DATES THAT WEDDINGS ARE NOT PERMISSIBLE IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH 

in accordance with the sacred canons and liturgical life of the Orthodox Church, the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is not celebrated on certain days and during specific sacred periods, as it is not performed during times of fasting or solemn observance (see the following list of dates and periods). 

• Wednesdays (The Archbishop of America has given the exception of pastoral dispensation [oikonomia] granted for Fridays) 

• January 5 (Eve of Holy Theophany) 

• Great Lent and Holy Week (from Clean Monday through Holy Saturday) 

• Apostles’ Fast (from the Monday after All Saints Sunday through June 29, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul) 

• Dormition Fast (August 1–15) 

• August 29 (Beheading of Saint John the Baptist) 

• September 14 (Exaltation of the Holy Cross) 

• Nativity Fast (November 15–December 24) 

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Please note that approximately thirty (30) minutes are required to complete the official Ecclesiastical Marriage Application. 

All of the following documents must be submitted prior to the initiation of the application: 

1. The Groom’s Baptismal Certificate (Orthodox or non-Orthodox, as applicable) 

2. The Groom’s Letter of Good Standing from his home parish (if Orthodox) 

3. The Bride’s Baptismal Certificate (Orthodox or non-Orthodox, as applicable) 

4. The Bride’s Letter of Good Standing from her home parish (if Orthodox) 

5. If the parties have contracted a civil marriage, a certified copy of the Civil Marriage Certificate 

6. If either party has previously entered into a recognized marriage, the original Ecclesiastical Divorce Decree 

7. The Sponsor’s (Koumbaros/Koumbara) Baptismal Certificate 

8. The Sponsor’s (Koumbaros/Koumbara) Letter of Good Standing 

Please Note: 

• Both parties must provide baptismal documentation. 

• Mixed marriages are permitted in accordance with Archdiocesan regulations.* 

• All documents must be original or certified copies. 

• Additional meetings and pre-marital preparation may be required. 

• No wedding date may be confirmed until all requirements are fulfilled. 

*Regarding Mixed Marriages: 
In accordance with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a marriage may be permitted between an Orthodox Christian and a non-Orthodox Christian, provided that the non-Orthodox party is a baptized Christian in the name of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and the denomination is approved by the Church. Accordingly, baptismal certificates are required for both parties, regardless of denominational affiliation. 

Sponsor (Koumbaros/Koumbara) Requirements 

Please note that the individual who will exchange the crowns (Sponsor) must be an Orthodox Christian in good standing with the Church. 

Definition of Good Standing 

An Orthodox Christian in good standing is one who meets the following criteria: 

1. Has been Baptized and Chrismated in accordance with the sacred canons of the Orthodox Church 

2. Participate in the Church’s mysteries, communion and confession.  

3. If married, was married in the Orthodox Church 

4. If previously married and divorced, has received an official Ecclesiastical Divorce granted by the Church 

5. Is a steward in good standing of an Orthodox parish 

Important Note: 
If the Sponsor (Koumbaros/Koumbara) was married in the Greek Orthodox Church and subsequently divorced without obtaining an ecclesiastical (Church) divorce, he or she is not eligible to serve in this role.