What are the qualifications and responsibilities of church membership? What are the requirements and rules relevant to sacraments of the Orthodox Church? In this series on “Members & Sacraments” we are publishing excerpts from the Archdiocesan Priest Guide and other sources that answer these important questions. Please share this information with your family and friends so that we can all be on the same page.

The following requirements are from the Priest Guide:

• 1. Marriage is prohibited between ascending and descending blood relatives (e.g., between parents and children, or grandparents and grandchildren) in the direct line.
• 2. Marriage is prohibited between collateral blood relatives to the Sixth Degree, e.g., first cousins.
• 3. Marriage is prohibited between relatives by marriage to the Fourth Degree, e.g., between two brothers and two sisters, or a brother and his sister to a sister and her brother.
• 4. Marriage is forbidden between spiritual relatives to the Fourth Degree, e.g., Godchildren with their Sponsors at Baptism.
• 5. Marriage between blood relatives in the collateral line may be permitted in the Fifth and Sixth Degree, and marriage between relatives by marriage may be permitted in the Third and Fourth Degree, and between spiritual relatives in the Third and Fourth Degree in cases of extreme urgency. Such case MUST be reported to the Metropolitan of this Archdiocese who may issue a written dispensation.
• 6. Understanding that the liturgical day begins at the Vesper Hour (sunset) the celebration of marriage is prohibited at the following times:
  • Every Wednesday and Friday, the eve of every Sunday and Great Feast throughout the year, the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross (September 14), and the commemoration of the Beheading of the Forerunner (August 29).
    
  • During the Christmas Fast (November 15 to December 25).
    
  • During the Great Lent, including Cheese Week and Bright Week, i.e., from Meat Fare Sunday to Thomas Sunday.
    
  • During the Dormition Fast (August 1-15).

NOTE: In cases of extreme necessity when the celebration of marriage is considered necessary on one of the above listed prohibitive days or seasons, the Priest must first report the nature of the emergency to the Metropolitan and request written permission and dispensation which would permit the celebration of a marriage.

7. The Sacrament of Marriage must be administered in a church building and not a private home. In cases where both parties are Orthodox, they should be instructed by the Priest to receive the Sacraments of Penance and Communion. If necessity requires the offering of the Marriage Service outside of a church building, a written dispensation must be requested from the Metropolitan.