Quick Answer
What is the Dance of Isaiah?
The Dance of Isaiah is the part of the Greek Orthodox wedding service where the priest leads the newly crowned couple, joined by their koumbaros or koumbara, in three circuits around the altar table, while the hymn "Isaiah, dance for joy" is chanted — considered the couple's first steps as a married pair.
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Last updated:
What is the Dance of Isaiah?
Also called: Ησαΐα χόρευε, Isaiah Dance, the walk around the altar.
If the crowning is the visual centerpiece of a Greek Orthodox wedding, the Dance of Isaiah is its most photographed moment of movement — the priest walking the couple around the altar table three times, koumbaros in tow, hymn rising as they go. It is short, but it is the moment guests lean forward for.
What happens during the dance
- •The priest, holding the Gospel or a processional cross, leads the couple by hand around the altar table three times.
- •The koumbaros or koumbara follows closely, often steadying the stefana ribbon so the crowns don't slip during the walk.
- •The hymn "Isaiah, dance for joy" is chanted throughout, giving the ritual its name.
- •Guests sometimes shower rice or rose petals at this point, and it is typically the peak moment for photography.
Planning notes
- •Flag this explicitly to your photographer and videographer in advance — it is widely considered the key shot of the ceremony.
- •Make sure the floor around the altar table is clear and non-slip, especially with a bridal train or heels involved.
- •Confirm with the church whether guests may stand or move closer with cameras during this moment, or must remain seated.
Keep the ceremony run-of-show shared with everyone
Send the ceremony order and timing to your wedding party and family over WhatsApp with Weddingkart, so everyone knows exactly when the key moments happen.
See WhatsApp announcements →Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the "Dance of Isaiah"?
It is named for the hymn chanted during the ritual, "Isaiah, dance for joy," drawn from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, sung as the priest leads the couple around the altar table.
Who walks around the altar table?
The priest leads the newly crowned bride and groom, with the koumbaros or koumbara following closely behind, typically holding the ribbon connecting the two stefana.
Is this the same as a recessional walk out of the church?
No — the Dance of Isaiah happens at the altar table earlier in the service, distinct from the couple's final walk out of the church at the very end of the ceremony.
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By Mayank JaiswalLast updated