The church defines marriage as the exclusive union between God, one man, and one woman, who are joined together by God. This is a sacramental union, which takes place in the presence a God; no other unions will be blessed, nor recognized as sacramentally valid by the Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle, OCCNA.

Every marriage in the church takes place in the presence of others because the marriage will profoundly affect the Church as the new household prayerfully becomes an active part of the Church. As the couple receives the support of the Christian community, they pledge the gift of themselves to one another. The act of self giving is fundamental to the life of a Christian marriage [John 15:13]. Through the union of Husband and Wife, humanity is sustained by fulfilling the creative instruction give by God in Genesis 1:28; “Be fruitful and multiply.” As the family grows strong and healthy, it reflects the power of God and the strength of the Church in a morally declining world. Ideally, marriage should contribute its strengths to the Church and become a support for everyone else in the family of Christ.

The dignity of the marriage comes from the love which exists between Husband and Wife, who are committing themselves to each other and from the grace bestowed upon them by Christ Himself through the Church. It is important to look on a Christian marriage as an avenue of salvation for the couple [1 Corinthians 7:14]. Husband and Wife are key agents of grace as they continually provide each other with opportunities for growth in faith and love, and display Christ-like traits to each other.

The marriage of Husband and Wife was viewed by St. Paul as deeply sacred because he saw it as a relationship that ran parallel to the love of Christ for His Church [Ephesians 5:21-32].

In holy matrimony, the Husband represents Christ. Sacred Scripture teaches each husband to love his wife as Christ loved the church. While on earth, Christ gave of Himself freely, so that the church would remain. Through His actions He kept the church safe and was patient with her. He gave the perfect example of unconditional love for husbands to emulate.

Each husband is called to a life full of love for his wife. This love is demonstrated through protection, patience, and sacrifice. Each wife is also called to sacrifice for her husband; through her support and respect. Through support and respect, each wife encourages and protects her own husband.