Non-Christian Spouse?

Hello all,

I read recently that an Orthodox Christian cannot be married to a non-Christian. To do so would automatically excommunicate you and prevent you from the sacraments. So what about those of us (like myself) who are planning on converting, but whose spouse is not Christian? Anyone know the answer or been through it?


Peace.

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Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. -John 13:34
God is Love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. -1John 4:16

THAT's ok. You just are not supposed to be uniting yourself body and soul to someone who is counter to Christ once you are already a believer. If you are coming into the Church and are already married, as Paul says, let them not divorce. You're fine

This definitely falls in the 'Speak with your priest.' category. My guess is that if you agree to raise any children Orthodox, then there wont be a problem.

There is a passage from one of St Paul's epistles that comes to mind, but I don't have a text with me. A little help?

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Christ is risen from the dead! Trampling down death by death! And on those in the tombs bestowing life!

I am married to a non-Christian. My priest and I briefly discussed this, but it was before I really learned about the true nature of Orthodox theology on marraige. I do plan on discussing it further at our next meeting. His brief comments to me earlier were basically that the Church recognizes the family we've built together and keeping a healthy family unit together is VERY important. He also said that some things would have to be modified for me, as a) a non-Christian spouse is not expected to fast and b) and it is unbiblical to ask a non-Christian to agree to a fast from marital relations. He did say he would like to meet my non-Christian spouse, but that it's unneccesary, as long as he doesn't forbid me to enter the Church.
kamikat

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Sometimes you get shown the light
In the strangest places
If you look at it right

Marriage is a sacramental the confers grace even on the non-believer, according to scriptures. I dunno the Orthodox position, but I bet it is close.

I am married to a nonChristian. My Priest is fully aware of it. It might make a difference if I was Orthodox first then married a nonChristian, but I recieve all sacraments.

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When one says "to raise children in the faith" what does that mean exactly? For example, I'll take my kids to church and such, but the kids are being taught that Christ is God, yet my wife will also tell them that he is not God.

Peace.

__________________
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. -John 13:34
God is Love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. -1John 4:16

Any thoughts on my previous post?

__________________
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. -John 13:34
God is Love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. -1John 4:16

That's probably something that you will have to talk abotu with your priest, for your specific situation. I highly doubt you would be turned away from the Church (we WANT people to find their home in Christ here) but this does sound like something that will be a challenge in your life, so consulting with your priest will be helpful.

Do you have catechumen classes or anything? It often seems that you have questions that should be getting answered by your priest, if he was instructing you--please note that having questions is a good thing.

Choirfiend is right. That needs a detailed conversation with your priest. We're just lay folk, remember.

Online resources are extra. They should not replace a priest or spiritual father.

Having said that, if I see anything online for you, I'll keep you in mind.