WHAT ARE THE GROUNDS FOR PERMISSION TO REMARRY IN THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH?
The Church investigates a case based on evidence and with the principles of Biblical and Canon Law in all family matters.
HOW CAN I APPLY FOR PERMISSION TO REMARRY?
A link to the application is found on this website, complete with all relevant instructions.
WHAT IS AN ANNULMENT?
An annulment is a judgment by the Clerical Council that a marriage was invalid from its inception and thus, invalid, i.e., the marriage never existed.
DO I NEED A CIVIL DIVORCE?
A decree of civil divorce is a requirement for a permit to remarry to be granted.
HOW CAN I CONTACT THE COUNCIL WITH QUESTIONS?
All contact with the Council must be in writing via postal or electronic mail, to the address and email listed in the Contacts section of this website.
WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION FEES?
The fees for an application to Remarry are $200.00 USD. The fees for an Appeal of a Diocesan Council Decree are $300.00 USD.
HOW LONG WILL MY CASE TAKE TO RESOLVE?
The duration of each case will depend on the complexity and completeness of the evidence and applications. You will receive an acknowledgment of receipt of the application and notification upon the final decision of the Council.
WILL THE COUNCIL OBTAIN ANY INFORMATION I DISCLOSED TO MY PRIEST IN THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY CONFESSION AND REPENTANCE?
No. The Church in its entirety, and the Clerical Council, specifically, will never compromise the sanctity and confidence of the Sacrament of Confession and Repentance.
WHO HAS THE BURDEN OF PROVING THE CLAIMS MADE IN A CASE?
The applicant making the claims bears the burden of proof.
HOW IS JURISDICTION DETERMINED?
MAY I DISCUSS MY CASE WITH INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL?
No. All communications must be made in writing to the Council and not via individual conversations or contacts with the members.
WILL MY SPOUSE BE PRESENTED WITH THE ALLEGATIONS MADE AGAINST THEM?
Yes, it is the right of the spouse not filing for permission to be informed of the allegations and provided an opportunity to defend and respond to all documents and allegations presented against them by the other spouse.
WILL THE COUNCIL ACCEPT ANY EVIDENCE, EVEN IF OBTAINED ILLEGALLY?
No. The Council will hold any evidence or documentation obtained through illegal means as inadmissible and will not consider any such information in the case.
WILL THE COUNCIL HEAR TESTIMONY OF CHILDREN IN MY CASE?
No. To protect the family unit and the wellbeing of children, the Council will not hear the testimony of children under the age of 16, for or against the parties involved.