GOC – Information Sheets (May 19, 2015)
The sacramental union of a man and a woman should be performed in the Orthodox Church according to the liturgical tradition and blessed by a priest recognised as canonical by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. The procedure for intended weddings is as follows:
- There must be no impediment (regarding relationships) according to the Canons of the Church.
- The priest must be given notice of a least one (1) month before the intended date of marriage.
- The Parish Priest will thereupon give directions as to the necessary documents required and fees to be paid.
In the case of mixed marriage, the non-Orthodox partner must be a person belonging to a denomination, which accepts the sacramental character of Holy Baptism. Having been baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity, he or she would declare responsibility that future children will be baptized according to the rites of the Eastern Orthodox Church and that they shall be raised in the Orthodox faith.
Marriages with persons who belong to the Pentecostal Church, Baptist Church, Salvation Army, Christian Revival Crusades, Reborn Christians, Assembly of God, Church of Christ and other similar religious groups are prohibited.
A non-Orthodox Christian, who marries an Orthodox Christian does not automatically become a member of the Orthodox Church, and is therefore not permitted to receive Holy Communion or other sacraments in the Orthodox Church.
In addition, Orthodox priests are not allowed to conduct wedding services with priests of other churches. The civil marriage cannot be conducted without the priest simultaneously performing the religious service.
Marriages are not permitted:
- From 13th December until Christmas Day
- On the 5th January, the eve of Epiphany
- From Great Lent until Easter Sunday
- From 1st to 15th August, the Dormition of the Theotokos
- On the 29th August, the beheading of John the Baptist
- On the 14th September, Elevation of the Cross
Fees:
please Contact the Greek Orthodox Community of Saint George Administration Offices on (07) 3249 1000, for further detailed information.
For more information regarding Weddings, please contact our Parish Priests
on (07) 3249 1000 or e-mail fr.dimitri@gocstgeorge.com.au
Please note: Information on this website is subject to change without notice. Please verify the accuracy of this information
