The tradition of walking a bride down the aisle is not greek, or orthodox at all. In the Greek Orthodox tradition or rather Greek tradition, the groom and his family often pick up the bride from her house. She is walked out of her house by her Godfather (depending on region). At that point, the bride and groom proceed to the church together and walk down the aisle together. The bride and groom walk in first and all the guests behind them.

Remember too, churches in greece are not orgazined such as they are in the America’s or new worlds. Typically there are no pews so really there is no aisle, anyway.

Make sense? This of course is how it is done in Northern Greece for certain. I’ve seen the same tradition many times occur in Athens as well. Many times in fact, as I lived across from a church.

Hope this helps!

S

A lot of modern Greek brides do have fathers walking them down the aisle whether it is or isn’t a Greek tradition because…well…he is Dad, and it is an honour to have him do so. I also like the idea of Both parents doing this.

I love the tradition despite it’s patriarchal origins where a woman was chattel to be given away to a groom.
I think it has taken on a new meaning now– a bride is accompanied down the aisle by her dear Dad rather than actually being ‘given away’.