Marriage Outside the Orthodox Church

A married Orthodox Christian whose wedding has not been blessed by the Orthodox Church is no longer in good standing with the Church and is consequently ineligible to receive the sacraments of the Church, including Holy Communion, or to serve as a sponsor at an Orthodox wedding, baptism, or chrismation. An Orthodox Christian who has been married outside the Church and who wishes to be reconciled to the Church is encouraged to schedule a meeting with the priest to discuss having his or her marriage be blessed in the Orthodox Church.