Vows and Orders as Impediments

A simple vow which is in conflict with thestate and duties of marriage is a prohibiting impediment, but doesnot annul a marriage. However, a person with such a simple vow sins by marrying unless he has first obtained dispensation from his vow at the hands of the proper ecclesiastical authorities.

A solemn vow of chastity in a religious order or congregation is adiriment impediment of matrimony. Once the vow is formally taken, it renders a subsequent marriage invalid.

A man who has received subdeaconship has solemnly taken upon himself the obligation of celibacy. Therefore, he cannot thereafter contract a valid marriage. In some Eastern rites, a married man can be ordained; but it is a general ecclesiastical law that no ordained man can (after subdeaconship) enter the married state.

The fact that a true marriage exists does not necessarily bar a man from sacred orders. If the wife dies, or if she freely consents to release her husband permanently from the marital obligation, the husband can be ordained; he receives with his ordination to subdeaconship the obligation of perfect and perpetual celibacy.