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Questions & Answers

Intercultural Marriages

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Marriage and Family › Intercultural Marriages

The question

My family and I are not religious, but I have fallen in love with a Coptic man. We are both still in college and it is a long distance relationship. We met in person and spent less than 12 hours together. I am struggling to accept the fact, after 6 months of talking long distance, that we cannot be together due to our differing religions and the rules of the Coptic Church. Can you explain why we are not meant to be together and how I can accept that we cannot marry?

The answer

The Holy Scripture says that the two shall be one (cf. Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Mark 10:8; Ephesians 5:31). Therefore, there must be oneness in faith. Spiritual and religious compatibility are fundamental for marriage. It is a path of salvation for the couple and the foundation of the family church in their home where they will grow in faith, love, and virtue, raise their children in oneness of faith, and deliver their faith to their future generations. Take the time to learn more about the Coptic Orthodox Church and you will have a better understanding.

Please see this link: https://suscopts.org/resources/literature/orthodox-faith/

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 2333 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.