The Orthodox norm for those who marry is one marriage. A second marriage is tolerated under certain conditions. A third marriage is extended under certain precise circumstances. The Church does not grant divorces. In her mercy and wisdom, the Church may grant permission to remarry through the diocesan hierarch.
Petition is made to the hierarch through the parish priest.
Under no circumstances can there be a fourth marriage. C. Marriage Outside of the Orthodox Church Orthodox Christians who marry outside the Orthodox Church thereby exclude their marital life from the life of the Church, exclude themselves from participation in the Holy Eucharist, and therefore exclude themselves from full membership in the Church. Such persons, after a period of penance, may be restored to Eucharistic fellowship by recommendation from the priest and on the approval of the hierarch. Normally, such an act of restoration includes the confirmation of the marriage through a rite approved by the hierarch. Priests are reminded that converts to Holy Orthodoxy are not to be remarried when they embrace the Orthodox faith.