"People approach the faith differently, and I don't think either is necessary wrong, just different. Thus, I don't like to criticize the Orthodox for their stance regarding divorce."
I quite agree that there certainly needs to be room for latitude, since even in the days of complete unity in the Church, there was never complete uniformity of practice. Some of your Catholic brothers on this forum would disagree with you, though. Some have said that having Orthodox practice conform to Catholic practice with regard to marriage and divorce needs to be a prerequisite to any union -- even going so far as to imply that it, along with the Pope stuff, was really the only non-negotiable.
I really don't care, since neither I nor my great-grandchildren will ever see union between Orthodoxy and Catholicism (although I do think it will eventually happen in a couple of centuries.) I just found it to be an interesting choice of something to make non-negotiable.
We did indeed have a good discussion, and I certainly wish you the best in trying to improve the state of marriage in your church.
Frankly, I DO disagree with them, because this is not an article of faith, such as found in the Nicean Creed. While some may argue that it is Apostolic Tradition, I am not aware of the Pope or a Council making an infallible declaration that outlaws divorce or that annulments are the manner for separation of couples. Since these rules are in the Code of Canon Law, I would take them to be more ecclesiastical laws rather than "divine" Law. However, this is opinion from me and is in no wise official. Perhaps someone may correct me from the Catholic side?
I do realize, though, that as Catholics, we bind ourselves to the Laws of the Church, even if they are not solemnly and infallibly declared. This is because we believe that Christ gave the Apostles authority to bind and loosen. Thus, our conscience is to be formed by the teachings of the Church - which come to us at different levels. Some are infallible articles of the faith, others are ecclesiastical. In both cases, we are bound to obey them. I understand the Catholic Church's point of view on seeing that Christ abrogated the Mosaic Law - but I also understand your point of view. Thus, I am happy that I am not a priest! Being pastoral means that sometimes, we take care of the person first, the laws second. "The Sabbath is for man, not man for the Sabbath".
I wish you the best, as well. I again appreciate your discussion and your perspective, one that I hadn't considered before. Thanks for broadening my view on the subject.
Brother in Christ