How do we understand children within marriage in the Orthodox Church? This understanding is necessary for our marriages to thrive and for those in ministry to best support parents, or couples who desire to be parents. This will include an examination of the sacrament of marriage, how children connect with the shared pursuit of deification within this sacramental union, and the significance and pastoral concerns for marriages that wish to have children but cannot. A lecture by Carrie Frederick Frost, PhD.

Christ’s Eucharistic relation to creation is one which involves being embodied and enduring the risk of pain, loss and betrayal with clarity, forgiveness and full response-ability for the freedom and well-being of those He loves and invites into union. Marriage unfolds its promise within this secure and loving relationship as spouses begin to existentially risk loving and forgiving in the face of adversity, moving toward a faith unashamed and a love unfeigned; the path of sanctification. How do we support couples dealing with adversity and trauma in their personal struggle to be faithful to Christ and one another? A lecture by Dn. Stephen Muse, PhD, LMFT.

How we do “boundaries,” where we get our sense of “worthiness’ and the role of “vulnerability” as a path to intimacy that are vital to our marriages. This workshop will explore these characteristics of a healthy marriage and how we can support the couples in our ministry build them. A lecture by George Papageorge, LMFT.

In this workshop we will explore the biblical foundation of marriage and its implications for the influence of and relationship with the husband and wife's respective family of origin, particularly the common challenges they may encounter as they seek to "couple," while continuing to honor and love extended family members. Finally, we will look at scenarios couples may face and discuss ways in which clergy, pastoral assistants, mental health practitioners, and members of communities of faith can support those who face challenges associated with family of origin. A lecture by Fr. Harry and Presvytera Kerry Pappas, LMFT.

Marital conflict impacts our mental, physical and spiritual health. What are the roots of relational discord? How can we cultivate behaviors and practices that restore our marital commitment? This workshop will draw from the wisdom of Orthodox tradition together with contemporary literature in the field of psychology to provide practical suggestions for conflict resolution and relational growth. This is a lecture by Fr. Alexander Goussetis.