THE HOLY FATHERS’ FAMILIES, MODELS FOR THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY TODAY
THE HOLY FATHERS’ FAMILIES, MODELS FOR THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY TODAY

Summary/Abstract: Our standing models, the Holy Fathers left us very beautiful words about their parents and families. The families of Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory the Theologian and Saint John Chrysostom raised them as true pillars of faith for the church and even today they are models to follow and emulate. There are three types of Christian family. The family of Saint Gregory the Theologian is the model of the average Christian family, not too large, not too small, made up of a mother, a father, a daughter and two sons. The family of Saint Basil the Great and of his brother, Saint Gregory of Nyssa is the model of a large Christian family. Finally, Saint John Chrysostom's family is the model of a small Christian family, made up of a widowed mother, a son and a daughter. Each of these three situations is often met nowadays, too. The fact that families today still relate to these examples can convince us that God is present in any family, protecting it. The Holy Fathers take into account the principle that should govern any Christian family: “A good marriage is brought about by God”. For the family is established and strengthened through God's grace and blessing. Beyond the occasional poetic note that sometimes the Holy Fathers introduce in the descriptions of their families, there is always the holiness of their lives.

• Details
• Contents