A Mithrandic Marriage
by Edward

Important elements in a Mithrandic wedding ceremony, according to Sir Alain.

1. A cloth of silver seven pointed star on a blue background should overhang the hall/garden/altar/anvil/whatever, to symbolize Mithras' presence.
2. The aforementioned whatever should be consecrated by a priest of Mithras.
3. A priest of Mithras should preside, or be one of several priests presiding.
4. The ceremony should include the Four Blessings of Matrimony: to wit
   • Elihu May the Groom be virile, and the Bride fertile.
   • Sagron May the couple have the wisdom to raise their children to surpass themselves.
   • Albidar May the couple have the strength and courage to protect their children from the evils of the world.
   • Epimetrius May the marriage be joyous.

If from the above you gather that the Church sees marriage in terms of breeding, rather than romance, or controlling an evil sexual impulse, you are correct. Here follows a short digression on Mithrandic sexual ethics.

It is notable that the Church has no strong prohibitions against extramarital sex: it does have very strong prohibitions against messing with children. Mithrandic clergy are not required to be celibate: but their children, if any, cannot inherit from a priest, whose life and property are the Church's. It is therefore considered highly inappropriate for them to sire any.

The Church does take the position that as marriage is a device to ensure children's well being, adultery (which threatens the marriage) is a most bad thing. I do not think the Church has ever considered open marriages, but the concept would likely give them some theological difficulties.

The same principle governs the Church's response to orphans or abandoned children: the parents have sinned grieviously, but the children should be cherished. Priests who discover strong parental tendencies in mid-life crises are often transferred to an orphanage, where they can sublimate their instincts.

End of digression.