Sacred Union: The Church’s Stand on Matrimony and Divorce

In the modern world, the question often arises: what truly constitutes a real marriage? From the Church’s perspective, registering a marriage at the civil registry is merely a formal procedure that does not impart the spiritual depth brought about by the sacrament of wedding. True union occurs at the moment of the church ceremony, when the bond is established not only legally but also spiritually, being filled with grace and holiness.

Special attention is given to the issue of divorce, which is viewed as a violation of the divine establishment of an indissoluble union. Even in cases where human weakness or tragic circumstances cause separation, divorce remains a grave sin, reflecting a breach of the sacred bond instituted by God. Any subsequent union with another person is not seen as a new beginning, but rather as a transition into a state of adultery, because the original spiritual union essentially continues to exist.

This stance emphasizes that the true power of marriage lies in its spiritual dimension, where the unique significance of the wedding ceremony serves as undeniable evidence of the unbreakable family bond. In a world where legal formalities often serve as the measure of success, it is important to remember that the true blessing and strength of a union come only with the recognition of the sacred beginning established by God.

What is the Church’s attitude toward marriages conducted through the civil registry, and why is divorce considered a grave sin?

The Church regards marriages registered at the civil registry as civic, paper-based records devoid of the spiritual substance provided by the mysterious sacrament of wedding. In other words, true, fully sacred union occurs during the wedding ceremony, while the civil registration is merely a formality without spiritual significance. For example, one source states:

"Often arises the question of civil registration of marriage: does it have any meaning? One is forced to hear the words: 'Wedding is yes, while this is just a piece of paper, obtained at the state registry'." (Source: 243_1214.txt)

Regarding divorce, the Church conceives marriage as an indissoluble union established by God, and its dissolution is seen as a serious violation of this divine institution. Even if, due to human frailty and the fickleness of hearts, divorce is occasionally permitted as a tragic measure under special circumstances (for instance, in cases of adultery), it still remains a grave sin because it violates the original spiritual union. A subsequent marriage after such an “illegitimate dissolution” is considered entering into a state of adultery, since the original marriage, in essence, continues spiritually. One source notes:

"Jesus Christ recognizes marriage as an indissoluble union; however, He knew that people cannot become perfect immediately... That is why, without legalizing divorce even in cases of adultery, but merely permitting its possibility as a consequence of human sinfulness, He limited Himself in His Sermon on the Mount and in discussions with the Pharisees to condemning any divorce not caused by adultery. A marriage dissolved not due to adultery, being considered illegitimately dissolved, is deemed as if it continues, and therefore the entry of divorced spouses into a new marriage should be regarded as adultery..." (Source: 1096_5478.txt)

Thus, for the Church:
1. A marriage concluded solely through the civil registry does not carry the spiritual character and grace imparted by the sacrament of wedding.
2. Divorce is considered a grave sin because it destroys the indissoluble union established by God and violates the sanctity of the family institution, leading to serious spiritual consequences for both the former spouses and the entire Church community.

This perspective underscores that the true strength of marriage lies in its spiritual formulation rather than merely its legal form, and any attempt to dissolve this union undermines the principle of inviolability instituted by God.