“In a strange way . . . dating culture prepares us for a divorce culture. And we never quite learn – why do I start a relationship, how do I start a relationship, who do I choose to be in a relationship with, what an I looking for, and then when we do have difficulties, what do I do to navigate that? Excerpt Relationships & Life
We understand, as Orthodox, that we are created to be in a relationship, not just with each other, but with the eternal person of God and we encounter this Trinitarian God through the practices we engage in. Foremost of all, we engage in this ritual of worship, the Liturgy, to actually encounter this uncreated God who created us precisely to be in that relationship. And our lives emanate out of that liturgical experience into relationships of love with other people.” (Excerpt from Orthodox Christian Spirituality and Mental Health, Dr. Mamalakis, Time stamp 40:10)
WRITTEN & AUDIO RESOURCES
The Illumined Heart, Episode 134: Marriage as a Path to Holiness
Discussing the mystery of marriage & how it is meant to be—and can be—a path to holiness.”
Love, Marriage and Family in Eastern Orthodox Perspective, Chapter on Turning Toward as a Pastoral Theology of Marriage, (pp.257-272)
Raising Lazarus: Integral Healing in Orthodox Christianity,
Edited by Stephen Muse. Contributing author Dr. Philip Mamalakis.
Glory and Honor: Orthodox Christian Resources on Marriage, Chapters on The High and Holy Calling of Being a Husband, & Helping Married Couples When They Are Stuck
Edited by David C. Ford, Mary S. Ford, and Alfred K. Siewers
The Orthodox Church embodies a living Tradition that integrates a long, unbroken practice of marriage with its theology, cosmology, liturgy, mystical asceticism, and anthropology. As such, the Church has a great deal to offer all those who desire to come to a deeper understanding of marriage and family life.
This collection draws upon the riches of this Tradition to present an inspiring vision of Christian marriage, and to offer insights and guidance about marriage and family life that are adapted to modern questions and challenges, yet grounded firmly in the global teaching and practice of the Church.
The experienced clergy, scholars, and professionals contributing to this volume come from a wide variety of Orthodox Christian communities present in North America, including the Orthodox Church in America, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, and the Antiochian, Greek, and Serbian Orthodox Archdioceses of America.
About the Editors: Dr David C. Ford is Professor of Church History at St Tikhon’s Orthodox Seminary, South Canaan, PA. Dr Mary S. Ford is Associate Professor of New Testament at St Tikhon’s Seminary. Dr Alfred K. Siewers is Warden of Holy Protection Russian Orthodox Mission Church and Associate Professor of English at Bucknell University.
The Journey of Marriage
A pre-marital prep course for Orthodox Christians. Links: to enroll in the course, purchase participant guid e at the Orthodox Marketplace, & purchase facilitator guide at the Orthodox Marketplace.
The Sacrament of Daily Living
This is a four-part Soundcloud series.
- The Sacrament of Listening
- The Sacrament of Married Life
- Parenting Towards the Kingdom … in the Heat of the Moment
- Parenting from the Outside, In
THE ORTHODOX FAMILY 
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