The rising prevalence of ecumenical families, or couples belonging to different Christian denominations (also known as mixed marriages), calls for a renewed, compassionate, and pastorally-inspired approach. According to St. John Chrystostom, marriage and family is the “little Church,” with the mystery of marital unity in Christ speaking to the communion of faith.
The workshop “Ecumenical Families: A Pastoral, Theological and Canonical Approach” at the 2024 Clergy-Laity Congress on July 2, 2024, hosted in collaboration with the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross, explored the ways in which we can welcome ecumenical families into the church and keep the true spirit of communion in our church. Opening the session, HEI Executive Director Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis remarked to the full workshop that the large number of ecumenical families calls for “deliberate, urgent” pastoral response, emphasizing that each mixed-marriage is our Church’s concern and responsibility.
The panelists concentrated on the latest groundbreaking document published by the North America Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation: “The Pastoral Care of Mixed Marriages: Neither Yours or Mine – But Ours.” Panelists included Rev. Patrick Viscuso (PhD), Rev. Philip Halikias (PhD), Despina Prassas (PhD),and Rev. John Chryssavgis (PhD).
Photos: GOARCH/Brittainy Newman.
