Often, concluding a marriage officially, in the state registry office, the newlyweds go to get married and go to church. Someone has a real need, and someone takes a similar step only because "it is supposed to be" or "it is fashionable." It is among those who take this event lightly that problems in family relationships and divorces most often arise. But if in secular life this issue is easily resolved, then church divorce is not an easy procedure.
Instructions
Step 1
If your marriage has broken up, and you want to "settle" this issue with the church as well, then keep in mind that divorce or debunking as such does not actually exist in Orthodoxy. You can only be given a blessing for a second marriage if the previous one was unsuccessful. And this is not the norm of church life, but only condescension to your weakness. Therefore, you can ask for a "church divorce" if you are going to get married again.
Step 2
Before contacting the church with such a question, you must obtain an official divorce at the registry office. If you save a registered marriage, your question will not be considered.
Step 3
Pay attention to the reasons for divorce that are recognized by the church. This is, first of all, a renunciation of Orthodoxy, as well as: - adultery; - the entry of one of the former spouses into a new marriage; - illness with syphilis or leprosy, alcoholism or AIDS, an incurable mental illness; - unnatural vices; - inability to cohabitate in the event that it came before marriage or as a result of deliberate self-mutilation; - unknown absence of one of the spouses for 5 years or more; - encroachment on the life or health of one of the spouses or children; - if one of the spouses is imprisoned; - if an abortion is performed without the consent of the spouse.
Step 4
In the event that you have officially dissolved your first marriage and have one of the above reasons, to obtain a church divorce, you can submit a petition to the diocesan administration addressed to the bishop (or bishop, archbishop, metropolitan). You can also make your appeal in your parish - it will be surely submitted to Vladyka for consideration.
Step 5
If you do not know how to write a petition, ask the priest about it. In a written appeal to Vladyka, you must briefly describe the history of your marriage and explain the reason for the divorce, indicate where and when the church marriage was concluded, and attach to the letter a copy of documents on civil dissolution of marriage.
Step 6
Your application will be considered individually. If Vladyka considers the reason to be weighty and does not find canonical obstacles to entering into a new marriage, the former spouses will be given a blessing - you will receive a notice of debunking signed by the diocesan bishop. In the future, with this confirmation, you have the opportunity to get married a second time.
