Yes, Orthodox priests are allowed to marry. It has been a part of Orthodox tradition for centuries, going all the way back to the Ministry of the Apostles. Orthodox priests typically marry before ordination, as it is a requirement for becoming a priest in many Orthodox churches.
Marriage is seen as a sacrament within the Orthodox tradition, as it represents the union of Christ and the Church. Thus, the couples exchanging their vows in marriage need to commit to one another and the Church in life-long mutual love, understanding and support.
Marriages within the Orthodox Church provide a unique opportunity for participating in the divine mystery of Christian love and foreshadow the union of God and humanity. As such, Orthodox priests are encouraged to find spouses who will be committed to supporting their priestly ministry.
Do Orthodox priests have to be celibate?
In the Eastern Orthodox faith, celibacy is not a requirement for priests. In fact, according to the Church, married life is deemed to be the normal state of all members of the clergy. Priests are encouraged to marry and raise a family, as it is seen as a great service to the Church and giving one’s children a proper, orthodox upbringing is considered to be of the highest importance.
Priests, who are married before they are ordained, remain married throughout their ministry and are in fact allowed to re-marry if their wife dies. A married priest must remain faithful to his spouse and make an effort to be a devoted husband and father, attending church as much as possible with his family.
In contrast, a single man who desires to become a priest must remain celibate. This is viewed as his own personal act of sanctity, and the Church considers it a great privilege and honor for a man to commit to the ministry of the priesthood in this way.
This commitment to celibacy involves abstinence from all sexual expressions, even the use of contraception for married couples.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual priest to decide whether or not to take on a life of celibacy. However, it is important to remember that in the Orthodox Church, married life is the rule, not the exception.
Which priests are not allowed to marry?
In many religions, priests are expected to lead a life of celibacy and abstinence from marriage. This is because the priestly role is seen as one that requires an individual to be set apart from others and devote themselves entirely to the service of their faith.
In some Christian denominations, priests must take a vow of celibacy and are not allowed to marry, such as the Roman Catholic priests. Certain Eastern Orthodox churches also impose celibacy as a requirement for priesthood, such as the Greek and Russian Orthodox churches.
Other denominations of Christianity that forbid priests to marry include the Coptic, Armenian, and Malabar churches. In some Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, certain holy men, such as monks and nuns, may take a vow of celibacy and refrain from marriage.
In Judaism, conservative rabbis may take a vow of celibacy, though it is not a required part of the rabbinic profession. In Islam, the Imams are required to remain celibate, though many marry. Therefore, in many faiths, priests are not allowed to marry due the idea that marriage and the family life, with all its demands, will restrict the priest’s ability to fully devote himself to religious service.
How many times can you remarry in the Orthodox Church?
In the Orthodox Church, the traditions and regulations on remarriage vary depending on the jurisdiction. Generally speaking, if a couple divorces, they can marry again within the Church so long as both parties are living and the first marriage was not sanctified by the Church.
In many denominations, those who are divorced may only remarry one other time, although the couple is sometimes considered for a third or fourth marriage if their backgrounds and circumstances warrant it.
The possibility of a fourth or fifth marriage is rare and only granted under very specific circumstances. In some jurisdictions, such as the Greek Orthodox Church, the regulations further state that a person can only remarry twice—the third marriage will be considered not as a full-fledged marital union, but rather a spiritual relationship for the purpose of repentance.
Ultimately, the regulations around remarriage in the Orthodox Church are based on the local rules, customs, and regulations of the particular jurisdiction.
Can a priest have a girlfriend?
The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no and depends on a variety of factors, such as the religion and specific denomination of the priest in question. Generally speaking, most major religions have guidelines in place regarding priests and other clergy members that limit or forbid romantic relationships.
For example, in the Roman Catholic Church, priests are required to remain celibate as part of their vows and commitment to the church. This means that a priest would not have a girlfriend in a romantic or sexual relationship, as it is seen as a violation of their vows and a breach of trust in their service to the church.
Similarly, in Eastern Orthodoxy and some other Christian denominations, celibacy is also viewed as essential for priests. Since it is often believed that a priest should be single-minded in their service to God and His church, it is generally discouraged for a priest to be romantically involved, even if that romatic relationship is entirely platonic.
Finally, many other faiths, such as Islam and some branches of Hinduism, view marriage as a mandatory part of priesthood, meaning that a priest is expected to be married to a partner of the opposite gender.
This would rule out any romantic relationships outside of a traditional marriage.
In conclusion, while the answer to whether a priest can have a girlfriend may vary depending on the faith and denomination, it is generally seen as either forbidden or discouraged due to commitments and obligations expected of clergy.
Do Orthodox Christians confess to a priest?
Yes, Orthodox Christians do confess to a priest. In Orthodox Christianity, confession is known as “Sacrament of Repentance” and is seen as a necessary part of Christian spiritual life. It is believed that confession can lead to a healing of both the soul and body.
During confession, the penitent kneels before the priest in a sign of humility and reverence. The priest usually begins the confession service by asking the penitent to provide a general confession of their sins.
This is typically done in response to a several questions asked by the priest. The priest then listens to the penitent’s confession of their sins and offers guidance, advice and comfort. The penitent is then absolved of their sins by the priest.
Confession is an important part of spiritual life for Orthodox Christians as it allows the penitent to take responsibility for their actions, gain forgiveness and be reconciled to God and their fellow man.
Can Orthodox take communion without confession?
No, in the Orthodox Church, confession must be made before taking the Eucharist (communion). This is because the Eucharist is seen as a sacrament of reconciliation, where a believer seeks atonement and grace from God.
So, it is important to have a pure and contrite heart before taking the Eucharist, confessing one’s sins and seeking forgiveness in order to be reconciled to God. Preceding confession, believers also must fast, taking into rigorous abstention from food and drink before communion.
Therefore, confession is an essential part of the Orthodox Church’s preparation for taking the Eucharist.
Do priests break their vow of celibacy?
No, priests typically do not break their vow of celibacy. The Catholic Church requires that priests who are ordained to the diaconate and priesthood make a public promise of chastity or celibacy. This means that priests who are ordained must remain celibate and abstain from any sexual activity.
This is an incredibly difficult and serious commitment, and it is taken very seriously by many clergy members.
While there have been cases reported of priests in the Catholic Church who have broken their vow of celibacy, these cases are relatively rare. However, it is important that these cases are seen for what they are: gravely serious offenses against the true meaning of their commitment and of the Church.
The Catholic Church believes that in order to be a proper minister and to be able to serve their congregation best, those who take a vow of celibacy should abstain from any sexual activity. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they should stay away from all physical contact with human beings, but it does mean that priests should be held to a high standard of behaviors and should be held accountable when that standard is not met.
While there have been some well-publicized cases of priests who have broken their vow of celibacy, these cases are not representative of the majority of the faithful clergy members.
What do you call an Orthodox priests wife?
An Orthodox priest’s wife is known as a priestess. This term is used to refer to the wife of a priest, specifically those that are part of the Eastern Orthodox Church. She typically assists her husband in religious ceremonies and activities, and may also keep the house and family in order.
Traditionally, priestesses would often wear traditional head coverings and veils. Good priestesses would also dress modestly and modestly in dark colors and participate in religious activities like fasting, prayer and attending church services.
How do you address a Greek Orthodox priest and his wife?
When addressing a Greek Orthodox priest, it is proper to address him using his title and last name. In conversation, you may use terms such as “Father,” or “Reverend,” when addressing the priest. When introducing the priest formally, it is preferable to mention his full name and title, such as “Reverend Father John Smith.
” Similarly, when addressing the priest’s wife, you should use her full name and title, such as “Mrs. Jane Smith. ” When speaking to her in conversation, you may simply use the title, “Mrs. ,” when addressing her.
What is the name of a priest’s wife in Russia?
In Russia, a priest’s wife is known as a pomeshchitsa, which is derived from the verb “pomestit,” meaning “to locate. ” The role of a pomeshchitsa involves primarily taking care of the church and its properties, such as managing the tithes and donations given to the church.
Pomeshchitsa must also take on other household duties, such as cooking and cleaning for the priest, and providing counsel and advice for parishioners. A pomeshchitsa may also be required to assist the priest in rituals and liturgical ceremonies, and may even serve on the parish council.
In some cases, the priest’s wife will even be expected to preach from the pulpit in the absence of their husband. The role of a pomeshchitsa is both challenging and rewarding and can be a great source of honor in Russian tradition.
What is Mary in Orthodox?
In the Orthodox Christian faith, Mary is regarded by many as the Theotokos (God-bearer) and the Mother of God. She is seen as an important symbol of faith and devotion, and her place in Christianity is highly important and emphasized.
Orthodox Christians believe that Christ’s conception and birth were immaculate and that she was divinely chosen. They also believe that because of her obedient acceptance of the will of God, Mary is the most perfect example of living in complete faith and submission to God’s will.
Mary is highly honored and venerated in the Orthodox Church, and prayers, hymns, and liturgical readings often honor her. Theotokion hymns, which praise Mary as the Mother of God, are very central in Orthodox worship and are usually sung near the end of services.
Orthodox Christians also celebrate 10 major feasts in honor of Mary throughout the liturgical year, some of which are carried over from the pre-Christian Greek calendar.