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Post by Vlad on Jan 15, 2013 5:44:44 GMT 2
Given that we have discussed the Orthodox position on marriage in several topics, I think we've concluded the following: - Marriage is not considered valid if it is performed outside of the Holy Sacrament
- There can be no marriage between an Orthodox believer and a non-believer
- Inter-Church marriages discouraged, but may still occur
But given the first point, I have to ask, what is the general Orthodox position on gay marriage? It obviously cannot be performed within the Church, but how are we to see same-sex unions outside of the Church? What are your personal opinions? Do you support or are you against same sex marriage? Or are you generally apathetic to the issue? |
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Post by timotheos on Jan 29, 2013 20:38:02 GMT 2
My understanding is that above all else, marriage is an askesis- a spiritual journey undertaken by two people to overcome their separateness in their common ascent towards God. As writer Kyriacos Markides descibes it, this holy sacrament is an arena for transcending one's ego absorption for the sake of another, rather than the understanding held by many traditional Christians that the purpose of marriage is procreation, first and foremost.
With that being said, I understand that the general Orthodox position is that marriage is a sacrament intended for a man and a woman. I abide by this, and would never expect the Church to conduct or bless a same-sex union (for the record, I hope to one day marry an Orthodox woman and bring up a new Orthodox generation, Lord willing!).
It is my personal opinion that, if marriages and unions conducted outside of the Church are invalid anyway, I will remain silent towards same-sex marriages conducted by the state, or any non-Orthodox organization. I do not feel the need to impose the values of my religion on non-Orthodox (much the same way that I don't try to stop people from eating meat and dairy during fasting days), nor do I feel it necessary for the state to try and protect the sanctity of my marriage. Where I live, gay marriage is legalized, and it hasn't had any negative effects on other married couples.
Again, this is just my personal opinion, and since I am a relatively new member to the Orthodoxy, I would be delighted to hear some other people's thoughts as well. I would greatly benefit from further understanding of the Orthodox perspectives on sensitive matters such as this.
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Post by OrthodoxBrit on Jan 29, 2013 22:46:24 GMT 2
I do not see State Gay Marriage as anything which there is an Orthodox Opinion on, since it is not about the Church. We should have as much of an opinion on it as we should have on Hindu Marriage or the marriage of any other non-Church group.
Before the reforms of Justinian, State Marriage and Church Marriage were separate, the Pagans had their traditions and the Christians had theirs, the Church married Christians and other institutions married their respected communities. Even now, in Egypt the marriages are regulated by the Islamic and Christian communities to avoid any issues like this. It causes problems as Copts cannot divorce (apart from adultery cases) and if the state intervenes in this there would be uproar, so the two faiths completely organise their own ways.
In the same way, the faith should not intervene in the State's choices, as long as it does not impede on their faith. Christianity does not have a claim on the term marriage, as it has existed long before our faith. Our one claim is that of Sacramental marriage, so we have the right to regulate that and only that.
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