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Good morning Pater. Hope you are well ? Is it acceptable that an Orthodox Priest should be called upon to try and resolve marital problems between a very religious couple. Like, going round the house and “telling” them (or one of them) what they are doing wrong in the marriage. To complicate the situation, one of the married couple has confirmed mental issues, the other refuses to seek medical help and faith in God to cure the metal issues, but asks the priest round to “give his piece”. Should the Church get involved ?
Answer to Question 585 A tricky question. When couples decide to get a divorce, the church will speak with the couple to see if there is any chance of a reconciliation so many priest have got the experience and the sensitivity to deal with marital problems. Also when people go to confession a great many use the priest as a marriage counselor, telling him the problems existing within the marriage. In cases like these the priest must be very careful not to get involved in marital problems that involve the marital bed. A marriage counselor does not have more experience than a priest in these matters, they just approach things from a different viewpoint. As for the priest going round to the house, it is better for these problems to be discussed in the church offices. The priest is there to listen and give advice if he can, but shouldn't take sides and shouldn't tell the one or the other they are in the wrong. It is a delicate matter and each case is different so we cannot say how far a priest should get involved. You say they are a religious couple so I would imagine they asked for the priest's intervention and he didn't simply take it upon himself to try and resolve their problems. As for the mental issue, the person must seek medical help. Faith is good, but we mustn't sit around waiting for a miracle, the miracle is that God has enlightened the world with medical science.
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