Marriage and the Christian Home

Publication Data: Seattle, WA: St. Nectarios Press, 2009
Format: softcover
Number of Pages: vi + 45
Dimensions (l × w × h): 20.9 cm × 15.2 cm × 0.3 cm
Additional Information: black-and-white illustrations
ISBN 10: 0‒913026‒66‒2
ISBN 13: 978‒0‒913026‒66‒3

   
by Rev. Michael B. Henning

“Most Christians live outside of monastic communities, married and in their own dwellings. Erroneous thinking prevails among many of these non-monastic Christians who feel that their following of Christ and the Church does not require the same dedication that is required of the monastic Christian. This is sheer rationalization; for all Christians, monastic or non-monastic, are equally called by Christ to repentance and to eternal salvation. There are no classes of Christians—all are equal and all are expected to be followers of Christ, regardless of their role or position in the Church. It is extremely difficult for non-monastic Christians to live a Christian life-style from day to day, from year to year, since they are continually exposed to and live within a society not merely non-Christian, but largely antithetical to Orthodox Christian beliefs and ideals. This should not discourage them from living a Christian life, because Christ Himself was well aware of the situation, for He stated, ‘Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; be wise as serpents and innocent as doves’ (Matt. 10:16).”
—“PREFACE”

CONTENTS

PREFACE
I. THE OLD TESTAMENT AND THE CONTINUATION OF THE RACE
II. THE NEW TESTAMENT AND CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
III. THE WIFE’S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY IN CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
IV. THE HUSBAND’S ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY IN CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
V. THE COMMON RESPONSIBILITIES OF HUSBAND AND WIFE IN CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
VI. THE CHRISTIAN HOME
   The Family Church and Eternal Salvation
   The Icon Corner
   House Blessing
   Prayer: Corporate and Private
   Sundays, Saturday Evenings and Feast Days
   The Name Day Celebration
   Fasting Periods
   Holy Water and Oil
   Illness in the Family Church
   Forgiveness in the Christian Family
CONCLUSION
NOTES