A Treatise on Christian Marriage

A Treatise on Christian #Marriage Beloved brethren, in the wisdom vested through our Holy Orthodox tradition and illuminated by the teachings of the esteemed John Chrysostom, I extend to you a discourse on the sanctified union of marriage—a sacrament designed not merely for the union of two souls but as a journey towards salvation and a testament to the divine love of Christ for His Church. The Foundation of Orthodox Marriage Marriage, in its most hallowed form, is intended to forge peace, unity, and perpetuation of our Orthodox lineage, adhering to the commandments bestowed upon us by the Scripture. As Christ profoundly illustrated, "Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24-25). Thus, the marital bond, when founded upon these rock-solid teachings, remains unshaken by the tempests of life, embodying the highest virtues of Christian living. Roles within the Sacred Union Our Lord, in His infinite wisdom, has designated the husband as the leader of the family—a role that entails not only authority but a profound responsibility to guide the household towards spiritual fulfillment and divine glory. The husband is tasked with the sacred duty to maintain peace within the abode through his spiritual leadership, embodying the role of Christ Himself, who is the head of the Church. Similarly, the wife is enjoined to embrace obedience, not as a sign of servitude but as a reflection of her submission to the Lord’s will, mirroring the Church’s submission to Christ. This mutual submission fosters a harmonious living environment wherein both husband and wife respect their divine roles, thus preventing the chaos that arises from disobedience and pride. The Spiritual Complementarity in Marriage It is essential to acknowledge the inherent differences between spouses—crafted by God not as a trial but as a means to salvation. Men and women are endowed with distinct emotional and physical constitutions that complement each other in the sacred dance of marital life. Understanding and embracing these differences are crucial in nurturing the marital bond and ensuring its longevity. The Sanctity of Marital Intimacy In our observance of fasts, the Church teaches us to occasionally abstain from marital relations, not out of disdain for the marital bed, but to devote ourselves more fully to prayer and reflection. However, such abstentions should be approached with mutual consent and understanding, reflecting the practice of spiritual disciplines that strengthen rather than weaken the marital bond. The Cross of Marital Life Marriage is indeed a journey marked by crosses and trials, akin to a monastic calling within the world. Each spouse is called to bear the burdens of the other (Galatians 6:2), embracing trials not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper union. Patience and unconditional love are the hallmarks of a Christian marriage, where conflicts, though inevitable, are approached with a spirit of reconciliation and mutual respect. The Call to Spiritual Leadership and Mutual Service A husband should shield his wife from slander and avoid actions that incite jealousy, just as a wife should support her husband with respect and devotion. This reciprocal service is fundamental to the marriage covenant, where each spouse serves the other in love, reflecting the selfless love of Christ for His Church. The Enduring Commitment to Love and Holiness Finally, Christian marriage is a call to live a life of love—true, selfless, and enduring. This love is not merely an emotional sentiment but an active force that binds the couple in their shared journey towards holiness. In living out this love, spouses emulate the monastic ideals of prayer, fasting, and charity, thereby sanctifying their union and ultimately, achieving their salvation through Christ. The Divine Celebration of Mount #Tabor: A Discourse on the #Transfiguration Brethren in Christ, gather around as we delve into the sacred narrative of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ, celebrated on the hallowed Mount Tabor. This solemn feast, reverently observed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church on the 13th of Nehase each year, encapsulates a moment of profound revelation, where the divine light of Christ was manifested before the eyes of his closest disciples. The Holy Event of Transfiguration On this esteemed mountain, after six days of journeying with His beloved disciples Peter, James, and John, our Lord Jesus secluded Himself from the multitudes. There, He was transfigured before them: His face did shine as the sun, and His garments became as white as light, resplendent and purer than any fuller on earth could achieve. This divine spectacle was not for the eyes of all, but for those chosen to witness the unveiled glory of the Godhead, a foretaste of the heavenly kingdom. Accompanying this heavenly vision were Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, conversing with Jesus. Their presence signified the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies through the person of Jesus Christ. Peter, impetuously yet with pure intent, proposed to erect three tabernacles for them, a gesture signifying the desire to preserve this holy encounter. Yet, while Peter spoke, a luminous cloud enveloped them, and a voice from heaven proclaimed, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; listen to him." At this divine utterance, the disciples fell prostrate with awe and fear. Christ, ever compassionate, touched them, bidding them rise and fear not. In this act, He reassured them of His protective human and divine presence. The Celebration of Buhe In the verdant landscapes of Ethiopia, this celestial event is celebrated as Buhe. The festivities are marked not in the confines of the church but burst forth into the community, symbolizing the spreading of divine light into the world. As midday transitions to autumn, the air, once foggy, clears, heralding the end of the harsh winter—providentially echoing the spiritual renewal the Transfiguration brings. Children, embodying the joyous innocence required of the faithful, play significant roles. They wield whips and raise spirited shouts, echoing under the cliffs, reminiscent of the divine voice at Tabor. Mothers, engaged in the ritualistic preparation of wheat, signify the nurturing aspect of the church, feeding the faithful with spiritual and corporeal sustenance. A tradition holds that at the eventide of the Lord’s Transfiguration, shepherds, bewildered by the divine light, ventured out with lit torches in search of its source. In commemoration, torches are lit, and children, bearing full bread, proclaim "Buhe" in remembrance of this pursuit of the divine light. Spiritual Reflections This feast, dear brethren, is not merely an historical commemoration but a call to personal transformation. As the divine light illuminated Christ, so are we called to let His light transfigure our beings. The transformation on Mount Tabor prefigures our own spiritual transfiguration, where, through grace, we are called to partake in the divine nature. Let us, therefore, embrace the message of Mount Tabor. Let us listen to the beloved Son of God, not merely as a historical figure but as the ever-present Teacher and Redeemer. In our daily tribulations and our spiritual journey, may the light of Tabor guide us, and may we, like the disciples, rise and fear not, for our Lord is ever with us, illuminating our path to the eternal. In this, our celebration of Buhe is not just a festive tradition but a profound participation in the divine life, a testament to our journey towards the everlasting light of Christ. Amen. May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue, today and always. © John's Repentance Reach out to us on our social media platforms and share it with your friends: https://linktr.ee/johnsrepentance