Well, my g/f is Roman Catholic and I'm of Orthodox descent (Russian). I'm curious as to conflicts in marriage? She claims that it could not happen if I remain Orthodox, which I feel is absolutely wrong for any Christian faith to hold against. I love her for who she is, and I've tried to discuss with her that if we ever do decide to get married all I'm looking for is for her to take an interest in my religion and I will take an interest in hers. I've done alot of research and it seems that Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic religions are fairly similar. We both come from religious families, and my dad is orthodox and mom catholic. Also, I'm not certain but I believe my church is Eastern Orthodox Catholic as it's put? What does this mean? I goto church with my g/f often, and I really enjoy her faith. All I want is for her to see that our religions aren't way different, and I guess I haven't asked her to come to my church but do you think its my duty to invite her to church or no?
2007-11-24 13:40:14 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As long as you picture religion dividing you, it will. If you're not free about speaking to her about what you really feel, then it could cause a problem. If she really loves you, and you trust her, it shouldn't be an issue.
You should ask her that if you go to the next level (marriage) what would it be like? Would she want you to convert to Roman Catholicism? Would she be happy with the way things are now to continue? Within these answers you will find your happiness. If you are scared to ask them, then you should not take your relationship to the next level because it will only end up in more headache and heartache.
2007-11-26 10:07:39 · answer #1 · answered by timbers 5 · 9⤊ 0⤋
First I am speaking as an Orhtodox convert. the first question is how do you want to raise the children? You can not baptism them both Catholic and Orthodox you must choose one. I would recomend thinking this issue over if you can not agree then it would be better to call the marraige off and find a nice Orthodox girl. A Catholic priest would want the children baptised Roman Catholic and an Orthodox preist would want them batpised Orthodox.
There are uniates but these are not Ortodox they are simply Roman Catholics who use the eastern Liturgy and will normaly use terms like Byzatnione rite Catholic and they don't use the term Orhtodox. if for what ever reason your not positive of being Orthodox and think you may be a uniate please e-mail me off in priovae with your parish name and the name of your Bishop and where you live.
If you are at a Russian parish and are Otrhtodox chanes are you would be ROCOR OCA or the Russian patriarchate.
If your uniate then the whole issue is moote becuse your both Roman catholic.
2007-11-25 12:47:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are basically the same. I dont see why she is making such a big deal about it.
I am Roman Catholic and my ex was Russian Orthodox.
I think that if you two decide you want to get married she should comprimise with you. I have decided not to have a Catholic wedding due to these customs. I will not make my significant other uncomfortable by people acting this way. I think it is very non-christian behavior to say that you can only marry a Catholic in the Catholic church.
Anyways....yes invite her to your church.
If she does not accept your invite it may be time to look at a new girlfriend.
2007-11-24 13:46:13 · answer #3 · answered by . 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Peace and grace my friend.
As the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches are not in inter-Communion, either you will have to become a Roman Catholic or the lady will have to become Orthodox.
Don't feel so bad about it. In Egypt even the Greek Orthodox are expected to become Coptic Orthodox (or vice versa) before marriage.
I would suggest inviting her to your Church that your lady may see the beauty of Orthodoxy.
You post has confused me a bit as I'm unsure whether you're acutally Russian Orthodox or an Eastern-Rite Roman Catholic from Russia. If you're the latter then you have no problem.
Ask your priest whether your bishop is in communion with Pope Benedict of Rome or Patriarch Alexi of Moscow to find out.
Pray for me please and may your marriage be fruitful.
2007-11-27 15:26:04 · answer #4 · answered by Blind Didymus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to ask both her Church priests and your own.
From what i've heard (and I am really out of my league in answering this but)...
I have a friend whose a Catholic and married a Greek Orthodox gal. As far as i could tell, there weren't any particular problems with the match.
I was always under the impression that the Orthodox and Catholics, although separate, have some sort of "parity" thing going.
2007-11-24 13:48:17 · answer #5 · answered by D.Chen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would talk to your priest (or hers, if it'll make her more comfortable). I want to say the two religions should be compatible--for what it's worth, I know that Greek Orthodox is accepted by the Roman Catholic church.
By all means, take her to your church. For a successful relationship you have to be able to reach a common ground in matters of religion. I'm not saying either of you should give up your faith in God or your belief system, but one of you may have to give a little to make things work.
2007-11-24 13:47:10 · answer #6 · answered by spunk113 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Catholic Church allows marriage between Catholics and non-Catholics. You do not have to convert.
Because the Church recognizes the tremendous challenge that the interfaith couple will face, they may have to get permission from the bishop.
For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections 1633-1637: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt3art7.htm#1633
With love in Christ.
2007-11-25 13:43:33 · answer #7 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are very similar, and they do have their divisions on some customs of baptism & confirmations rites, and some others. Invite her to your church soon, it is better to get all the fears about this little conflict out in the open before you both marry. There is no problem that you both can't discuss and work out in the name of love.
2007-11-24 13:50:03 · answer #8 · answered by Mama Mia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My friend, when you love somebody enough to make a commitment to spend the rest of your lives together, you love them NO MATTER WHAT! This is the kind of love that transcends beyond religion. If you have doubts, or one or both of you is a puppet to your family beliefs, I would suggest holding off for a while until you mature a bit. Some advice is a bit hard to grasp, but I wish the both of you all the best!
2007-11-24 13:48:26 · answer #9 · answered by Mid-Island- Marc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're interested, this is a popular forum for Orthodox Christians, you may find more answers here...
http://foru.ms/f145-the-ancient-way-eastern-orthodox.html
2007-11-27 12:18:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋