Marriage As a Path to Holiness: Lives of Married Saints

by David C. Ford, Mary Ford

"Drawing on that rich but often neglected source, the Lives of the Saints, this book provides us with a representative selection of models, of icons in words, to encourage us on our own journey to the kingdom, whether we are married or not. . . . What is striking first of all about the examples chosen is their diversity. They are spread in time across nearly four thousand years, from the Old Testament era up to our own day. In space they extend no less widely: from Persia in the east to Alaska in the west, from Egypt in the south to England in the north. . . . In each case the story has been told in a simple but vivid style, with frequent quotations from the original sources and from the liturgical texts. . . . And, whether we are married, monastics or single, as we look at the living icons of the Holy Trinity on the pages that follow, may we all of us be brought to a deeper appreciation of this 'great mystery' (Ephesians 5:32)." -- from the Foreword by Bishop KALLISTOS (Timothy) Ware, author of The Orthodox Church and The Orthodox Way.

Genres: Christianity, Marriage, Nonfiction, Christian, Theology

227 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Dylan Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whichever path you're looking at, you're looking at crucifixion. Compassion means co-suffering, and this love (which includes that of hurt and loss and grief) is the wedding garment with which we ought to be prepared. Morbid attachment - you know the kind - is the filthy rag with which we will be cast out. The Bridegroom cometh.

Saints Timothy and Maura, happy newlyweds in a small village of Egypt, are crucified facing each other. Hanging alive for nine days, the nerves throughout their bodies jolt in agony without cease. "Miraculously sustained by the Lord, they exhorted and comforted each other, and so never lost courage or became faint-hearted despite all the pain they endured."

Saint Natalia of Nicomedia soaks a cloth in her tortured husband's spilt blood and anoints her body with it. She gently stretches out his legs on the executioner's anvil; Saint Adrian's shins are shattered by the hammer. She asks for her husband's arm and he offers it, to be placed also on the anvil and severed in one fatal strike. "Blessed art thou, light of mine eyes, for thou art suffering for Him Who suffered for thee! Behold, now thou art going to see His glory and become a partaker thereof, for he that shareth His sufferings will be a partaker of His glory."

[Michelle Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very thankful for this book, and for it's update.
When I first read some of the stories, they were scandalizing to me. I understand so much more through the years.

[Ross Heckmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good but in most cases I was left wanting to know more about their lives, their character, and how the dealt with various people and situations, although I realize that in many cases not so much is really known about them and not so much more could have been written in any event.

[Crystal Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! The lives of these married saints are such an encouragement and source of knowledge. Highly recommend for all Orthodox couples.