Building an Orthodox Marriage: A Practical Commentary on the Eastern Orthodox Marriage Rite

by Bishop John (Abdalah), Nicholas G. Mamey

Building an Orthodox Marriage offers sage counsel that is both practical and grounded in the teaching of the Church, as found in Scripture, tradition, and the marriage service itself. The coauthors bring their knowledge and experience to the aid of readers: Bp John (Abdalah) distills his insights from his many years of marriage and pastoral guidance, as well as from the teaching of Fr Alexander Schmemann, and Nicholas G. Mamey contributes his perspective as a newly married man. Together, they take readers on a journey that prepares them to understand marriage, the great mystery that is an icon of Christ and his Church (Eph 5.32)

The authors first establish the theological background needed to understand marriage in an accessible way. They then examine and explain the rich prayers and the liturgical actions of the wedding service, and conclude the book with pastoral guidance to help couples build their marriages securely on the Rock, the only foundation that cannot be shaken, our Lord Jesus Christ.

This book is ideal for engaged couples, newlyweds, or those who wish to enrich their marriage at any point in their relationship. It is also an indispensable resource for pastors who help couples to prepare for marriage.

Genres: Marriage, Nonfiction

132 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2017

Reviews

[Micah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great commentary on the Orthodox Marriage service, but everything else is just okay.

[Una Mijatovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very niche read but I read it in preparation for marriage counseling so adding it to my good reads :)

It is a great resource for couples getting married in the Orthodox Church, especially in how it explains the wedding ceremony!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

St John Chrysostom’s On Marriage and Family Life simplified. My favorite aspects were the breakdown in the symbolism of the marriage ceremony and that it’s written by a bishop whom is also a clinical counselor.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for soon-to-be-married Orthodox Christians (no matter their theological background), and possibly one of the best resources for Orthodox priests involved in pre-marital counseling.

[Tabitha Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this to any couple, whether married or prospective couples. It has been a really good tool for my fiance and I

[Ted · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book offers basic, sound and solid thoughts about the Orthodox marriage rite.