Assoc. Prof. Philip Kariatlis, Sub-Dean, led a discussion at the Church of St Stylianos, Gymea, on 8th September. Addressing a gathering of men, his talk centred on offering some practical guidance on how husbands and fathers can help make the presence of God real within their homes. The discussion presented the Christian family as a sacred “church in the home” and emphasised that a father’s first spiritual responsibility is to cultivate his own relationship with Christ. Rather than attempting to force faith upon their children, the talk emphasises that, as fathers, we are first encouraged to make Christianity visible through the way we live: through prayer, forgiveness, humility, respect for their wives, patience during difficulties and a willingness to acknowledge their mistakes. The principal message was clear: begin with your own heart, build your home upon the rock, and let your family encounter Christ in you.

Reflecting on Christ’s image of the house built upon rock in Luke 6:46–49, Assoc. Prof. Kariatlis explained that a strong Christian home rests upon hearing Christ’s words and putting them into practice. Romans 12:9–13 was also presented as a practical rule for family life, calling Christians to genuine love, mutual affection, patience, perseverance in prayer, generosity and hospitality. The presentation encouraged the group to establish a simple daily spiritual rule that includes prayer, silence, reading Scripture and honest self-examination. Drawing upon the teaching of St Isaac the Syrian, the discussion highlighted the importance of entering “the treasury that is within you” so that the heart may become attentive to God. The evening concluded by affirming the central place of the Church, the Divine Liturgy and the Holy Eucharist in the life of the Christian family.