Ukrainian Orthodoxy		Orthodoxie ukrainienne

Marriage Ceremonies

Question:

I am Roman Catholic and my fiance is Ukrainian Orthodox. My question to you is, do you know of a way we can combine the two ceremonies? We want to have all the traditional orthodox elements (the crowns, the binding of the hands etc.) but we also want the traditional catholic elements (the classic vows, my father walking me down the aisle etc.) We were hoping also to have both an orthodox minister and a catholic priest present. Is that allowed? Also, I've heard that if an orthodox person marries in another church, he or she would be essentially excommunicated. Is that true?

Answer:

Very Reverend Ihor Kutash kutash@unicorne.org

There is generally no concelebration of Sacraments between the two Churches as yet due to the doctrinal issues that have yet to be resolved.

Nonetheless sometimes Orthodox priests, if their Bishop so blesses, do participate in some fashion in a Catholic celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony (this very Sacrament, incidentally, is viewed differently by the two Churches: the Orthodox view it as being conferred by Christ to the couple, whereas Catholics consider it as being conferred by the partners upon each other in Him).

The form of this participation may vary from actual reading of Scriptures and/or prayers and/or a homily or simply by the Orthodox priest being present clad in his riassa or pidriasnyk (cassock).

Sometimes it is the Catholic priest who participates in similar fashion in the Orthodox celebration of the Sacrament if he feels it is acceptable to do so - and of course with the blessing of the Orthodox celebrant/s.

In each case - and each case is dealt with independent of all other cases for we deal here with the carrying out of Church canons which may vary all the way from strict, maximalist adherence or "akribeia" (often prefered by the Orthodox), which means "no participation at all", to a leniency or "ekonomeia" which is sometimes surprisingly far-reaching.

Some Orthodox pastors hold to the principle that since few decisions are beyond reproach, i.e. made in full submission to the will of God which seeks salvation for all, it seems to be safer to err on the side of leniency than on the side of austerity.  Others however seem to hold to the position that it is safer to stay with the maximalist interpretation, perhaps because it may be less confusing for the faithful.

At any rate you should consult with your respective pastors on this matter.

As for the final point you raise, there may indeed be bishops and priests who would so view the Orthodox who has so married, but this is not always the case.  My experience has been that there is usually a great deal of mercy and kindness extended by Orthodox pastors who are aware of the complexity of life in this modern age as we struggle to be faithful to the Lord Who shall resolve all of this in His glorious Second Coming - at a time known only by the Heavenly Father.  There is always the need to pray for the peaceful, loving resolution of all conflicts, especially among those who identify themselves by the exalted name of "Christian".

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