Why don't priests wear wedding rings?

People who regularly attend church have often noticed that the priests do not have a wedding ring on their finger. Some of them attributed this to the fact that the clergyman was simply not married, while others believed that this was a sin. However, the reason is hidden in the form of religion, as well as in the individual characteristics of a person.

What does a priest's ring symbolize?

For a clergyman, as for any other person, this product, first of all, symbolizes the marriage bond, and also emphasizes the fidelity of married people to each other. Wearing a ring is a very ancient custom, which was described in the Old Testament book of Genesis. Initially, this custom served to consolidate some kind of business agreement between the parties, but later it all turned into a wedding tradition.

This was first used in the Roman Empire to emphasize the belonging of married people to each other. Thus, after the wedding, the man belonged to the woman, and the woman, accordingly, to the man.It was impossible to get a divorce after this, and treason was punishable by cruel execution, in front of all passers-by. The person who became an accomplice to treason was also executed.

The wedding ring became a very serious symbol of people's belonging to each other, which everyone treated with respect. But the clergy assessed this product differently and refused to wear it due to the fact that they themselves belong to and serve only God. There was never a direct ban on wearing it, but the majority always refrained from doing so, and could only wear the ring at home, or on the street, during some walks.

If a priest was seen in church wearing a wedding ring, he was treated with some contempt, believing that he did not fully worship God. This was especially cruel in ancient times, when a clergyman could even be expelled from the church for this.

Reference! The modern church respects the wedding and marriage of people, as this is one of the most important rites for a person. However, the majority of clergy still refuse to wear the product in church, although the attitude towards this has now become more loyal and soft.

Why don't priests wear wedding rings?

As stated earlier, the main reason for refusing to wear it is the clergy’s affiliation with God. There is no ban on this, but people still give priority to their spiritual religion.

The next reason is the type of religion. The tradition described above is characteristic of almost all religions, with the exception of clergy from Romania - there wedding rings are never removed, as this is strictly prohibited.Moreover, the wedding item on the finger there is an example for parishioners who should strive for chastity and fidelity.

In the Orthodox Church there are 3 types of clergy:

1. Monks;
2. Celibates;
3. Holy clergy.

Of all of them, only the latter have the right to marry and wear a wedding ring. The rest, accept a meal of celibacy, and devote their lives to God and spiritual development. Accordingly, they are strictly prohibited from approaching the opposite sex when they marry. Thus, most often clergy without a ring are monks and celibates, since such actions are simply unacceptable for them.

If the celibacy dinner was not accepted, and you can get married, wearing a wedding ring is only an individual decision of the person. Although the Church has always been opposed to this, there has never been a direct prohibition, even in ancient times.