Anniversary readings across the Christian traditions

01 How anniversary readings are chosen

Anniversary observances are typically less formally lectionary-bound than weddings. Catholic practice: a couple celebrating a significant anniversary (commonly the 25th or 50th) requests either a Nuptial Blessing within a Sunday Mass or a separate anniversary Mass; the priest selects from the Order of Celebrating Matrimony lectionary, often in conversation with the couple. Orthodox practice: a Service of Thanksgiving (a Doxology) is more typical than a full liturgical observance; the appointed readings of the day are used, sometimes with a brief Old Testament addition.

Anglican / Episcopal practice: the Renewal of Marriage Vows is a defined rite in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer; the rector selects readings, often returning to the couple's wedding readings or pairing them with new selections. Mainline Protestant practice varies; the pastor and couple typically choose together. Evangelical practice is the most open; readings are normally chosen by the couple and pastor for the specific anniversary.

02 The principal readings

Ten scripture passages cover most of what is heard at US Christian anniversary blessings. The pill on each row notes the convention or category; Bible1.org links open the full chapter, and the deuterocanonical Sirach 26 and Tobit 8 link to the USCCB's NABRE.

03 Tradition-specific selections

The selections diverge by what the tradition reads as the appropriate anniversary observance.

Catholic anniversary lectionary

Catholic anniversary observances draw on the Order of Celebrating Matrimony lectionary, the same set used at weddings. Old Testament: Genesis 2:18-24, Tobit 8:4b-8, Sirach 26:1-4, 13-16, Song of Songs 2 or 8, Ruth 1:16-17. Epistle: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Romans 12, Colossians 3:12-17, 1 John 4:7-12, Ephesians 5:21-33. Gospel: Mark 10:6-9, Matthew 19:3-6, John 2:1-11 (Cana), John 15:9-17. The Diocesan or Archdiocesan Mass for Jubilarian Couples (typically held annually for 25th and 50th anniversary couples) uses an appointed set.

Orthodox practice

The Orthodox tradition does not have a separate sacramental anniversary rite parallel to the Crowning. A Service of Thanksgiving (a Doxology) is the typical observance, sometimes with an added Old Testament reading on covenant faithfulness. Anniversaries are kept within the household and the parish community rather than as a distinct liturgical event.

Anglican / Episcopal Renewal of Marriage Vows

The 1979 Book of Common Prayer includes a rite for the Renewal of Marriage Vows; the 2019 ACNA BCP carries a parallel rite. Readings are selected by the couple with the rector; typical choices include 1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians 3:14-19 or 5:21-33, Mark 10:6-9, or John 15:9-12.

Mainline Protestant selections

Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Reformed anniversary observances range from informal blessings at the close of a Sunday service to more substantial anniversary services. Readings are typically chosen by the couple in conversation with the pastor; the wedding readings are often returned to.

Evangelical practice

Evangelical anniversary observances are typically less liturgically formal. Vow renewals are common, sometimes held alongside a vow-renewal couple's retreat or marriage seminar. Readings are chosen by the couple, often returning to the wedding readings or adding a passage that names the years (Ecclesiastes 4 or Colossians 3 are common).

04 Common questions

05 Pastoral note