Do you know which days weddings are not celebrated in 2023 and 2024?

When it comes to the celebration of love, it finds its echo in divinity, and wedding planning becomes a spiritual journey where faith and tradition are often the basis of the planning.

In the world full of symbols and meanings of the Christian Orthodox faith, there are certain work periods when the wedding ceremony is not allowed, which is why it is essential to know these details before choosing the big date.

Some of these locations or holidays change from year to year, which can put young people planning weddings much earlier.

Here are all the days and periods of fasting during the year in which the formalization of the wedding is not allowed.

Year 2023

• every Wednesday and Friday;
• For Monday, after leaving the century of the flesh for the post-Easter period, up to and including the Sunday of St. Thomas the Apostle (February 20 – April 23);
• In the post of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul (Monday 12 June – Wednesday 28 June);
• In the post of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Tuesday 1 August – Monday 14 August);
• At the cutting of the head of Saint John the Baptist (Tuesday 29 August);
• in the birth of the Lord (Wednesday 15 November – Sunday 24 December);
• On the eve and days of royal holidays (February 1-2; May 24-25; June 3-5; August 15, September 13-14);
• From Christmas to Bobotate (December 25-January 6).

Year 2024

• every Wednesday and Friday;
• For Monday, after leaving the century of the flesh for the post-Easter period, up to and including the Sunday of St. Thomas the Apostle (March 11 – May 12);
• In the post of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul (Monday 24 June – Friday 28 June);
• In the post of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Wednesday 31 July – Wednesday 14 August);
• At the cutting of the head of Saint John the Baptist (Thursday 29 August);
• in the birth of the Lord (Friday 15 November – Tuesday 24 December);
• On the eve and days of royal holidays (1-2 February; 12-13 June; 22-24 June; 15 August, 13-14 September);
• From Christmas to Bobotate (December 25-January 6).

Marriage for post-marriage: When exceptions can be made

Although the rules regarding the organization of weddings during working periods are very strict, exceptions can only be made in exceptional circumstances.

• The first condition for receiving approval for organizing a wedding during work is that this can only be given by a high hierarchy, such as the bishop.
• The second condition for granting release for marriage during the period of work requires the existence of a detailed reason for the request. An example would be the situation in which a couple intending to get married is forced to leave the country for a long period and consequently cannot reschedule the wedding date.
• Finally, the third condition for obtaining permission to celebrate the wedding by post is to give up the celebrations following the wedding in the church.

But are you wondering why these restrictions? It is good to know that in the Orthodox Christian faith these moments mark respect and reverence for the moments of meditation, fasting and prayer, considered central in the Orthodox calendar. Fasting does not only mean renouncing foods of animal origin (meat, dairy products, eggs), but also a period of spiritual purification, abstention from sin and closeness to God. It is said that by defeating the body and soul one gets closer to divinity, and most of the time the mystery of marriage is followed by parties, events with dances, consumption of non-fasting foods and consumption of alcohol. These things contravene the idea of ​​fasting, a period in which Christians should adopt a more restrained attitude.

Marriage, being a celebration of joy and love, is seen as an enjoyment of meditation and contemplation during these special times.

Couples who unite their destinies in the years 2023 and 2024 must be aware of these periods. Therefore it is essential to consult the Orthodox calendar and speak to the priest who will officiate the ceremony.

In this context, seasons without constraints, such as summer and early autumn, become ideal opportunities to celebrate love. In such moments, nature itself seems to be an ally of those who love each other, reflecting the beauty and splendor of their unity before divinity.

Choosing the right date not only respects tradition, but also ensures the special blessing of your union. A wedding according to Orthodox Christian traditions is not just an event, but a profound expression of love, faith and eternal connection between two souls.

Finally, this union is not just an event, but a dialogue between human and divine love. Whether your dream is a large or intimate ceremony, every detail, every moment reflects not only your aspirations, but also the deep respect for tradition and faith that unite you and illuminate your path on this magical journey together.