Why are Orthodox priests allowed to marry and Catholic priests and nuns are not allowed to marry?

Answer 1

Actually this question presupposes some inaccurate information regarding Celibacy.

Roman Catholic Priests are allowed to be married. A few are. The Apostolic Tradition is that one can receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders IF they are already in the state of marriage. However if the person is NOT married upon the reception of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the person is to remain celibate for life.

Despite the above, Celibate clergy especially in the West have always been held as the ideal, and eventually the West adopted the practice of a Celibate clergy. It is important to note that this is an ecclesiastical tradition, not a Divine Tradition, and is admittedly subject to change. It is, however highly unlikely to change. Exceptions have been made for Lutheran ministers who convert to Catholicism and want to be Catholic priests. They have been ordained in the state of marriage, as have Anglican clergy who convert and want to be priests. What is important to note is that even when an exception is made- the person is ALREADY IN THE STATE OF MARRIAGE, and if the wife predeceases the priest, the priest does not marry again but remains celibate.

Why is Celibacy considered an ideal for priests? Because the priest is an Icon of Christ, a re-presentation of Christ. The best way to be an Icon of Christ is to live the life that Christ lead: Celibate. In the second place, a priest is mystically married, just as Christ is mystically married. Christ's Bride is the Church, therefore the priest upon ordination takes as his Bride the Church. Christ gave his life for the Church, so too the priest as Icon of Christ is called to do the same.

As for "Nuns" I am not aware that Nuns have ever been married due to the nature of the Vocation in the East or the West. A vowed religious becomes wed to Christ, and dedicates her life to Christ. Some Nuns will wear wedding rings to signifty their marriage to Christ.

Roman Catholic AnswerOne clarification: NO priests are allowed to get married. Regardless of whether they are Orthodox or Catholic, once a priest is ordained, they take a vow of celibacy. The Orthodox, and in certain cases, the Catholic Church can and will ordain married men, but if their wife subsequently dies, they can never remarry.