ORDER OF SERVICE

FOR

THE SOLEMNIZATION OF HOLY MATRIMONY

BETWEEN

UJI & CHINASA

AT

CHRIST ANGLICAN CHURCH,

KATSINA ROAD, KADUNA.

ON

FRIDAY, 13 DECEMBER 2024

BY

12:00PM

OFFICIATING MINISTERS:
RT REV’D J. KWASHI – BISHOP ZONKWA

VEN. REX CHIMEZIE EZE - VICAR IN CHARGE

VEN. REUBEN IBEKWUTE

REV. DD SAKOMA - ECWA CHURCH, New Karu

REV. CAN. MATHEW A. ADEYEBA - ASSISTING PRIEST

REV. MICAH ANYIM - ASSISTING PRIEST

 ORDER OF SERVICE

1. Processional Hymn - To God be the Glory

2. Introduction (Exhortation and Charge)
3. Declaration
4. The Marriage
i. Giving the woman to the man
ii. The vows
iii. The exchange of rings
iv. Prayers for the couple (kneeling)
5. Acclamation
6. Hymn – God give us Christian Homes
7. The Ministry of the Word
(i) Old Testament Reading: (Gen.1:26-28)
(ii) Psalm 128
(iii) New Testament (I Corinthians 13 – 1 – 8a)
8. The Sermon
9. Hymn - O Perfect Love
10. Prayers (at the Altar)
11. The signing of the marriage register
12. Thanksgiving
13. Mothers Union & Women Guild Presentation
14. The Benediction
15. Notices
16. Recessional Hymn - There shall be showers of blessings
THE MARRIAGE SERVICE

1. PROCESSIONAL HYMN: To God be the Glory

1. To God be the glory great things he hath done,

So loved He the world that he gave us is Son,
Who yielded His life atonement for sin,
And opened the life’s gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord

Let the earth hear His voice
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord
Let the people rejoiced
O come to the father through Jesus the Son
And give Him the glory great things He hath done

2. O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,

To every believer the promise of God,
The vilest offender who truly believers,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

3. Great things he hath taught us, great things He has done,

And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son,
But purer and higher, and greater will be,
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

2. INTRODUCTION
(The congregation remains standing as the bride and bridegroom stand before the Priest and
the Priest says):

Dear people of God, we have come together in the presence of God, to witness and to celebrate the
marriage of UJI and CHINASA to ask His blessing on them, and to share in their joy. Our Lord Jesus
Christ was Himself a guest at a wedding in Cana of Galilee and blessed this way of life, and through
His Spirit He is with us now.
The Scripture teach us that marriage is a gift of God in creation and a means of His grace, a holy
mystery in which man and woman become one flesh. It is God’s purpose that, as husband and wife
give themselves to each other in love throughout their lives, they shall be united in their love as
Christ is united with His Church.

Marriage is given primarily that husband and wife may comfort and help each other, living
faithfully together in need and in plenty, in sorrow and in joy. It is also given, that with delight and
tenderness, they may know each other in love, and through the joy of their bodily union, may
strengthen the union of their hearts and lives. Lastly, it is given that they may have children and
be blessed in caring for them and bringing them up in accordance with God’s will to His praise and
glory.
 In marriage, husband and wife belong to one another, and are linked to each other’s family and
they begin a new life together in the community. This is a way of life that all should honour; and it
must not be undertaken carelessly, lightly or selfishly but reverently, responsibly, and after serious
thought. Into this way of life UJI and CHINASA come now to be joined. If anyone of you can show
just cause why they may not lawfully be married you must now declare it.

(If there is no impediment declared, the Priest continues)

3. DECLARATIONS:
(i) The Priest says to the couple: UJI and CHINASA the vows you are about to take are to be made
in the name of God and I charge you both, as you will answer before God who is the judge of all and
who knows all the secrets of our hearts: that if either of you knows a reason why you may not
lawfully marry, you must declare it now.

(If there is no impediment declared, the Priest continues. The congregation sits while the couple stand
and the Priest says to the bridegroom):

UJI of your own free choice, will you take CHINASA to be your wife?
The bridegroom answers: I will.

Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her, in sickness and in health, in poverty and
prosperity and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
The bridegroom answers: I will

The Priest says to the bride:

CHINASA of your own free choice will you take UJI to be your husband?
The bride answer: I will

Will you love him, comfort him, honour and protect him, obey and serve him, in sickness and in
health, in poverty and prosperity and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both
shall live?

The bride answers: I will.

4. THE MARRIAGE
(i) Then the Priest asks:
Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

(The father or the representative of the family comes out and says “I do”. He then hands over the
Bride to the Priest).
THE VOW:
(ii)The Priest receiving the bride from the hand of her father, shall cause the man to take the woman
by his right hand, facing each other, the bridegroom says:

I, UJI, take you, CHINASA, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward: for better for worse,
for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death according
to God’s holy law. This is my solemn vow.
They lose hands:

The bride takes the bridegroom’s right hand in hers, and says:

I, CHINASA, take you, UJI, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for
worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death
according to God’s holy law: This is my solemn vow.
They lose hands

(iii) The Exchange of RING.

THE PRIEST: And what token do you share to represent your love and commitment each other?

The Priest receives the ring(s). (Holding up the ring, says):

(a)The ring is the symbol of wholeness and perfection. It is made of gold which is a precious and durable
metal. What better representation of your feelings for each other!

THEN HE PRAYS:
(b)Heavenly Father, by your blessing, let these rings be to UJI and CHINASA a symbol of unending love and
faithfulness, to remind them of the vow and covenant which they have made this day; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

(c)The bridegroom places the ring on the fourth finger of the bride’s left hand, and holding it there,
says:
I give you this ring, as a sign of our marriage and a token of my love and fidelity to you. With my body I
honour you, all that I am I give to you and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father,
Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

(d)If rings are exchanged, they loose hands and the bride places a ring on the fourth finger of the
bridegroom’s hand, and holding it there says:
I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage and a token of my love and fidelity to you. With my body I
honour you, all that I am I give to you and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

(e) He bride and bridegroom kneel. While the congregation remains standing. The priest says:
Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all, giver of spiritual grace, and author of everlasting life: send your
blessing upon UJI and CHINASA whom we bless in Your name that living faithfully together they may fulfill
the vow and covenant they have made of which the ring given and received is a token and pledge and may
ever remain in perfect love and peace together and live according to Your laws; through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
(f)Now that UJI and CHINASA have given their consent and made their vows to each other before God and
this congregation, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of ring, in the name of God, I declare
that they are husband and wife.

(g)The Priest joins their right hands together and says:

Those whom God has joined together, let no man put asunder.
Amen.

(h)The Priest blesses them:

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit bless, preserve and keep you; The Lord pour upon you the
riches of His grace that you may faithfully live together and receive the blessings of eternal life. Amen.
(i)The Priest then invites and says to the parents:
As UJI and CHINASA enter a new life together will you their parents give them your blessing in the presence
of this congregation?

The Parents pray for the couple saying:

May God bless you both. Amen

(j)The congregation stands, the Priest may ask:

You, as friends and families, have come to witness this exchange of vows. Will you do all in your power to
support this marriage now and in the years ahead?
The people reply: We will

(iv)PRAYER FOR THE COUPLE (Kneeling)

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully grant
you the riches of His grace, that you may please Him both in body and soul, and living to together in faith
and love, may receive the blessings of eternal life. Amen.

5.THE ACCLAMATION:
(i) The Parents of the bridegroom or their representatives will move forward).
The Priest: In the name of God and in the presence of this congregation we hand CHINASA now Mrs. to
you as a full member of your family. Will you promise on behalf of your family to continue to up-hold them
in your prayer and give them your moral support?

The Parents of Groom: We promise in the name of God

(The priest then prays for the family :)

(ii) Eternal God, creator and sustainer of us all, give your grace to the family of UJI Grant them that in the
years ahead they may live together in the love, joy and peace of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

6.HYMN: God give us Christian homes

1.God gives us Christian homes
Homes where the Bible is loved and taught,
Homes where the Master’s will sought,
Homes crowned with beauty they love hath wrought
God, give us Christian homes;
God, gives us Christian homes.

2.God, give us Christian homes;

Homes where the Father is true and strong
Homes that are free from the blight of wrong,
Homes that are joyous with love and song.
God, give us Christian homes;
God, give us Christian homes.

3. God, give us Christian homes;

Homes where the mother, in queenly quest,
Strives to show others thy way is best,.
Homes where the Lord is an honored guest.
God, give us Christian homes;
God, give us Christian homes.

4.God give us Christian homes!

Home where he Children are led to know
Christ in His beauty who loves them so,
Homes where the altar fire burn and glow.
God, give us Christian homes;
God, give us Christian homes.

7.THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

(a)The Old Testament Reading: Gen 1:26-28
And the Lord God said, let us make man in our own image and likeness, and let them have dominion over
the fishes of the sea and the birds of the air, over all the Livestock of the earth, and all the creatures that
move on the ground”.

So God create man in his own image, in the image of God he create him, male and female he created them.
God blessed them and said to them, be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it. Rule
over the fishes of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that move on the ground.
The reader says: This is the word of God.
All says: Thanks be to God.

(b) Appointed Psalm for today. Psalm 128

1.Blessed is everyone that fears the LORD and walks in His ways.
2.You will eat the fruit of your labours: and all shall go well with you. happy shall you be.
3.Your wife within your house shall be as a fruitful vine
4.Your children around your table like the fresh shoots of the olive.
5.Behold thus shall the man be blessed: who live in the fears of the LORD.
6. May the LORD so bless you from Zion: that you see Jerusalem in prosperity all the days of your life.
7. May you see your children’s children: and in Israel let there be peace.
Glory to the father and to the son and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall
be. Amen.

(c) New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthian 13-1-8

I may be able to speak the languages of human beings and even of angels, but if have no love, I would be
making noise. If I had the gift of prophecy and knew all about what is going to happen in the future, knew
everything about everything, but have no love for others, what good would it do? Even if I had the gift of
faith so that I could Move Mountain I would still be nothing without love. If I gave everything I have to the
poor and if I were to be burned alive for preaching the Gospel, but have no love for others it is unprofitable
unless I loved others.

Love is kind and patient, Love is not jealous, Love is not boastful, Love is not proud not rude does not seek
its own, Love is not easily provoked, thinks no evil, Love does not rejoice in sin or when others are hurt but
rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things, believe all things, hope all things, endue all things, and love never
fail….
The reader says: This is the word of God. All Says: thanks be to God.

8. SERMON.
AFTER THE SERMON THE COUPLE PROCEEDS TO THE ALTAR.

9. HYMN – O PERFECT LOVE

1 .O Perfect love, all human though transcending
Lowly we kneel in prayer before thy throne
That theirs may be the love which knows no ending
Who’s thou for ever more dost join in one.

2 .O perfect life be thou their full assurance

Of tender charity and steadfast faith of patient hope
and quiet brave endurance with childlike trust
that fears nor pain nor death.

3 .Grant them the joy which brightens earthy sorrow,

Grant them the peace, which clams all earthly strife
And to life’s day the glorious unknown morrow
That dawns upon eternal love and life. Amen.

10. PRAYER (AT THE ALTAR)

Almighty and most Merciful father, the strength of all who put their trust in You: we pray that, as You have
brought UJI and CHINASA together by Your providence, so You will enrich them by Your grace; that those
vows which they have made to one another in Your sight, they may truly and faithfully perform; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty Father, You have created all mankind to glorify You, in body and in spirit. Give these Your children
joy, in one another, as living temples of the holy Spirit, and bring them by this joy to know and share in Your
creative and redeeming love; though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eternal God, true and loving Father, in holy marriage you make Your servants one. May their life together
witness to Your love in this troubled world; may unity overcome division, forgiveness heal injury, and joy
triumph over sorrow; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God of Love, look mercifully upon UJI and CHINASA in the new life which they begin together this day.
Unite them evermore in Your love. Keep them faithful to the vows they have made one to the other.
Strengthen them with every good gift, and let Your peace be with them, now and always; for the sake of
Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who gave marriage to be a source of blessing to mankind, we thank
You for the joys of family life. May UJI and CHINASA know Your presence and peace in their home; fill UJI
and CHINASA with Your love, and use them for Your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

11. SIGNING OF MARRAIAGE REGISTER

12. THANKSGIVING
13. MOTHERS UNION & WOMEN GUILD PRESENTATION
14. BENEDICTION:
God our Father, you have taught us through your Son that love is the fulfilling of the law. Grant to
your servants that, loving one another, they may continue in your love until end; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. May God make you strong in faith and love, defend you on every side, and guide
you in truth and peace; and the blessing of God Almighty, the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit
be among you and remain with you always Amen.

15. NOTICES:
16. RECESSIONAL HYMN - SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS
1. There shall be showers of blessing,
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Saviour above,

Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need;
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

2. There shall be showers of blessing,

Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain,

3. There shall be showers of blessing,

 Send them upon us, O Lord!
Grand to us now a refreshing;
Come, and now honour Thy word.

4. There shall be showers of blessing

Oh! That today the might fall
Now as to God we’re confessing
Now as on Jesus we call!

APPRECIATION
We express our deep gratitude to God Almighty for making this day a joyful one. We equally acknowledge
the efforts of those whose inputs and prayers have contributed to the success of this occasion. May the good
Lord reward, bless, and guide you all safely to your various destinations in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you!
UJI & CHY

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