Unique wedding ceremony in eastern Ukraine

Twenty-two couples were simultaneously married in central Ukraine. Many of them had been in a civil marriage for many years. Solemn prayer dedicated to this event was held February 27 in the First Baptist Church of Cherkasy. As journalist Julia Dolmatova told RISU, pastor and author of the idea Volodymyr Kuzin performed the ceremony.

"Since the announcement of this idea I have heard very different opinions," says the pastor. "Some were in oposition. But why should we refuse to pray for these couples?"

Initially, 17 couples expressed their desire to marry in the church; in a few days there were 20; and at the solemn liturgy 22 couples were married. Many of them already have children, and some grandchildren. The couple together for the shortest time has been together for 4.5 years, the longest couple 54 years.

The pastor, giving guidance to the couples, did not ask if they promise to love each other always. "This is not your first year together, and your love have been tested for strength and loyalty," he said. "So I ask you in another way: Do you promise to be in church your whole life?" Everyone answered “Yes!”