The Russian Orthodox Church condemns any form of extramarital or premarital sexual activity as sinful and immoral, considering it to be one of the primary sins that separate people from God's grace and love. According to the church, this type of behavior is prohibited because it violates God's will for marriage, which is a sacred institution established between a man and a woman.
The Orthodox Church has created various moral instructional tools to regulate sexual behavior before marriage.
They advise young people to remain virgins until their wedding night, which symbolizes the beginning of their married life and the completion of their spiritual journey. The Church also encourages youth to avoid indulging in lustful thoughts and desires, emphasizing the need for self-control and discipline.
The Church provides social norms that discourage engaging in any kind of sexual behavior outside of marriage, including kissing, touching, and even holding hands. These norms are enforced through various forms of religious education, such as catechism classes, Sunday school, and sermons delivered during worship services.
Ritual practices are another way that the Church regulates premarital sexual behavior. One example is the 'Blessing of a Marriage Ring', whereby couples who plan to marry receive blessings from their priest for their future union and the act of physical intimacy within marriage. This ceremony occurs at least twice before the actual wedding ceremony.
Another ritual practice involves confession, where individuals can seek forgiveness for past sins related to sex or other matters. Confessions can occur individually or collectively with a group of friends or family members. During confession, people share their secrets and ask God for help in overcoming temptations and weaknesses.
The Russian Orthodox Church seeks to guide its followers on how to live holy lives according to biblical principles, including abstaining from sex before marriage and maintaining chastity once married. By doing so, they aim to protect their souls from eternal damnation and help build healthy marriages based on love, trust, and mutual respect.
How do Russian religious traditions regulate premarital sexual behavior through moral instruction, social norms, and ritual practice?
Russian Orthodox Christianity traditionally emphasizes abstinence before marriage as part of its doctrine on purity, modesty, and chastity. This ethos has been reinforced by social norms that value marriage and family life, and it is reflected in the practices associated with weddings such as fasting and confession.