The Greek Orthodox Church of America, has reiterated its opposition on same-sex marriage. In a related announcement published on August 13, 2003 by the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America (SCOBA) has now been republished and represents more than five million Orthodox Christians in the U.S.

According to the publication, the Christian Orthodox teaching regarding marriage and sexuality, is firmly based on the Holy Scripture, 2000 years of ecclesiastic tradition, underlining that marriage consists in the conjugal union of a man and a woman and that the original marriage is blessed by God as a minister of the Church. As noted, the union between a man and a woman in marriage reflects the union between Christ and his Church, stressing that the Orthodox Church can not and will not bless people of the same sex. New York became the sixth and largest state to allow same-sex marriage after the approval of the House of Representatives at first and the Senate’s marriage equality bill, later on. Then, the Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo signed the bill. Last Sunday, New York’s gay community celebrated the event with a large annual parade, in Manhattan.



