Sacrament of Marriage

Note: In this month of weddings, it is good to remember that Marriage is a holy Sacrament. This is the sixth article in an eight-part series on the Sacraments of the Orthodox Church. In the first article, we began with an article on the Consequences of Man's Fall away from God. The second article focused on the Sacrament of Baptism. The third sacrament is Chrismation. The fourth, the Holy Eucharist. The fifth, the Sacrament of Baptism. The term, "sacrament," means literally a "mystery." A sacrament is a way in which God imparts grace to His people. Grace is the gift of God's own presence and action in His creation. Through grace, God forgives sins and transforms the believer into His image and likeness. Sacramental grace, therefore, is necessary because man fell away from the natural state of grace imparted to him by God at his creation. [Note: All previous articles may be viewed from the "Articles Archive" page.]

Monasticism is also another major Christian social unit. The Church places this
unit above married life as monasticism has played an important role as the guiding element in the Church's history. Monasticism supports the Church, preserves Her dogmas and keeps the Divine Liturgy Orthodox. While the Church blesses the monastic life, She also blesses marriage knowing that not all can take on the responsibility and commitment that comes with celibacy and living a monastic life. This blessing is acknowledged as a Mystery (Sacrament) of the Church.

The Sacrament (Mystery) of Marriage

In the Mystery of Marriage, the Church asks God to help the couple being married understand, fulfill and establish a 'church' at home, i.e. to establish Christian relationships within the family, to raise children in the faith and live according to the Scriptures, to be an example of humility and patience for their children to follow.

The Christian family begins with the Mystery of Marriage, and specifically with the exchange of rings and placing of the wedding crowns (wreaths) upon those being married. This is accompanied with the words, "The servant of God (Groom's Name) is married to the servant of God (Bride's Name) in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit", and then, "O Lord our God, crown them with glory and honor".

The rings have a deep symbolic meaning. This symbolism is indicated with the words, from the Service of Betrothal, "Through a ring the authority was given to Joseph in Egypt; through a ring Daniel was glorified in the land of Babylon; through a ring the true identity of Thamar was discovered; through a ring our heavenly Father showed mercy on the prodigal son; for he said, Put a ring on his finger". The crowns and their exchange symbolise the couple's citizenship in the Kingdom of God, where "there is neither male nor female" (Gal. 3:28), and of their dying to each other (c.f. Rev. 2:10).

The Holy Scriptures tell us that God "blessed" marriage from the beginning of time saying "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth" (Gen. 1:27-28), showing that marriage is part of God's eternal purpose for humanity. Further on, in Genesis 2:24, we read, "Therefore a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh". Our Lord Jesus Christ reiterated these words when asked if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife. He continued, "So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate" (Matt. 19:4-6).

Christ forever sanctified marriage by His presence at the marriage in Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-11). This was the first time Christ performed a miracle, and the first time the Theotokos interceded with Christ on behalf of others saying, "They have no wine", and then instructs all humanity, "Whatever He says to you, do it".

The Apostle Paul compares the Mystery of Marriage with the Church in these words, recited during the Crowning Service, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself for her", and "for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church" (Eph. 5:25, 31-32). In 1 Corinthians 7, St. Paul gives detailed guidance on virginity and marriage. He also commands that marriage should be preserved.

Thus, marriage is a holy, blessed and everlasting sacrament in the sight of God and His Church.

Finally, history closes with the marriage of the Bride to the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-9), thus fulfilling the earthly marriage in the heavenly, showing the eternal nature of marriage.

From The Orthodox Study Bible
Copyright © 1993 by St. Athanasius Orthodox Academy
Recommended reading: "The Sacraments of the Orthodox Church", Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

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