They entered the building together, past their friends and family gathered along the stairs, and into the space proper. The benches were full and some were standing along the sides as well. It seemed as if all of Settlement One was trying to fit into this space, but that didn’t bother Viktor, pleased as he was to see so many of his settlement-family present. The Bulgarian minister was singing a hymn as Viktor guided Alicia to the altar. The wedding party followed at a distance and then took their places on either side of the couple.
Kingsley stood to the left of the minister, both with their tablets in hand, he in his wizarding robes and the priest in black and gold vestments. It had been agreed upon beforehand that the minister would lead and Kingsley would repeat the section in English a moment later, giving all gathered the time to understand the ceremony.
The Bulgarian minister motioned for everyone in the crowd to sit, and then offered up a prayer for the couple. There was a brief pause and then he read from the book of Deuteronomy:
“These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I will give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, promised you. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
The group of musicians started into a soft, calming hymn as soon as Kingsley finished repeating the passage in English. Viktor gave Alicia's hand a gentle squeeze, feeling reassured and peaceful as the Christian words reminded him of his youth attending services with his parents. It had been a long time since Viktor had felt these things, reminders and subtle messages of a faith that he had not embraced in a very long time. He was thankful that Alicia had agreed to the traditional service. A minute cough from the Bulgarian Minister drew his attention away from his lovely bride just as the older man began reading the second and last gospel passage of the service.
When it was Kingsley's turn, his deeper voice seemed to resound the words more fully, saying. "My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds. Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet. Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir. Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father’s house. The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift, men of wealth will seek your favor. All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her and are brought to you. They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king. Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land. I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever."
Motioning for the assembled crowd to stand once more, the Bulgarian Minister led in singing the Gospel Acclamation of "Alleluia". When it was finished, he motioned once again for everyone to sit. There was an echo in the near-silent space as the assembled community moved almost as one. Reaching out, the Bulgarian Minister enveloped his hands over their joined ones before him, speaking in soft tones about the mystery of Christian marriage, the dignity of wedded love, the grace of the sacrament, and the responsibilities of married people. When he finished, Kingsley took his spot, repeating the words from memory so he wouldn't have to stop and read his tablet.
Taking over to reverse the translations, Kingsley solemnly requested that Viktor and Alicia state their intentions about their freedom of choice, faithfulness to each other, and the acceptance and upbringing of children, after which, the Bulgarian Minister translated to the assembled audience.
Turning to Alicia, taking both her hands in his, Viktor took a deep breath before speaking slowly to get the words right. "Alicia, vhen first ve meet, I know you special. Da time ve spend together, is best time of my life. I dink of vhat future hold for us vith happiness. You are only voman I vant to haff family vith, grow old vith, und spend all my life lovink. Today, I take you as my vife. I vow to loff you und cherish you, to keep you safe und protect you, to share all time, good und bad. I promise alvays I loff you, und hold faith only unto you. I vill alvays be there vhen you need me, und vant be best husband."
Re: Wedding
Date: 2013-09-05 06:30 pm (UTC)Kingsley stood to the left of the minister, both with their tablets in hand, he in his wizarding robes and the priest in black and gold vestments. It had been agreed upon beforehand that the minister would lead and Kingsley would repeat the section in English a moment later, giving all gathered the time to understand the ceremony.
The Bulgarian minister motioned for everyone in the crowd to sit, and then offered up a prayer for the couple. There was a brief pause and then he read from the book of Deuteronomy:
“These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I will give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, promised you. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
The group of musicians started into a soft, calming hymn as soon as Kingsley finished repeating the passage in English. Viktor gave Alicia's hand a gentle squeeze, feeling reassured and peaceful as the Christian words reminded him of his youth attending services with his parents. It had been a long time since Viktor had felt these things, reminders and subtle messages of a faith that he had not embraced in a very long time. He was thankful that Alicia had agreed to the traditional service. A minute cough from the Bulgarian Minister drew his attention away from his lovely bride just as the older man began reading the second and last gospel passage of the service.
When it was Kingsley's turn, his deeper voice seemed to resound the words more fully, saying. "My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds. Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet. Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir. Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father’s house. The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift, men of wealth will seek your favor. All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her and are brought to you. They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king. Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land. I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever."
Motioning for the assembled crowd to stand once more, the Bulgarian Minister led in singing the Gospel Acclamation of "Alleluia". When it was finished, he motioned once again for everyone to sit. There was an echo in the near-silent space as the assembled community moved almost as one. Reaching out, the Bulgarian Minister enveloped his hands over their joined ones before him, speaking in soft tones about the mystery of Christian marriage, the dignity of wedded love, the grace of the sacrament, and the responsibilities of married people. When he finished, Kingsley took his spot, repeating the words from memory so he wouldn't have to stop and read his tablet.
Taking over to reverse the translations, Kingsley solemnly requested that Viktor and Alicia state their intentions about their freedom of choice, faithfulness to each other, and the acceptance and upbringing of children, after which, the Bulgarian Minister translated to the assembled audience.
Turning to Alicia, taking both her hands in his, Viktor took a deep breath before speaking slowly to get the words right. "Alicia, vhen first ve meet, I know you special. Da time ve spend together, is best time of my life. I dink of vhat future hold for us vith happiness. You are only voman I vant to haff family vith, grow old vith, und spend all my life lovink. Today, I take you as my vife. I vow to loff you und cherish you, to keep you safe und protect you, to share all time, good und bad. I promise alvays I loff you, und hold faith only unto you. I vill alvays be there vhen you need me, und vant be best husband."