Steve Burton marries Michelle Lundstrum in an Orthodox Church ceremony

Steve Burton has remarried

General Hospital actor Steve Burton (Jason Morgan) married celebrity chef Michelle Lundstrum on May 17 in an intimate Orthodox Church ceremony in California. Only the immediate family was inside the church. The ceremony doesn't include exchanging vows but is highly liturgical, filled with incense, chanting, and symbolism.

Witnesses or sponsors (often called koumbaros/koumbara in the Greek tradition) play a key role, assisting in the crowning and being spiritual supporters. This is accompanied by hymns, especially “Rejoice, O Isaiah.”

An ocean front reception

The oceanfront reception was held at Montage Laguna Beach, with about 45 guests including a few GH co-stars. The happy couple's first dance was to "I Choose You" by Forest Blakk. The new Mrs. Burton told PEOPLE "He's proven that fairy tale love truly exists. He's like pure sunshine."

Burton's mantra that when one door closes another opens seems true for him. When General Hospital let him go because he did not take the COVID vaccine he appeared on Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem as Harris Michaels. He later joined the Days of Our Lives cast and when his contract was up returned to GH.

Burton relies on his faith

Burton was previously married to Sheree Guston Burton for 23 years and they have three children Makena and Brooklyn and son Jack. They were in the wedding along with Lundstrum's two daughters Lilah and Hannah.

Steve shared his go to scripture Jeremiah 29:11 on line: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

After COVID it seemed the actor was losing everything: His marriage to Sheree and his job. Now he is back on track in several front bunrer General Hospital storylines and with the woman he says is the love of his life.

What is an Orthodox Ceremony?

There are three types of Orthodox wedding ceremonies: Greek, Russian, and Western Christian. Traditionally they consist of two main parts: Burton did not share specific details but the following what might have taken place.

1. The Betrothal (Engagement) Service

This portion of the ceremony often takes place immediately before the marriage service in the same liturgical setting.

Exchange of Rings: The priest blesses the rings and makes the sign of the cross over the couple’s heads. The rings are exchanged three times, symbolizing the mutual bond and the Holy Trinity. Prayers for the Couple: The priest prays for the couple's harmony, love, and faithfulness.

Symbolism: The ring is a sign of commitment and eternal love (circular with no end).

The Crowning (Marriage) Service is the central and more elaborate part of the wedding ceremony.

The Procession

The couple is led into the church by the priest, often accompanied by candles representing the light of Christ.

Prayers and Readings

Special prayers are said for the couple’s union, peace, and spiritual growth. A New Testament reading from Ephesians 5:20-33 is read outlining the roles of husband and wife in Christian marriage.

The Crowning

This is the most significant part of the ceremony. The couple is crowned with wedding crowns (stefana), joined by a ribbon, symbolizing the unity and the "martyrdom" of marriage (self-sacrifice and love). The crowns are exchanged three times by the priest over the couple’s heads.

Common Cup

The couple drinks from a shared cup of blessed wine, recalling the miracle at the Wedding at Cana. Symbolizes the beginning of shared life and joys/sorrows together.

The Ceremonial Walk (Dance of Isaiah)

The priest leads the couple in a circle around the altar three times, symbolizing their journey together in faith.

Final Blessing and Dismissal

The crowns are removed with a final blessing. The couple is often presented to the congregation as husband and wife. This is accompanied by hymns, especially “Rejoice, O Isaiah.” Congratulations to Steve Burton and his new wife, Michelle Lunstrum Burton, on the rest of their lives together.

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