Question first appeared on April
23, 2000
Is
it ever acceptable to get a divorce? What if you are being beaten or one is
having an affair? Is it then OK to file for divorce?
The
Orthodox Church understands and teaches that the marriage between a man and a
woman is for eternity. In this sacrament the bride and the groom become
"one flesh" through the
prayers of the Church and the grace of God by the Holy Spirit.
When
problems develop in a marriage relationship, the couple must work toward a
solution. If they are unable to resolve it on their own, they are compelled by
their Orthodox faith to seek counsel and advice from their pastor. If he is
unable to help them, they will be referred to a competent Christian marriage
counselor.
The
Orthodox Church recognizes that marriages do fail in spite of all attempts to
correct problems. God's grace to mold husband and wife into "one
flesh" cannot take place without cooperation with the "free will"
of the couple.
In cases where either the husband or the wife or
both choose not to remain together divorces will reluctantly and regretfully
occur with profound sorrow. The divorced couple must then undergo a period of
penance before they can be reconciled to the Church and to the Sacrament of
Holy Communion.
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