Orthodoxy on divorce and annulments

[Mickey]

"Orthodox canon law can permit a second and even a third marriage “in economia”, but strictly forbids a fourth.

Correct. But only one divorce.

Start a thread.

In theory divorce is only recognized in the case of adultery, but in practise is also recognised in light of other reasons.

Yes. Valid reasons. Adultery, battering, drug abuse…what are the reasons that one may acquire an annulment?

Start a thread.

Now I suppose, Mickey, that you will suggest that Bishop Athenagoras needs to brush up on his Orthodoxy?

No. Why might you ask?

Face it, you don’t know what you are talking about.

That is not a nice thing to say.

Death of the spouse is not required.

For a third marriage it is.

The practice cannot be supported by reference to the Fathers or Scripture.

The Roman/Eastern Catholic annulments and the Orthodox practice of one divorce calls upon the mercy of our Lord and Saviour.

The practice is of human origin and contradicts Scripture:

I am familiar with Scripture.

while Orthodoxy has compromised with human failings

:ehh:

By your efforts to deny the practice you effectively condemn the Orthodox practice. I assume, then, that you are not Orthodox or you would defend the Orthodox practice.

Wuh? :ehh:

[Moderator Note: This discussion on orthodoxy and divorce was sufficiently off-topic to create a new thread from them. Please http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=208141”]see here for the original discussion on Eastern Catholics being taught Latin theology.]

 

[roncriss]

Mickey,

Think. How could they allow a second or third marriage without a divorce or annulment while the spouse is still alive? That would be polygamy. The Orthodox allow up to three marriages as I stated.

To be re-married in the Orthodox Church the following is required:

“if either or both of the parties have been previously married in the Orthodox Church, they have obtained ecclesiastical as well as civil divorce(s)”
(Guidelines for Marriage, St Barbara Greek Orthodox Church official website)

Therefore divorce is recognized. There is no need to start another thread. This is only to support my contention that some Orthodox theological developments since the Schism have been the result of man-made error. Neither our Lord, St Paul, nor the Fathers allow divorce and re-marriage. The Orthodox do.

“The Orthodox Church recognizes the sanctity of marriage and sees it as a life-long commitment. However, there are certain circumstances in which it becomes evident that there is no love or commitment in a relationship…While the Church stands opposed to divorce, the Church, in its concern for the salvation of its people, does permit divorced individuals to marry a second and even a third time.”
(Fr John Matusiak, on the Orthodox Church of America’s oficial website)

Why am I the only one here citing sources to support my contentions?

The primary subject here is not the justification of divorce and re-marriage, but differences in theology (remember?) of which this is an example. The Orthodox and Catholics differ on this. The Orthodox have developed their own theology of divorce and re-marriage, while Catholics have maintained revealed doctrines in this case. This is one of several reasons I converted to Catholicism in the first place. Catholics have the Magisterium and the ecumenical councils to keep them orthodox. The Orthodox lack an infallible authority like the papacy to keep them truly orthodox. The acceptance of divorce and re-marriage is just one of many Orthodox theological developments that differ from Catholic theology and while they should be understood (not denied), Catholics should not condone the practice.

Ron

 

[Mickey]

The Orthodox allow up to three marriages as I stated.

That is not the disputed. Nobody is claiming that the Orthodox Church does not allow up to three marriages. And, although you may find a jurisdiction that may possibly allow a second divorce for exceptional circumstances, I have never seen literature from Holy Orthodoxy that claims you are permitted two divorces. In other words, I can marry once and if there are valid reasons, I can obtain an Ecclesiatical divorce and marry a second time. If my second wife reposes, I may marry a third time–and that is all. Divorce is seen as an exceptional, but necessary concession to human weakness. The Orthodox Church does not view a second or third union as being the same as the first and thus, in the ceremony for a second or third marriage, several joyful ceremonies are omitted and replaced by penitential prayers.

And now, since you will not start a new thread, perhaps you can answer my questions. Is there a limit to the number of marriage annulments allowable in the Catholic Church? Is adultery the only allowance for an annulment? Does annulment make it so that the Sacrament of marriage never ocurred?

 

[Aramis]

Mickey,

Think. How could they allow a second or third marriage without a divorce or annulment while the spouse is still alive? That would be polygamy. The Orthodox allow up to three marriages as I stated.

To be re-married in the Orthodox Church the following is required:

“if either or both of the parties have been previously married in the Orthodox Church, they have obtained ecclesiastical as well as civil divorce(s)”
(Guidelines for Marriage, St Barbara Greek Orthodox Church official website)

Therefore divorce is recognized. There is no need to start another thread. This is only to support my contention that some Orthodox theological developments since the Schism have been the result of man-made error. Neither our Lord, St Paul, nor the Fathers allow divorce and re-marriage. The Orthodox do.

“The Orthodox Church recognizes the sanctity of marriage and sees it as a life-long commitment. However, there are certain circumstances in which it becomes evident that there is no love or commitment in a relationship…While the Church stands opposed to divorce, the Church, in its concern for the salvation of its people, does permit divorced individuals to marry a second and even a third time.”
(Fr John Matusiak, on the Orthodox Church of America’s oficial website)

Why am I the only one here citing sources to support my contentions?

The primary subject here is not the justification of divorce and re-marriage, but differences in theology (remember?) of which this is an example. The Orthodox and Catholics differ on this. The Orthodox have developed their own theology of divorce and re-marriage, while Catholics have maintained revealed doctrines in this case. This is one of several reasons I converted to Catholicism in the first place. Catholics have the Magisterium and the ecumenical councils to keep them orthodox. The Orthodox lack an infallible authority like the papacy to keep them truly orthodox. The acceptance of divorce and re-marriage is just one of many Orthodox theological developments that differ from Catholic theology and while they should be understood (not denied), Catholics should not condone the practice.

Ron

It is also in the regulations of the OCA. I’ll dig the citation up again.
OCA Statutes XI §5:

Section 5 Special Procedure for Marital Problems

1. Whenever the parish priest is unable, through pastoral counseling, to prevent the dissolution of a marriage and the conflict results in a civil divorce and if the interested persons themselves seek from the Church a definition of their status as divorcees, a petition is filed with the Diocesan Court, which examines the documents and makes a new attempt at reconciling the parties.
2. If the reconciliation fails, the court shall come to a final decision. In issuing its opinion, the court may recommend that penance be imposed by the bishop upon the guilty party/-ies. On the basis of this court decision, the bishop issues the following statement:
   
   “Having heard the conclusion of the Diocesan Court of the _____ Diocese concerning the judgment of divorce rendered by the _____ Court of _____ dissolving the marriage between (Name) _____ and (Name) _____ celebrated at _____ on , I,, Bishop of _____ hereby acknowledge the conclusion of the civil court as final. [Invoking God’s mercy and compassion, I allow (Name) _____ to enter into a new marital union with (Name) _____ and receive the sacraments of the Church starting on _____.”

1. oca.org/DOCstatute.asp?SID=12&ID=11

[/QUOTE]

 

[Mickey]

oca.org/DOCstatute.asp?SID=12&ID=11

So what is your point?

 

[Mickey]

Since this thread veered to the always brisk topic of divorce vs annulment, I am requesting that the moderator split and move this thread.

 

[roncriss]

That is not the disputed. Nobody is claiming that the Orthodox Church does not allow up to three marriages. And, although you may find a jurisdiction that may possibly allow a second divorce for exceptional circumstances, I have never seen literature from Holy Orthodoxy that claims you are permitted two divorces.

I just provided you several quotes to that effect.

In other words, I can marry once and if there are valid reasons, I can obtain an Ecclesiatical divorce and marry a second time. If my second wife reposes, I may marry a third time–and that is all.

Incorrect. A death is not required for a third marriage, as my quotes proved. At any rate you did just admit that a divorce is permitted at least once for reasons other than death. The rest is just quibbling over quantity. Scripture and tradition does not allow for even one divorce.

The Orthodox Church does not view a second or third union as being the same as the first and thus, in the ceremony for a second or third marriage, several joyful ceremonies are omitted and replaced by penitential prayers.

That the cermony exists in Orthodoxy is the very issue, not the trappings surrounding the affair.

And now, since you will not start a new thread, perhaps you can answer my questions. Is there a limit to the number of marriage annulments allowable in the Catholic Church? Is adultery the only allowance for an annulment? Does annulment make it so that the Sacrament of marriage never ocurred?

Adultery was never a valid reason for divorce in Scripture, Tradition or Catholic doctrine. An annulment is the result of an invalid marriage. In short the marriage was illegitimate and therefore never existed. For example if someone married their sister or if someone married who was already married to someone else (bigamy) then no legitimate marriage occurred. So, logically, no, there is no limit to the number of illegitimate marriages that can be annulled, that is ruled to be illegitimate by the Church tribunal.

The process of annulment does not “make it” so that the sacrament never occurred. There was no legitimate sacrament in the first place due to some defect. The annulment process merely recognizes this fact officially.

The only legitimate reason for re-marriage in the Catholic Church is the death of the first spouse. Adultery is not a reason to accept divorce or to annul a marriage.

Perhaps we should start another thread on this specific subject if you want to discuss it further. Just let me know where and when.

Ron

 

[Mickey]

At any rate you did just admit that a divorce is permitted at least once for reasons other than death. The rest is just quibbling over quantity. Scripture and tradition does not allow for even one divorce.

:clapping: You finally got it!!! It is called mercy for our human failings. Annulment is no different. But I do believe that Catholic annulments are more easily obtainable than an Orthodox Ecclesiastical divorce.

That the cermony exists in Orthodoxy is the very issue

Exactly. It is fitting that a second marriage should carry prayers of repentance. Do Catholics have similar prayers for subsequent marriages after their annulments?

In short the marriage was illegitimate and therefore never existed. For example if someone married their sister or if someone married who was already married to someone else (bigamy) then no legitimate marriage occurred. So, logically, no, there is no limit to the number of illegitimate marriages that can be annulled, that is ruled to be illegitimate by the Church tribunal.

There are thousands of annulments that are granted for reasons cited as “irreconcilable differences”. Does this mean that the marriage never existed? You are naive if you believe that marriages in the Catholic Church are only annuled due to incest or bigamy.

The process of annulment does not “make it” so that the sacrament never occurred. There was no legitimate sacrament in the first place due to some defect.

To say that “there was no legitimate sacrament in the first place” is the same as saying the sacrament never happened–you are palying with words.

The only legitimate reason for re-marriage in the Catholic Church is the death of the first spouse. Adultery is not a reason to accept divorce or to annul a marriage…

I know many who have received annulments for different and sometimes benign reasons and they re-married in the Catholic Church. Can you explain?

While extending love and mercy to those who have divorced, the Orthodox Church is grieved by the tragedy and pain divorce causes. Though marriage is understood as a sacrament, and thus accomplished by the grace of God, and permanent, the Church does not deal with divorce legalistically, but with compassion. After appropriate pastoral counsel, divorce may be allowed when avenues for reconciliation have been exhausted. If there is a remarriage, the service for a second marriage includes prayers offering repentance for the earlier divorce, asking God’s forgiveness, and protection for the new union.

Bishop Alexander

 

[Catholic_Dude]

The idea of the Orthodox “limiting” the number of marriages doesnt make sense. Where does the number of 3(4?) come from?

There is no reason why a man could not get married infinite number of times as long as each Marriage was dissolved through the death of the spouse. (Of course after say 2 deaths a police investigation might be necessary ). Unless I see a reasonable explanation for the “limit” of 3 (4?) marriages I can only conclude it is due to man made theology.

As for divorce being only allowed “once”, Im not sure if that is what the Orthodox teach, but given the quotes from Orthodox sources in this thread I saw nothing indicating divorce was limited to “one” or for the first marriage.

 

[Catholic_Dude]

Mickey,

You must distinguish the difference between an Annulment and a Divorce because the difference is very clear.
Pretend marriage was like a written contract:

• A divorce would be equivalent to tearing up the contract for whatever reason. It was a fully binding contract, but you tore it up so that you could be free (even to enter into another contract).
• An Annulment occurs if it is found something prevented the contract from becoming valid IN THE FIRST place. For example if it requires the signer be 18 years old and the person who signs is only 17, then the contract NEVER was valid. If the contract is found to be valid, then it is BINDING forever. (it can never be torn up).

Even if you disagree with the Catholic Church you must recognize the CONCEPT is very very different.

 

[Mickey]

The idea of the Orthodox “limiting” the number of marriages doesnt make sense. Where does the number of 3(4?) come from?

It is three.

And I would be careful of the double standard approach here. To me, Catholic Annulment is similar to a divorce, except annulments are quite legalistic. Is there a limit on annulments? Can you marry again after an annulment? Is there a limit on the number of marriages after annulment? Did the annulment process always exist in the Catholic Church. When did it begin?

 

[Mickey]

A divorce would be equivalent to tearing up the contract for whatever reason. It was a fully binding contract, but you tore it up so that you could be free (even to enter into another contract).

This would be more applicable to a civil divorce–not an Ecclesial divorce through the Holy Orthodox Church. There is much counseling with a spiritual father in an attempt to reconcile. The Ecclesial divorce is granted with much pain and sadness after all efforts have failed. Another marriage involves prayers of repentance and a heartfelt plea for forgiveness. There is repentance and forgiveness and healing. We are fallen human beings and the Church is merciful.

An Annulment occurs if it is found something prevented the contract from becoming valid IN THE FIRST place. For example if it requires the signer be 18 years old and the person who signs is only 17, then the contract NEVER was valid. If the contract is found to be valid, then it is BINDING forever. (it can never be torn up).

Again, do not take offence, but the annulment process seems very legalistic. You can go back in time, and say that the sacrament of marriage never ocurred due to “irreconcilable differences” as long as you have the money to pay for it. I have seen this too many times–even in my own family!

Even if you disagree with the Catholic Church you must recognize the CONCEPT is very very different.

Yes—very, very different.

 

[Catholic_Dude]

It is three.

Where does this “limit” come from?

And I would be careful of the double standard approach here. To me, Catholic Annulment is similar to a divorce, except annulments are quite legalistic.

If you think the concept of an annulment and a divorce are the same then you are missing the key distinction. In one the marriage did take place and was torn apart, in the other a marriage never took place. Using terms like “legalistic” dont really have any effect on this issue because there is inherently a legal (canonical) sense about marriage. Even your “limit” of 3 has a legal sense about it.

Is there a limit on annulments? [1]
Can you marry again after an annulment?[2]
Is there a limit on the number of marriages after annulment?[3]
Did the annulment process always exist in the Catholic Church. When did it begin?[4]

**[1] **I have never heard of a limit on annulments and I dont see why such a limit would exist, all an annulment means is that the marriage was found to never have existed.

[2] Yes you can marry after an annulment because an annulment is an indication you never were validly married.

**[3] **You dont appear to understand what an annulment is. The Church investigates the marriage to see if something prevented a valid marriage from occurring:

• IF the Church determines that the marriage was valid then NO annulment takes place. The Church says that couple is validly married and BOUND for LIFE. (Unlike divorce which severs a valid marriage)
• IF the Church finds something that made the marriage invalid, then an annulment IS issued. An annulment simply means the Church has determined that a valid marriage never took place.
  You can only be married to one person at a time, and only can separate from them if they die. You can technically get married as many times as you want as long as it is to one person at a time and that each previous spouse dies (dissolving each marriage).
  **
  ****[4] **Yes, the concept always existed. From the very beginning God’s plan was:Mark 10:
  2Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
  3"What did Moses command you?" he replied.
  4They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.”

5"It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. 6"But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ 7’For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one. 9Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

10When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. 11He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."
What the Orthodox are doing by allowing divorce is flatly condemned by Jesus right here in plain language. What God has joined let no man separate…anyone who divorces and marries another commits adultery.

This would be more applicable to a civil divorce–not an Ecclesial divorce through the Holy Orthodox Church. There is much counseling with a spiritual father in an attempt to reconcile. The Ecclesial divorce is granted with much pain and sadness after all efforts have failed. Another marriage involves prayers of repentance and a heartfelt plea for forgiveness. There is repentance and forgiveness and healing. We are fallen human beings and the Church is merciful.

It doesnt matter how much pleading, how much pain or how much sadness because Jesus said “what God has joined let no man separate”. To divorce and remarry is to be put in a perpetual state of adultery and there is nothing “merciful” or Christlike about this.

Again, do not take offence, but the annulment process seems very legalistic. You can go back in time, and say that the sacrament of marriage never ocurred due to “irreconcilable differences” as long as you have the money to pay for it. I have seen this too many times–even in my own family!

You cant use the term “legalistic” as a shield and contrast it to your “merciful” and “failed efforts” divorce. The phrase “irreconcilable differences” doesnt mean anything specifically, that isnt grounds for an annulment. And the money is not the issue either, King Henry VIII had plenty, but the Church determined his marriage was valid.

 

[Mickey]

Where does this “limit” come from?.

Mercy.

If you think the concept of an annulment and a divorce are the same then you are missing the key distinction. In one the marriage did take place and was torn apart, in the other a marriage never took place.

Rome says that the sacrament really never happened. That is ludicrous. Holy Orthodoxy realizes that the sacrament can never be voided, and if the couple cannot remained married due to their human failings, the Church recognize the endless mercy of Jesus Christ instead of condemning them to eternal damnation.

Using terms like “legalistic” dont really have any effect on this issue because there is inherently a legal (canonical) sense about marriage.

It should not be legalistic. It is sacramental.

Even your “limit” of 3 has a legal sense about it.

Not really. I think the Church realizes that three marriages is quite rare, unless you are a Hollywood actor.

I have never heard of a limit on annulments and I dont see why such a limit would exist, all an annulment means is that the marriage was found to never have existed.

How very sad–the sacrament has magically disappeared.

Yes you can marry after an annulment because an annulment is an indication you never were validly married.

See above.

You dont appear to understand what an annulment is.

I know more about it than you may realize. I have a good friend who is a Catholic priest and canonical lawyer.

IF the Church determines that the marriage was valid then NO annulment takes place. The Church says that couple is validly married and BOUND for LIFE. (Unlike divorce which severs a valid marriage)

It is a legalistic canonical method of allowing the couple to terminate the marriage while the Church states that the sacrament never really took place.

An annulment simply means the Church has determined that a valid marriage never took place.

The imaginary sacrament of matrimony!

Yes, the concept always existed.

If you believe that the annulment process has always been a part of the Apostolic Church, then you are living in an imaginary world.

It doesnt matter how much pleading, how much pain or how much sadness because Jesus said “what God has joined let no man separate”. To divorce and remarry is to be put in a perpetual state of adultery and there is nothing “merciful” or Christlike about this.

Yes, it does matter. The Lord forgives ALL sins. Yes friend, even adultery. It is about mercy. We are fallen human beings. Marriages will fail. People repent. Christ forgives. Do not condemn people to hell because they do not receive the man-made invention of annulment.

You cant use the term “legalistic” as a shield and contrast it to your “merciful” and “failed efforts” divorce.

I’m using nothing as a shield. I see many legalistic-type issues in the Church of Rome–it is not limited to annulments.

The phrase “irreconcilable differences” doesnt mean anything specifically, that isnt grounds for an annulment.

Then you are living in a make-believe world. I know that annulments have been granted for this reason. In a perfect world, every marriage is forever. But this is not a perfect world, and pretending that a sacrament never ocurred does not make it more palatable than council, repentance, mercy, and forgiveness.

When I was a Catholic in communion with Rome practicing apologetics, I always found annulments as one of the most difficult concepts to defend.

 

[Ilroy]

It is three.

And I would be careful of the double standard approach here. To me, Catholic Annulment is similar to a divorce, except annulments are quite legalistic. Is there a limit on annulments? Can you marry again after an annulment? Is there a limit on the number of marriages after annulment? Did the annulment process always exist in the Catholic Church. When did it begin?

Yes, TO YOU they are the same, but in reality they are NOT the same. You just have a very poor understanding of the declaratioin of nullity as it is properly called.

No, you cannot marry AGAIN after an annulment…the first attempt at marriage was investigated and found to have been null from the biginning so you would be marrying for the first time, not again.

As for the orthodox reason for the first divorce as you state it, “because of human weakness”, doesn’t that remind you of what Christ told His apostles on the subject?
Mt. 19 -
7 They say to him: Why then did Moses command to give a bill of divorce, and to put away?
8 He saith to them: Because Moses by reason of the hardness of your heart permitted you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

 

[Mickey]

Yes, TO YOU they are the same, but in reality they are NOT the same.

My apologies. You are correct–they are not the same. Orthodoxy recognizes human weakness. The couple seeks repentance and the Church forgives through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His mercy on all mankind. The Latin Church proclaims that the sacrament of Holy Matrimony never occurred.

You just have a very poor understanding of the declaratioin of nullity as it is properly called.

On the contrary–I have a very good understanding of it.

No, you cannot marry AGAIN after an annulment…the first attempt at marriage was investigated and found to have been null from the biginning .

Yes, I know. The time machine has been activated and the sacrament has been nullified retroactively.

As for the orthodox reason for the first divorce as you state it, “because of human weakness”, doesn’t that remind you of what Christ told His apostles on the subject?

Do I need to remind you of the innumerable verses in Scripture that speak of repentance, mercy, and forgiveness?

Sheesh!

 

[roncriss]

Correct. But only one divorce.

Start a thread.
Yes. Valid reasons. Adultery, battering, drug abuse…what are the reasons that one may acquire an annulment?

Start a thread.
No. Why might you ask?
That is not a nice thing to say.
For a third marriage it is.
The Roman/Eastern Catholic annulments and the Orthodox practice of one divorce calls upon the mercy of our Lord and Saviour.
I am familiar with Scripture.
:ehh:
Wuh? :ehh:

[Moderator Note: This discussion on orthodoxy and divorce was sufficiently off-topic to create a new thread from them. Please http://forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=208141”]see here for the original discussion on Eastern Catholics being taught Latin theology.]

Mickey,

You have many misconceptions about Catholic practice and Scripture. Please cite sources from Scripture or the Eastern Fathers where these are cited as reasons for divorce. I already quoted for you Jesus, St Paul, and Clement stating that no re-marriage is allowed while the spouse is living. The ecclesiastical approval of divorce is a post-Schism innovation of Orthodoxy which cannot be supported by Scripture or authentic tradition.

We all need God’s mercy, but we don’t knowingly disobey His commandments and justify the continuing practice of adultery with that in mind. Are you in this sort of re-marriage? Is that why you defend it?

The only reason for granting an annulment of a Catholic marriage is that it was defective and illegitimate for some reason, from the start. No, they do not grant annulments for “irreconcilable differences”. But the Orthodox do.

Ron

 

[Ilroy]

My apologies. You are correct–they are not the same. Orthodoxy recognizes human weakness. The couple seeks repentance and the Church forgives through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His mercy on all mankind. The Latin Church proclaims that the sacrament of Holy Matrimony never occurred.
On the contrary–I have a very good understanding of it.
Yes, I know. The time machine has been activated and the sacrament has been nullified retroactively.
** Do I need to remind you of the innumerable verses in Scripture that speak of repentance, mercy, and forgiveness?**

Sheesh!

I see you conveniently chose to ignore Christ’s words on the subject that I posted for you…hmm…very telling

And, I am quite aware of the verses…problem with your ideas is that you are forgetting that repentance requires a firm purpose of ammendment to try not doing the sin again…if you remarry after a divorce then you are commiting audultery which last time I checked was still a sin. If you continue in that audultery you have no intent of stopping the sin so no true repentance has happened.

As for the rest of your misconceptions, you obviously care not to learn the true teaching of the Church so I am done with this thread.

 

[roncriss]

I have never seen literature from Holy Orthodoxy that claims you are permitted two divorces. In other words, I can marry once and if there are valid reasons, I can obtain an Ecclesiatical divorce and marry a second time. If my second wife reposes, I may marry a third time–and that is all.

Mickey,

 

[roncriss]

Yes, I know. The time machine has been activated and the sacrament has been nullified retroactively.

Apparently the Orthodox Church has the same time machine, because they do grant annulments of bigamous marriages and recognize the following as illegitimate marriages:

Prohibited Marriages

First Group: Parents with their own children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren, or godchildren of the same godparents.
Second Group: Brothers-in-law with sisters-in-law.
Third Group: Uncles and aunts with nieces and nephews.
Fourth Group: First cousins with each other.
Fifth Group: Foster parents with foster children or foster children with the children of foster parents.
Sixth Group: Godparents with godchildren or godparents with the parents of godchildren.

Any of these reasons would result in an annulment. But, more importantly, the Orthodox do recognize up to two DIVORCES as legitimate and allow re-marriage while the spouse is alive, something forbidden by Scripture:

1 Corinthians 7
10To the married I give this ruling, and this is not mine but the Lord’s: a wife must not be separated from her husband- 11or if she has already left him, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband-and a husband must not divorce his wife.

How difficult is this to understand? If there has been a legitimate marriage no divorce and re-marriage can be recognized. The Orthodox ignore the Lord’s commandment!

“Now that the Scripture counsels marriage, and allows no release
from the union, is expressly contained in the law, ‘Thou shalt not
put away thy wife, except for the cause of porneia;’ and it
regards as porneia, the marriage of those separated while the
other is alive…‘He that taketh a woman that has been put away,’ it is said, ‘committeth adultery; and if one puts away his wife, he makes her an adulteress,’ that is, compels her to commit adultery. And not only is he who puts her away guilty of this, but he who takes her, by giving to the woman the opportunity of sinning; for did he not take her, she would return to her husband.”
Clement of Alexandria,Stromata,2:24(A.D. 202),in ANF,II:379

According to Clement, then, the Orthodox officially recognize adultery! I don’t expect Mickey to directly address either of these quotes.

Ron