Marriage in the Orthodox Church – A Gift and a Mystery

The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony 

Marriage is one of the Holy Mysteries of the Church, instituted by God from the very beginning, when He blessed Adam and Eve and made them “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). In the New Testament, Christ sanctified marriage at the wedding in Cana of Galilee by His presence and first miracle (John 2:1–11).

In the Orthodox Church, marriage is not merely a legal contract or social institution, but a sacrament of healing and sanctification. The husband and wife, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, are united into one life in Christ. Their union is not based on human affection alone, but is rooted in divine love, becoming an icon of the mystery of Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:32).

The crowns placed upon the couple during the service symbolise both the victory of love over selfishness and the cross of sacrificial service to one another. Marriage, therefore, is not the end of freedom, but its true fulfilment: a lifelong journey of growth in holiness, forgiveness, humility, and communion.

St. John Chrysostom calls the Christian home a “little church.” Within it, the husband and wife are called to grow in love, to nurture children in faith, and to witness together to the Kingdom of God. Like all the Mysteries, marriage is a path of healing: healing from the isolation of individualism, from self-will, and from the brokenness of fallen love.

Practical Guidelines and Requirements (Official Information)

As marriage is a great Mystery, it must be approached with reverence. The following are required for those wishing to be married in the Orthodox Church:

• At least one of the couple must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing.

• Both must be free to marry (i.e., not currently bound by another marriage, civil or religious).

• Marriages cannot be performed during fasting periods and major feasts without special permission.

• Marriages between Orthodox and non-Orthodox Christians may be allowed, provided the non-Orthodox partner was baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity. However, marriages with non-Christians are not permitted.

  • With economia (dispensation), the Church permits marriage between an Orthodox and a non-Orthodox Christian.

  • The non-Orthodox partner must have been baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity and sign an affirmation that children will be raised in the Orthodox Church.

  • Non-Orthodox clergy or koumbaroi (best men/women) may not participate in the service.

Documents Required for Marriage Permission

1. Application form signed by both parties (provided by the Holy Metropolis).

2. Original Birth Certificates of both parties.

3. Certificates of Baptism (for the Orthodox partner, and if applicable, for the non-Orthodox partner).

4. Certificates of Civil Freedom to Marry (from the government).

5. Metropolis’ fee NZD $500.

Payment details:

• Account number: 06 0501 0278019 00 (ANZ Bank)

• Payable to: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of NZ Property Trust

Once completed, the Metropolis issues the Marriage Permit, without which no Orthodox marriage can be celebrated.

Marriage is not permitted during:

• • 12–25 December (Nativity fast).

  • Clean Monday through Holy Pascha (Great Lent & Holy Week).

  • 1–15 August (Dormition fast).

  • 29 August (Beheading of St John the Baptist).

  • 14 September (Feast of the Cross).

  • 5 January (Eve of Theophany).

  • Wednesdays and Fridays (Fasting days throughout the year)

Pastoral Guidance

Marriage preparation includes meetings with the priest, who will guide the couple through the meaning of the sacrament, prayer, fasting, and practical matters of family life. This is not a formality but an opportunity for spiritual preparation.

Marriage is a Mystery of joy and responsibility: joy in the blessing of God’s presence, and responsibility in living faithfully as husband and wife, a living icon of Christ’s love. It is not only the union of two persons, but the beginning of a family sanctified and healed by the grace of the Holy Spirit.