Doctrine of Holy Matrimony (Kastonite)

(This article is taken from the Church of Northshire Wiki as-is, and is the work of Katarynne.)

Overview
The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between inducted persons has been raised by God the Maker to the dignity of a ordinance.

The mutual love between man and wife becomes an image of the eternal love with which God loves humankind.

It is a union which cannot be broken, for in God's eyes the spouses have become one flesh.

The Ceremony
In ritual, the ministers of the sacrament are the husband and wife themselves, with a bishop, or priest merely witnessing the union on behalf of the church, and adding a blessing. The celebration of marriage between two Believers normally takes place during the public liturgical celebration of the Holy Liturgy, because of its sacred connection with the unity of the gathered congregation. Holy marriage confers a perpetual and exclusive bond between the spouses. The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between inducted persons has been raised by God the Maker to the dignity of a ordinance. The mutual love between man and wife becomes an image of the eternal love with which God loves humankind.

It is a union which cannot be broken, for in God's eyes the spouses have become one flesh.

Rights of Marriage
Marriage creates rights and duties in the Church between the spouses and towards their children: "Entering marriage with the intention of never having children is a grave wrong and more than likely grounds for an annulment."

According to Church hierarchy governing marriage, "The essential properties of marriage are unity and indissolubility; in Church marriage they acquire a distinctive firmness by reason of the ordinance. Divorce is not recognized, but annulments predicated upon previously existing impediments may be granted." It is made clear, that one cannot be seperated in the eyes of God, and thus can merely, with authority, nullify that which has been shown 'not to be'.

Annulments exist to increase the spiritual balance within the Church and can be done by any priest.