Orthodox Christian Marriage is Sacramental, conferring the grace of God, creating an indissoluble union between husband and wife and creating an on-going means of Grace.
+++
1. Because marriage is Sacramental, the Orthodox Church does not bless or perform marriages between Orthodox Christians and non-Christians (e.g. Muslims, Jews, Atheists).
In marriage, couples not only pledge their love to each other but also their lives to Christ. The wish of the Church is for all people to be united in Christ, making their home an extension of the Church herself and for the couple to raise children in Christ who become faithful participants in the Church of Christ. For this reason, Orthodox Canon Law has discouraged intermarriage of any type. However out of economia the Church permits marriage of an Orthodox Christian with non-Orthodox who are of a heterodox Christian Faith if baptized in the name of the Trinity.
2. Neither can be currently married to another person.
If either of you have been divorced, you must first receive an ecclesiastical blessing from your bishop recognizing the divorce and allowing remarriage. If you or your future spouse are widowed, you must produce a legal death certificate for the deceased spouse.
The Orthodox Church also prohibits the following marriages:
- Parent with child/grandchild
- Brother-in-law with sister-in-law
- First or second cousins
- Aunt/Uncle with niece/nephew
- Godparent with Godchild
- Godfather/mother with parent of Godchild
- Foster parents with foster child
- Same sex couples
3. When can a wedding take place?
The Church does not officiate marriages on any day that calls for fasting. This includes:
- All Wednesdays and Fridays (unless they are during feast periods)
- Any evening that comes before one of the Twelve Major Feasts.
- During any of the four extended fasting periods
-
- Nativity Fast (Nov. 15 – Dec. 24)
- Great Lent (dates change each year)
- Apostles’ Fast (the Monday after All Saints to the feast day of Ss. Peter and Paul on June 29)
- Dormition Fast (Aug. 1 – Aug. 14)
- Aug. 28/29 (the Beheading of St. John the Baptist)
- Sept. 13/14 (the Exaltation of the Holy Cross)
Only under grave circumstances will the Church allow weddings during any of these periods and only with the Metropolitan’s blessing. It is important to confer with the priest well in advance of the intended date of the wedding. He will advise in steps of preparation you will need to take and to find the appropriate date.
4. Where can a wedding take place?
Orthodox weddings must take place only in an Orthodox church, not at a private home, beach, garden, or other venue. etc.
Who can be members of the wedding party?
Every Orthodox couple must have an ecclesiastical witness attesting to the reality of the marriage. This person is the Koumbaros/Koumbara who must be a baptized Orthodox Christian in good standing with the Church. In Orthodox Tradition, the man, woman, or couple chosen for this purpose eventually become the godparents of any future children. He or she is not necessarily the same person as the best man/maid of honor, who are legal witnesses, but not ecclesiastical. The Koumbaros/Koumbara may also serve as both.
The Koumbaros/Koumbara, typically purchases the wedding crowns, the silver tray, almonds, candles, goblet, etc., used during the ceremony.
If you wish to have additional groomsmen, bridesmaids, ushers, etc., they do not have to be Orthodox however they must agree to observe the practice and etiquette of Eastern Orthodox Tradition while participating in your wedding. Be sure to speak with the priest, so he is aware of those who will be in the wedding party.
5. Required legal documents for an Orthodox wedding
Speak with your priest about the documents you will need to apply for ecclesiastical license to marry. Typically you will need the following documents:
- Baptismal certificates for both you and your future spouse
- Copy of your civil Certificate of Marriage
- Civil divorce papers (if previously married in a civil service)
- Original ecclesial divorce certificate (if previously married in the Orthodox Church)
- Death certificate (if widowed in a previous marriage)
Both parties must be present to obtain a civil marriage license and a copy of the license is provided the priest prior to the marriage. The priest also serves as the officiant for the civil recognition. He will sign the certificate which you will send it in to the County issuing it, following the marriage
6. Required items for an Orthodox wedding service
- A pair of wedding crowns
- Two wedding rings
- Two white candles
- A common cup
7. Plan to receive the Sacraments of Confession and/or Communion soon before the wedding ceremony.
