Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1901-11-09
ARMENIAN MARRIAGE.
Sweethearts We're Tied Together With
Silken Cords.


To the accompaniment OF weird
music, rising and falling In measured
cadence on incense-laden air, an Ar
menian man and maiden were married
in the Armenian Episcopal church,
Fifth and Buttonwood streets.
1t was the picturesque wedding ser.
Vice of the country. unchanged in the
1900 years since the religion was found
ed, and 1t was the first time the service,
correct In every detail. had been held
In Philadelphia. Sadly, tearfully at
times the guests, who comprised al
most the entire Armenian colony In the
city, took part In the service. 1t cal
ried them back TO Armenia, recalled
their sufferings at the hands OF their
oppressors, and by its likeness TO the
ceremonies Of past days I'm their ma
tive land reminded them that they were
exiles.
The bridal party sat on the front
seat, directly facing the altar, the bride
and bridegroom, Santur Santurian. side
by side. His best man was at his
right. her bridesmaid at her left.
Both girls were beautiful and made
an exquisite picture, the little Martha.
clinging TO her bridesmaid like a child,
turning back on her future husband.
not even venturing to raise her eyes to
the brilliant scene In front OF the altar
as the music began.
Yet II was a sight worth seeing. The
priest, the Rev. II. Masttots, OF New
York, wore the rich vestments Of the
Armenian church--the red and gold
brocaded stole falling over white silk
robe, both being held in place with
silver belt Of rare workmanship. On his
head was mtre. this giving a COM
manding air, and strangely idealizny
the strong, clear cut yet spirltuelle face
of the priest BY his side an acolyte
swung the incense In rhythmic meas
ure.
One by one the singers, In churchly
vestments. gruoped themselves around
the priest Then the nuptial mass be-
gan. the weird chanting OF the chorIs-
tiers being more impressive than any
words could be.
A single voice. hesitatingly, faltering-
~. impressed on the bride and BRIDE
groom In the mysterious language OF
music the solemnity Of the step they
were about to take. One by one the
others Joined Slowly. sadly. solemnly.
they chanted until the sorrow of the
world was In their wailing tones Sud-
denly they stonped and the priest
passed between the rows OF singers
held the cruelty over the heads Of the
bridal couple and bade them arise.
The frightened bride chung TO her
bridesmaid. her head bowed lower ana
lower as she listened to the marriage
service.
The bridegroom's response was diA-
tinct, but the bridesmaid replied for tn.
bride when she was asked II she would
'1oye, honor and obey. But the priest
swer FOR herself, and family she gave
told the timid girl that she must an
her promise.
This ceremony over. the bride and
bridegroom. still wearing their silken
letters, resumed their seats and COM
munion service followed. The music
was exquisite. The priests voice, rich
and vibrant rang forth. now sad. now
tender; again, low and solemn. A talA
to the newly-made husband and wife
followed In which they were given
much good advice.
Then followed reception and a
scramble among the young men for III.
brides roses for luck. And the happ,
couple went homo. still wearing their
silken shackles. -Philadelphia North
American.