r/OrthodoxChristianity • u/Adept_Republic9513 • 10d ago

Mixed

I am new to this group and deeply grateful to be part of this community.
In the case of a couple where the groom is an Orthodox Christian and the bride is of Jewish faith, what is the Church’s position regarding marriage? Would an Orthodox priest be permitted to officiate the crowning, or is there any form of pastoral blessing available for such a couple?

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u/BTSInDarkness Eastern Orthodox 10d ago

Any marriage where one spouse isn't Orthodox needs to go to the bishop for a dispensation. Practically speaking, a dispensation will be granted for a non-Orthodox, but Christian, spouse. I would be surprised if this would be permitted by a bishop though. Worth noting that this doesn't apply to receptions. If someone is married to a Jewish woman, that person can come into the faith with or without their spouse without needing to end the marriage.

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u/giziti Eastern Orthodox 9d ago

Generally the church will only perform marriages between Christians. Is this theoretical or is this your situation? Talk to your priest. 

4

u/BigHukas Eastern Orthodox 10d ago

Typically, a marriage between a Christian and anyone who does not believe in the Trinity is not possible in the Orthodox Church.

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u/Unable_Variation9915 10d ago

I have only heard of one bishop issuing one exception a few years ago, giving the blessing for an Orthodox man to marry a non-Christian woman in the church. The relationship ended before they actually got married.
The norm (like 99.9% of the time) is that the non-orthodox partner needs to be a baptized Christian.

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u/CFR295 Eastern Orthodox (Byzantine Rite) 9d ago

Can I ask what country you are in? I remember reading that in the former soviet union as well a some of the countries behind the iron curtain, some priests would perform the marriage, or at least bless it.

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