I am a Catholic man who has never been married. My girl friend has been married in Russia in a civil ceremony in Russia. She was baptized in the Russian Orthodox church in Russia and was divorced in the United states after 25 years of marriage. If we were to get married in the Catholic church and she does not wish to convert do we need an annulment in the Catholic church? If so how long does it take?

-- stephen short (sshort9632@aol.com), February 18, 2003

Answers

Yes, she would need an annulment, but if she was married for 25 years, it may not be so easy. An annulment is not the same as a divorce - it states that a sacramental marriage never took place. The Catholic Church does recognize some of the sacraments of the Orthodox church(es) as valid, so unless there is some compelling reason (the marriage was never consummated? they intentionally prevented children from being born? etc.) you may have a very difficult time obtaining an annulment.

Best bet - speak with a Catholic priest so they can get the investigation going. Good luck! :-)

-- Christine L. :-) (christine_lehman@hotmail.com), February 18, 2003.

You said your fiance's previous marriage was a civil ceremony, not a marriage sanctioned by the Church. An annulment may not be required by the Church if this is indeed the case. But as Christine said, best to check with your parish priest! Pax Christi <><

-- Anna <>< (Flower@youknow.com), February 18, 2003.