The answer
Marriage in our church is not a social announcement or a ceremony where two people vow to live together as husband and wife. Our church views marriage as a Mystery where the Holy Spirit unites two people to become one. "So then, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate" (Mt 19:6). Without this Mystery officiated by the ordained priest, the marriage is considered a civil act of declaration of union between two people without the involvement of God. Therefore any marriage performed outside of the church is not considered binding forever since God was not involved in it.Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)