The Sacrament of Marriage in the Coptic Orthodox Church

This book, "The Sacrament of Marriage," prepared by His Grace Anba Abraam, Bishop of Fayoum, offers a comprehensive theological and dogmatic study of marriage within the Coptic Orthodox Church. The book begins by defining the sacrament as a holy divine bond established by the Holy Spirit, highlighting its liturgical and ecclesiastical dimensions. The author explores the biblical foundations of marriage, from the creation of Adam and Eve to Christ’s blessing of the Wedding at Cana, likening the marital union to the relationship between Christ and the Church. It details the goals of marriage, including procreation and mutual support, while providing a thorough explanation of the conditions for a valid marriage and legal impediments such as consanguinity and affinity. Furthermore, it outlines the stages of the sacrament—from betrothal and the contract of ownership to the Crowning ceremony—explaining ritual symbols like the anointing with oil and the wearing of crowns. The work also addres