The answer
No. Civil marriages are not accepted as sacramental, but just as a formality according to state laws. The Holy Mystery of Matrimony is only accepted when performed by Orthodox clergy. "Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate" (Matthew 19:6). To further address civil marriages, the Church does not grant permission for people to have civil marriages for ulterior motives, such as just for obtaining visas or residencies in countries, and later dissolve the marriage, and not be held responsible.Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)