Obtaining a Letter of Freedom to Marry for a Greek Orthodox Wedding (Catholic but not active)
I’m hoping for some guidance on how to proceed in my situation.
I was raised in the Catholic Church and have been baptized, received First Communion, and Confirmation. However, I am no longer an “active” member of the Church and have not been regularly attending Mass.
My partner and I are getting married this June in a Greek Orthodox Church in Greece. As part of the required documentation, I need to obtain a Letter of Freedom to Marry (sometimes referred to as a Letter of Celibacy).
Initially, I was under the impression that the priest at my partner’s local Greek Orthodox parish would be able to assist with or provide this documentation, but it now seems that this will not be the case, and that it must come from the Catholic side.
With the wedding coming up relatively soon, I’m concerned about whether my local Catholic parish will be willing or able to provide this letter given that I am not currently an active parishioner.
I’m looking for any advice on:
• Who specifically I should contact (local parish priest vs. diocesan office)
• Whether being inactive presents a major obstacle
• How this process typically works for inter-church marriages, especially with a wedding taking place abroad
Thank you very much for any guidance you can offer. I truly appreciate your time and insight.
Posted Feb 15, 2026, 11:01 PM UTC