On Marriage and Family Life by St. John Chrysostom

Discover the timeless wisdom of one of Christianity's greatest teachers on marriage, love, parenting, and the sacred life of the family. In this beautiful collection of writings, St. John Chrysostom—one of the most influential Church Fathers and a beloved voice of Eastern Orthodox Christianity—reveals a profound vision of Christian marriage and family life. His teachings explore the spiritual meaning of love, the responsibilities of husband and wife, the upbringing of children, and the transformation of the Christian home into a place of prayer, virtue, and holiness.

What makes a truly Christian marriage? Writing in the fourth century, Chrysostom offers an answer that remains remarkably relevant today. Marriage is more than a social institution or an earthly partnership: it is a sacred union grounded in mutual love, fidelity, sacrifice, and devotion to God. Drawing upon the teachings of St. Paul, he explains how spouses can grow together in virtue, how parents can guide their children toward wisdom, and how the family can become a living expression of Christian faith.

What's inside?

• Homily 20 on Ephesians — Chrysostom's celebrated teaching on Christian marriage, the relationship between husband and wife, mutual love, respect, and the spiritual significance of marriage as an image of Christ's love for the Church.
• Homily 19 on 1 Corinthians — A thoughtful exploration of marriage, fidelity, self-control, and the responsibilities of Christian spouses, grounded in the apostolic teaching of St. Paul.
• Homily 21 on Ephesians — Practical spiritual guidance on family relationships, honoring parents, raising children, household responsibilities, and establishing a home founded upon Christian virtue.
• On Vainglory and the Right Way for Parents to Bring Up Their Children — One of the great early Christian works on parenting, offering remarkable insight into the moral education of children, the dangers of worldly ambition, and the importance of cultivating wisdom, humility, and self-discipline from an early age.

Why this edition?

Modern & Faithful — A clear, contemporary English translation that preserves the spiritual depth, rhetorical power, and pastoral warmth of Chrysostom's writings.
Essential Teachings in One Volume — Carefully selected homilies and writings addressing Christian marriage, the responsibilities of spouses, the upbringing of children, and the spiritual life of the household.
Historical Introduction — Discover the life of St. John Chrysostom, his place among the Church Fathers, and the historical and theological context of his remarkable teachings.
Orthodox Spiritual Heritage — Encounter the enduring wisdom of the Eastern Christian tradition and its understanding of marriage, family, virtue, and holiness.
Reader-First Design — Elegant typography, clear organization, and a comfortable 6" x 9" format designed for reflective reading, personal study, and spiritual growth.

Rediscover the Christian home as a place of love, prayer, and holiness.

More than sixteen centuries after his death, St. John Chrysostom continues to speak with extraordinary clarity about the joys, challenges, and responsibilities of family life. His vision of marriage calls couples beyond mere companionship toward a shared journey of faith, while his teachings on parenting invite families to nurture not only the minds of children, but also their hearts and souls.

Bring the wisdom of the Early Church Fathers into your home. Discover a timeless guide to Christian marriage, compassionate parenting, and a family life centered on God.