The Sacrament of Matrimony is the holy service through which a man and a woman
are united and given the divine grace which sanctifies their union, makes it perfect and
spiritual like the unity of Christ and Church, and gives them strength to abide by the
contract which mutually binds.

Matrimony was instituted by Almighty who at creation told Adam and Eve to be faithful,
multiply and replenish the earth. Christ taught that a man should cleave to his wife
(Matt. 19:4-6).

During the rite the bride and bridegroom are anointed with oil and clothed in wedding
garments including a crown. This church marriage is called Communion Marriage because
the couple are married by Communion, Qurban; they take Holy Communion during the
wedding Mass. The priest takes the man's hand and places it in the hand of the woman,
blessing them with the sign of the cross. The ceremony is completed with a Nuptial Mass
in which both parties receive the sacrament.

The law of the Gospel and the Christian ordinances are one man for one woman and one
woman for one man. The taking of another is forbidden (1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:6). If either of
them dies the other can marry.