The Academy started a lecture course on a family life

On February 6, the Moscow Theological Academy started a series of lectures dedicated to the issues of an Orthodox family and maintaining healthy relationships in the modern world.

As part of the first meeting, priest Feodor Lukyanov, Chairman of the Patriarchal Committee on Family Issues, Protection of Motherhood and Childhood, Archpriest Nikolai Sokolov, Professor of the Orthodox St. Tikhon’s Humanitarian University, and G.F. Sokolova were invited to share their experience on a family life. G.F. Sokolova is a wife of Priest Theodore Sokolov, who tragically died in 2000, and a mother and grandmother of many children. 

The meeting was attended by students of the Pastoral-theological and Icon-painting faculties, as well as the Faculty of church singing art.

The meeting was opened by the Bishop of Sergiev Posad and Dmitrov Kirill, Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy. Having greeted the guests and the audience, Bishop Kirill noted that the atmosphere in the family of a clergyman is reflected mainly in the internal state of the parish community. That is why the issue of creating and maintaining healthy is a vital thing for the clergy.

Archpriest Nikolai Sokolov, shared his ideas how to manage their time and find opportunities for prayer and reflection on God. He noted that it is simply impossible for a priest who diligently cares for his family and his community to strictly control his time at the speed of a modern life. Therefore, while still studying at theological school, it is necessary to acquire the skill of self-organization. The guest shared his memories of his student years at the Moscow Theological Academy. He also gave valuable advice, tested from his own experience of a long and happy family life. They will help strengthen relationships not only between each other, but also with children.

Separately, Archpriest Nikolai marked the importance that the priest’s wife has in the life of a parish community: “It is very important that your wife actively participates in the life of the parish, helps you bear the cross of priestly service, and for this she needs to delve into the nuances of parish life.”

The conversation was continued by priest Feodor Lukyanov. He drew the attention to the principles that should guide spouses in creating a good atmosphere in the family. Father Theodore explained that this atmosphere occurs when there is lively and constant communication in the family between its members, mutual understanding, and when everyone is able to hear the other.

At the end of the meeting, the guests answered questions of interest.

There was also a separate meeting between female students of the Faculty of Church Singing Art and the Faculty of Icon Painting with G.F. Sokolova. Galina Filippovna, being a mother of 9 children and grandmother of 16 grandchildren, told the students about the role of the priest’s wife. 

Such meetings will be held regularly during the second semester of the 2024/2025 academic year.

MThA Press Office