Under Orthodox rules, a celibate priest cannot marry after ordination, and a non-celibate priest cannot remarry and remain a priest, even if his wife dies, he said. Widowers who remain celibate can become bishops, but that’s happened just once.
Who can marry in a Greek Orthodox church?
A Greek Orthodox man or woman can get married to a non-Orthodox man or woman providing they are Christian and have been baptized with water in the name of the Holy Trinity. The marriage must also take place in an Orthodox Church by an Orthodox Priest.
Does the Orthodox Church allows married priests to divorce and remarry in the church?
Eastern Churches
The Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches, as well as many of the Eastern Catholic Churches, permit married men to be ordained. … Traditionally, the rejection of clerical marriage has meant that a married deacon or priest whose wife dies could not remarry but must embrace celibacy.
Can a Catholic person get married in a Greek Orthodox church?
This means that marriages can in fact occur between a Greek Orthodox groom and a say a Roman Catholic bride, as long as the marriage takes place in an Orthodox Church. … A person who either does not belong to a parish or belongs to a parish not in communion with the Greek Orthodox Church is not allowed to be a Sponsor.
Can a Greek Orthodox marry a Protestant?
The Catholic Church recognizes as sacramental, (1) the marriages between two baptized Protestants or between two baptized Orthodox Christians, as well as (2) marriages between baptized non-Catholic Christians and Catholic Christians, although in the latter case, consent from the diocesan bishop must be obtained, with …
Why are Greek Orthodox priests allowed to marry?
But a tradition of married clergy has helped create stability, said the Rev. … Under Orthodox rules, a celibate priest cannot marry after ordination, and a non-celibate priest cannot remarry and remain a priest, even if his wife dies, he said.
Can Coptic priests marry?
Coptic theology and practice have much in common with the Catholic Church ― but diverge in several major areas. Like Catholics, Coptic Christians believe in the Ten Commandments, and they practice the sacraments of baptism, confession and confirmation. … And Coptic priests can marry. Copts have their own pope.
Why is it called Greek Orthodox?
Historically, the term “Greek Orthodox” has been used to describe all Eastern Orthodox churches in general, since the term “Greek” can refer to the heritage of the Byzantine Empire. … Thus, Eastern Orthodox came to be called “Greek” Orthodox in the same way that the Western Christians came to be called “Roman” Catholic.
When can you not get married in the Greek Orthodox Church?
There are some days when the sacrament is not permitted: The Epiphany, Holy Week, during the Twelve Days of Christmas, the Lenten Season, several high-holy days in summer and the day before any significant feast day. There are exceptions, so it’s up to the priest who is officiating the marriage.
Can a non Greek Orthodox be a godparent?
These days, the church requires that at least one of the godparents is an Orthodox Christian of good standing. The other godparent doesn’t have to be Orthodox but both do need to be approved by the church or your priest. Only one godparent is really needed but a second can be chosen to assist in the process.
What happens if you marry a non believer?
Marrying a non-Christian will cause you to be unequally yoked, which we are called not to do in 2 Corinthians 6:14. This is to protect us from wounds that can be caused by an unequally yoked marriage and will help keep us from being torn from God.
Is interfaith marriage possible?
Although interfaith marriages are most often established as civil marriages, in some instances they may be established as a religious marriage. This depends on religious doctrine of each of the two parties’ religions; some prohibit interfaith marriage, and among others there are varying degrees of permissibility.
What are the benefits of interfaith marriage?
A successful interfaith marriage would force two families of differing backgrounds to interact with one another from time to time and potentially promote religious education and tolerance. It would also produce religiously tolerant and abundantly enlightened children.