Marriage is a Sacrament, a Mysterion of the Orthodox Church, through which the union of man and woman is sanctified by God.

Married life is a special vocation that attains its fullness through the grace of the Holy Spirit. It is this very grace that is conferred on the couple during the Wedding Service.

The Orthodox marriage ceremony, the most ancient of Christian wedding rites, is steeped in ritual and symbolism, reflecting the theology of the Church. The rite is performed by a Priest who stands before an appropriately covered ceremonial table. It is placed in the middle of the Soleas area of the church, in front of the Holy Altar.

The Laws and Regulations pertaining to Weddings are set by the Holy Canons of the Orthodox Church and are implemented accordingly by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. These regulations apply to every Greek Orthodox Priest across Australia who is obliged to observe them conscientiously.

Documentation Required

1. In all circumstances, both parties (whether Orthodox or not) must present to the Priest their full Birth Certificate (if born in Australia) or their Passport (if born overseas) as well as their Baptismal Certificate.

2. Orthodox parties who have never been married before must obtain a Certificate of Celibacy or ‘Agamias’ (that they are not married) from their local Parish Priest. This must be signed by two witnesses (parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, or friends) upon presenting the Baptismal Certificate of the party concerned.

To find out more, please read our article about the Laws and Regulations required for an Orthodox wedding.

Dates on which Marriages are not permitted:

• on the 5th January, the eve of Epiphany

• from Great Lent until Easter Sunday (these dates vary from year to year)

• from 1st to 15th August, the Dormition of the Theotokos

• on the 29th August, the Beheading of St John the Baptist

• on the 14th September, the Elevation of the Holy Cross

• from 13th December until Christmas Day.