On Marriage and Family Life

Popular Patristics Series

By: St. John Chrysostom

Narrated by: Jonah Martin

Christian tradition often seems to give only grudging approval to married life, particularly its sexual aspect. In these sermons of St John Chrysostom, we find an important corrective to this view.

Although himself a monk, Chrysostom had a profound understanding of the needs of his congregation. Inspired by the epistles to the Corinthians and Ephesians, he discusses the reasons God instituted marriage—primarily to promote holiness of the husband and wife, and only secondarily to produce children.

Chrysostom goes on to discuss sexual relations, the mutual responsibilities of marriage, and parenting. While parts of Chrysostom's sermons may seem limited to his own time, the vast majority of his advice has timeless relevance for the Christian family.

©1986 St Vladimir's Seminary Press (P)2023 St Vladimir's Seminary Press

St. John Chrysostom for women

How did we lose so much teaching? The relationship between married persons has so much to offer.

Instructive for all discerning marriage

What a beautiful book full with wisdom and graces. May St. John Chrysostom intercede for all discerning a marriage vocation to find a holy spouse through the merits of Our Lord Jesus Christ by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the well beloved spouse of the Holy Spirit.

insightful as to how precious marriage is.

The value of wisdom in this book cannot be stressed enough. Marriage is a precious mystery of the Orthodox Faith. This book helps bring to light what a treasure it truly is!

Very enlightening

I found this audible version a very worthwhile listen; it was so enlightening to find that Chrysostom's thoughts on marriage and family life are so down-to-earth and applicable even to our present age. Even though views on male/female roles in marriage have evolved through the years, his writings are still valuable for us today. The narrator is so easy to listen to, as well. Well done!

Should be mandatory reading

This should be mandatory reading for all priests who carry out marriage preparation, for all couples preparing for marriage, and for those already married.