Congratulations on your decision to get married in the Coptic Orthodox Church!
You are about to embark on the journey of your life. As you think about marriage, it is essential to invest time on the front end preparing for this awesome and great gift from God. The marriage preparation / formation period is a time to not only prepare for your wedding day, but also for your marriage.
As part of your marriage preparation period, you are required to attend a pre-cana program that is hosted by the Archdiocese. Please click HERE for upcoming dates! If you are planning to attend a different course being offered by the Coptic Orthodox Church, please be sure to communicate this ahead of time with the priest who will be guiding you through your marriage preparation and officiating your marriage.
If you are getting married at St. Anianus, or under the guidance of Fr. Michael Sorial, you will also need to invest in further pre-marriage enrichment. The additional course and books are designed to help equip you as you seek to walk through life together with your future spouse in Christ.
Marriage Prep Alpha Course
The Marriage Prep Alpha Course is a practical five-session course for couples who are engaged or exploring the idea of marriage. The 5 topics covered in this course are:
1. Communication
2. Conflict
3. Commitment
4. Connection
5. Adventure
You will need to purchase two copies of The Pre-Marriage Course Study Journal (Amazon Link HERE) to help you as you engage in the work together as a couple. For those who prefer to download and print the workbook, please find a copy HERE.
Pre-Marriage Counseling
Please plan to engage in 4 pre-marriage counseling sessions during this marriage preparation period.
Books to Read BEFORE Engagement
101 Questions to Ask Before You Get Engaged
From Me to We: A Premarital Guide for the Bride- and Groom-to-Be
Before You Say “I Do”: A Marriage Preparation Guide for Couples
Books to Read BEFORE Marriage (REQUIRED)
Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy?
A Lasting Promise: The Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage
Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires; the Respect He Desperately Needs
Two Become One: An Orthodox Christian Guide to Engagement and Marriage
The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts
Books to Read BEFORE Marriage (RECOMMENDED)
The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God
On Marriage and Family Life by John Chrysostom
Marriage as a Path to Holiness – Lives of Married Saints
Please Click the image below to download and print a Wedding Checklist to help guide you during your wedding planning process:
