Marriage in a Roman Catholic Church (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)

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I tell you, my friends, don't be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear him, who after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Aren't five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don't be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows. I tell you, everyone who confesses me before men, him will the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God; but he who denies me in the presence of men will be denied in the presence of the angels of God.

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	Marriage in a Roman Catholic Church (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)

QUESTION:

I am hoping someone can help clarify a matter for me that has been prying on my mind for sometime. I was recently married to a wonderful woman who happens to be Roman Catholic. I therefore decided that I would defer and have the wedding ceremony performed in her church. We did not get married at mass because she felt it would not be fair to ask me to do so since I am a member of the Orthodox faith.

I have in no way renounced my belief in Orthodoxy, yet I am being told by my bishop that I am now unable to receive communion in my church. Is this true? If so could you please tell me why it is. I cannot see the reasoning for this. As I have stated previously I have in no way renounced my Orthodox faith. I do not feel as though it is right to deprive the sacrament of communion just because I was married in a Catholic church.

Any information that you can provide to me would be greatly appreciated. I am hoping that this matter can be cleared up, so that I may once again wholly partake in our Divine Liturgy.

ANSWER:

In brief, Orthodox Christians are only to be married in an Orthodox ceremony.

In your case, I would speak with your bishop concerning how the matter can be rectified and how you can be restored to the reception of Holy Communion. He should be more than happy to spell out what needs to be done according to the discipline of his particular diocese.

Published in January 2011.

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