Divorce is generally seen as a sin in Orthodox Christianity, though some exceptions are made in certain circumstances. The Orthodox Church teaches that marriage is an eternal union joined together by God, and divorce separates what God has joined together. However, the Church also recognizes that there are some situations where divorce may be the only option for a couple.
Biblical Basis
In Matthew 19:3-9, when asked about divorce, Jesus refers back to the Genesis account of the first marriage and declares, “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” He goes on to say that while Moses permitted divorce because of the hardness of people’s hearts, divorce contradicts God’s original intent for marriage.
The Apostle Paul also speaks against divorce in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, stating that a wife should not separate from her husband, and if she does separate she must remain unmarried or be reconciled. He indicates here and elsewhere that marriage is meant to be a lifelong union.
Church Teachings on Divorce
Throughout history, the Orthodox Church has sought to uphold the permanence of marriage as described in the New Testament. However, there has been some variation in practice and teachings related to divorce.
In the early Church, some Church Fathers like Clement of Alexandria and Augustine took a more moderate stance and allowed for divorce and remarriage in some circumstances. However, by the 4th century, Emperor Constantine restricted divorce, influencing the Church to take a firmer stand against it.
Canon law in the Orthodox Church came to forbid divorce and remarriage in most cases. Some exceptions are made in the case of adultery or other serious sexual immorality. Even so, second and third marriages are seen as inferior to the first marriage, and marriage after divorce is accompanied by a period of repentance before the marriage can be blessed by the Church.
Modern Applications
Today, the Orthodox Church does not grant divorces—only civil authorities can legally dissolve a marriage. However, the Church may issue ecclesiastical divorces in certain circumstances, which allow for remarriage within the Church.
There are several conditions under which ecclesiastical divorces may be issued:
- Adultery or other serious sexual immorality
- Abandonment by an unbelieving spouse
- Physical or emotional abuse
- Mental illness
- Imprisonment
- Serious addiction
Even in these cases, other remedies may be prescribed first, like a time of separation or counseling. The welfare of any children is also carefully weighed. The Church aims to discern prayerfully whether reconciliation or continued union is possible before considering divorce and remarriage.
Remarriage After Divorce
For a second or third marriage to be blessed by the Church after a divorce, the bishop must make a determination that the first marriage has been spiritually dissolved. In some cases, the previous marriage may be considered sacramentally invalid, such as if it was the second marriage of a person whose first spouse died. However, this determination is not made lightly.
The penitential period before remarriage may last up to five years, depending on circumstances. Both the remarriage and the advance determination of the dissolution of the previous marriage emphasize that divorce is an exceptional situation, not part of God’s original intention for marriage.
Attitudes Toward Those Who Divorce
While upholding the ideal of lifelong marriage, the Orthodox Church also recognizes the messiness of human relationships in a fallen world. Divorcees are not excommunicated or excluded from the Church altogether. However, the Church calls those who divorce to repentance and extended pastoral care to heal the wounds divorce causes.
Divorce is seen as a serious sin, but not an unforgivable one. Divorced members can fully participate in the sacramental life of the Church. However, they are barred from some leadership roles until they have completed the penitential period before remarriage.
The Church aims to balance rigorous standards for marriage with compassion for human frailty. Divorce is strongly discouraged, but not unilaterally condemned. The pastoral approach ultimately aims at reconciliation and wholeness even in broken relationships.
Conclusion
In summary, the Orthodox Christian Church sees divorce as a sin and a departure from God’s intentions for marriage. However, Orthodoxy does make some provision for divorce and remarriage in exceptional circumstances involving adultery, abuse, abandonment, or other serious threats to the union. The Church aims to restore and heal broken relationships where possible, but also acknowledges divorce as a regrettable option in irreparable cases.
Throughout the process surrounding divorce and remarriage, repentance and reconciliation are central. Though a third marriage is not normally blessed, the doors of the Church remain open to the divorced. Divorce is seen as a grave spiritual wound, yet the possibility of forgiveness and growth remains open to all sinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Orthodox Church allow divorce?
The Orthodox Church does not itself grant divorces – only the state can legally dissolve a marriage. However, the Church may issue ecclesiastical divorces in certain serious circumstances such as adultery, abuse, or abandonment. This allows for the possibility of remarriage within the Church.
Can you remarry in the Orthodox Church after divorce?
It is possible to remarry in the Orthodox Church after divorce, though it is seen as inferior to the first marriage. The bishop must determine that the first marriage has been spiritually dissolved, and a period of repentance is required before the second marriage can be blessed.
Do Orthodox Christians believe in divorce?
Orthodox Christianity sees marriage as an eternal union joined by God. So divorce is seen as a tragic separation of what God has joined together. However, the Church acknowledges that divorce may be necessary in some fallen, sinful situations due to human brokenness and hardness of heart.
Is it a sin to divorce in the Orthodox Church?
Yes, divorce is generally considered a sin in Orthodoxy because it goes against God’s original plan for marriage. However, the Church has an understanding attitude towards human weakness and makes exceptions for divorce and remarriage in some serious circumstances.
Can Orthodox priests get divorced?
Divorce and remarriage are normally prohibited for ordained Orthodox priests. If a priest’s marriage ends in divorce, he would usually be expected to remain unmarried if he wishes to continue serving as a priest. However, bishops can make exceptions in some extraordinary cases.
Key Points About Divorce in Orthodox Christianity
- Marriage is seen as permanent union created by God.
- Divorce separates what God joined together.
- Jesus and Paul spoke against divorce.
- Church practice forbade divorce except in limited circumstances.
- Divorce is allowed only for serious causes like adultery or abuse.
- A period of repentance is required before remarriage.
- Divorce is tragic and sinful but sometimes the only option.
- The Church aims for reconciliation but allows divorce as a last resort.
- Divorced people require extended pastoral care.
- Balance of high standards and compassionate understanding.