He makes the sign of the cross, then holds out his hand, waiting for me to place my right hand in his so he can slip the ring on my third finger.
In a traditional Russian Orthodox wedding, it’s the priest who puts the rings on the couple’s hands during the betrothal. This is the first part of the ceremony, followed by the crowning and candle lighting, then drinking from the common cup, then more prayers and blessings. It’s very elaborate and highly ritualized, steeped in symbolism and ancient tradition, but apparently we’re doing the DIY home version, because the priest has skipped over the part where all parties are supposed to declare they’ve come freely, without constraint or prior commitment, to be joined before God. And there are no candles or crowns or cups.
I feel Dimitri watching
