“Getting married is about the most far-reaching, life-changing thing most people ever do, but they go into it knowing less than they would if they were planning to buy a ferret.”

—Frederica Mathewes-Green, Glory and Honor: Orthodox Christian Resources on Marriage

“Marriage, my dear friends, is a little boat which sails through waves and among rocks. If you lose your attention even for a moment, it will be wrecked.”

— Archimandrite Aimilianos of Simonopetra, Mount Athos, Marriage: The Great Sacrament, A Sermon delivered in the Church of St. Nicholas, Trikala, Greece, 17 January, 1971

“Because he loves her, he goes to bed last and gets up first in the morning.”

—Archimandrite Aimilianos of Simonopetra, Mount Athos, Marriage: The Great Sacrament, A Sermon delivered in the Church of St. Nicholas, Trikala, Greece, 17 January, 1971

“Just as steel is fashioned in a furnace, just so is a person proved in marriage, in the fire of difficulties.”

—Archimandrite Aimilianos of Simonopetra, Mount Athos, Marriage: The Great Sacrament, A Sermon delivered in the Church of St. Nicholas, Trikala, Greece, 17 January, 1971

“WHY DO SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE FEAR MARRIAGE? BECAUSE THEY’RE AFRAID OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES. IT’S NOT THAT THERE AREN’T ANY GOOD YOUNG PEOPLE, BUT THEY FEAR RESPONSIBILITY.”

—ELDER GAVRIIL TSAFOS

You must share everything, joys and sorrows alike. The Holy Sacrament of Marriage has indeed made all common to both of you. This is equally important towards the daily obligations and duties; it is the only way that a strong foundation will be built for your marriage.

—St. Gregory the Theologian

In your marriage, fondness, affection, and love must be strong and persistent for the one whom God has selected to be your life partner. This person is now the eye of your life and the delight of your heart.

—St. Gregory the Theologian

“If you do not have the strength to undergo the labor, then do not go looking for a woman.”

—Abba Olympius