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony.