The book, Families and Faith: How Religion Is Passed Down Across Generations, is an excellent longitudinal study on what most influences the passing on of faith from one generation to another. The article, "Book Explores Ways Faith Is Kept, or Lost, Over Generations" offers a brief synopsis of the book. The information gathered is important for [...]
This is an outstanding article on marriage. Though it is not written from an Orthodox perspective, or even a Christian perspective, many insightful "truths" about marriage that we can all learn from are well articulated. And, as Orthodox we can fill in what is lacking and incomplete. "36 Things I Know After 36 Years of [...]
In this article, the author utilizes some of the basic principles espoused by John Gottman, a well-respected marriage expert to describe key elements for a lasting, life-giving marriage. Not surprisingly, the author claims that these necessary elements are kindness and generosity. The author beautifully explains practical, daily ways to exercise kindness and generosity toward our spouse, stretching the reader's understanding of these two, necessary elements of a healthy marriage.
I recently found this excerpt from a letter Tertullian wrote to his wife and want to share it with you. It is my hope that we will all take the time to read it with our spouse and to consider what we can take from it to strengthen our marriage.
The following reflections were written by a young priest, with the help of his wife (who wish to remain anonymous) about 10 years ago, with some recent additions. You may not necessarily agree with all of the items, and you may have more to add. The reflections represent the thoughts and experiences of one Orthodox clergy [...]
Recently published, this outstanding resource explores appropriate boundaries in ministry, boundaries that "promote and contribute to health. . .and excellence in ministry," that is, the health and well-being of both the minister and his family as well as that of the community. The authors contend that "successful boundaries are a team effort," involving both the [...]
"The Best Pastor's Wife Advice I Ever Received," by Lori McDaniel is a brief article written by the wife of a minister. In this article, she writes,"Sometimes you need to be like rubber and sometimes you need to be a sponge." She then goes on to briefly elaborate this principle, which she has come to [...]
My husband and I recently returned from a pilgrimage to holy sites in northern Greece. During this trip, the men in the group spent some time on Mt. Athos, while the women stayed near Ormylia and visited The Monastery of the Annunciation. While visiting Simonopetra, one of the monks gave the men the following directive: [...]
Though this article is not written from an Orthodox perspective and some of the language is more amenable to those in a Protestant tradition, some of the points will resonate with any pastor's wife, while others may resonate with some and not with others. Please feel free to post any comments you may have. This [...]
In a few short weeks, before we know it, Holy Week will be upon us. Yearly, this is the “week of all weeks” in the Church calendar, as we enter, with Christ, into the last week of His earthly life, His death, and His resurrection. Particularly for the clergy family, Holy Week is a time [...]
