Help! I need a Greek priest, or one that speaks Greek?

Question

My sister is getting married next year on the beach but the greek priests will not marry anywhere outside the church OR marry her with someone who is NOT greek orthodox. We live in NJ, and at this point we're just trying to find a priest (of any denomination) who speaks Greek (so he can translate to some of the guests) and who is willing to go to the beach. Please help :)

I am aware that the church will not recognise her being married. But there's NOTHING wrong with being married on the beach which is mouchmore God's house than a man made building. There are many priests who will marry in places other than a church, but we just would like one that can also translate to our greek relatives.
And the reason she's not marrying in the church is because she doesn't want to force her husband to be greek orthodox if he doesnt want to be, and theyre both NON relgious people so the church setting is not crucial. I guess I did have wishful thinking to think that "men of God" could be understanding... hypocrites

I am well aware of all the "rules" and rituals of the Greek church, i am greek orthodox. so please dont give me a history lesson or lesson in your religious opinions. PLEASE ANSWER ONLY IF YOU CAN GIVE A TIP OR HELP IN SOME WAY, THANK YOU!

Answer 1

Wow. Good luck with that. NO Priest, Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, whatever, should EVER marry any couple outside of the Church without special dispensation from his Bishop.

I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.

Answer 2

Why would your sister want to marry outside of the church? Does her faith and the blessing of the Orthodox church mean so little to her?

If it doesn't matter to her, then why should she even insist on a priest? She should just find a minister or JP to conduct a civil, secular ceremony on the beach.

No faithful Catholic or Orthodox priest will marry a couple outside of the church and couples are always encouraged to marry someone of the same beliefs because religious differences cause problems in the marriage and problems with the children.

If your sister wants to do it right, and honor God and the Church, she will marry IN the Church and submit to the requirements that have been in place for nearly 2000 years....and for good reason.

Father K is absolutely right!

Answer 3

Excuse me, but you are aware that, in the eyes of the Orthodox Church, if she's not married by an Orthodox Priest in a proper Orthodox fashion, she's not married at all and is just shacking up, right? She'll be treated as such afterwards.