The 12th June 2005 was also the day of Eleni’s baptism. In the Greek Orthodox Church this is a really big event and is full of celebration and tradition. Eleni is lucky to have Sophia Paipeti as her Godmother (Nouna) – Sophia was the person that introduced Christos and I, hence Eleni is lucky that she did!
The Baptism service involves Eleni getting naked and being dunked three times in the baptismal font. She had a surprised look on her face for the first two dunkings before letting us know she did not really like this part of the service. The rest of the service involved cutting three locks of her hair, Eleni drinking wine (communion) and circling the alter three times with all the other kids present. She had a great day and was thoroughly spoiled by all the guests afterwards at the St Louis Arts Museum. She loves being the centre of attention and surrounded by people so she was in her element with all her Greek relatives.
12 June 2005
While not exactly Big nor Fat, Christos and I tied the knot in St Nicholas Orthodox Church in St Louis after our civil ceremony in Cambridge, England in April. We had about 60 close friends and family join us for the day which was bright and sunny. From Greece were the Bilalis and Kollipolous families, including the Best Man – Dimitri. Also from Greece was Sophia who was on hand for Eleni’s baptism immediately after the wedding. Mum and Dad were there from Australia – along with 78 koalas that were given as gifts to all the guests at the reception.
The day started with the usual Eleni wake-up routine and then it was off to the hairdressers for me to get an “up-do” as they call it here in the USA. Christos and I then went to the church together to get changed and we got started with the service just a little after mid-day (the priest was late – not me!). Dad tried hard not to limp down the aisle (he broke the sole on his shoe) and Christos was there waiting for me at the alter.
The service was traditional Greek orthodox – which means we did not have to say anything but it is full of tradition: the placing of the Stefana (the crowns) 3 times on the bride and groom by the best man, circling the alter 3 times and the priest exchanging the rings 3 times. There is also a section where the bride gets to stamp on the grooms foot (when the priest talks about obeying the husband). Getting the stamp right means the woman will wear the pants in the house. The trouble was it was not that clear when I had to stamp so I had a few goes at it although I think I still did not manage to get it at the right time. Father Doug, the priest, was really great – Dad thinks he looks like Pavoroti!
Of course, Christos looked fabulous in his new suit – I really did marry a handsome man who is also a wonderful person. In true Big Fat Greek Wedding form, I had a big pimple on my chin but there was no Windex in the house so concealer had to be used on the day. Theo Takis (Plastic Surgeon from Greece) also has a tip for sun spots – Colgate shaving cream rubbed in each day for a couple of weeks.
After the service we had Eleni’s baptism and then went to the St Louis Arts Museum for lunch – fillet mignon and the most wonderful cakes for dessert. It was all very relaxed and casual, but went way too fast. We took some photos afterwards and spent the evening at The Carlton Ritz Hotel in town. It was our first night away from Eleni but she had a great time with her cousins and grand-parents – and was all smiles on our return.
By the way – my bouquet was made up of blue hydrangeas and eucalyptus leaves giving me a touch of home on the day. We plan to have another celebration at the end of the year in Australia – I think 3 must be our lucky number – so looking forward to a party with the Aussie contingent.
Recent Comments