Greek Traditions Community

Is it customary for people to convert to Orthodoxy when marrying someone Greek?

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tomipark

tomipark

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When I married my husband, I didn't convert and we had a non religious wedding, but I am sort of considering converting now. There are a lot of aspects about Orthodoxy that appeal to me now that we've been together for many years and Ive learned more about the religion. Plus, our kids are Greek Orthodox so I think it would be nice if we were all the same religion officially. I was raised loosely Catholic, so I haven't practiced in years. I'm wondering what other couples have done and if anyone has experience marrying someone of another religion.
 
To my knowledge to get married in the Greek Orthodox church the person needs to convert to orthodox, but it may depend on the Greek Orthodox parish as well.
 
Here in Australia, we do not need to convert to Greek Orthodox, BUT both parties need to be Christians. My cousin is a priest in Melbourne, he married so many Greek backgrounds marrying Italian backgrounds he learnt the the Marriage and Baptism services in Italian.
 
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Patisqua said:
Here in Australia, we do not need to convert to Greek Orthodox, BUT both parties need to be Christians. My cousin is a priest in Melbourne, he married so many Greek backgrounds marrying Italian backgrounds he learnt the the Marriage and Baptism services in Italian.
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I didn't know this was allowed or happened often. Kind of cool, thanks for sharing :)
 
I married someone not Orthodox and we were allowed to have an Orthodox ceremony. He wouldn't convert, I would have preferred that. He had been baptized in another Christian denomination so they allowed it. I would say, if you are feeling called to convert, go for it! You'll be able to participate in the church life with your family in a different way than you are now. Even if you attend church with them at the moment, you will be able to get communion and practice the other sacraments with them.
 
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