Marriage and Family
Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef
212 questions in 51 topics
Topics
Marriage 64Intercultural Marriages 16Parenting 15Celibacy/Single Life 8Divorce 8Family Problems 7Premarital Disclosure 7Remarriage 7Contraception/Contraceptives 5Family Matters 5Sex in Marriage 5Birth Control 4Engagement 4In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) 4Premarital Sex 4Parents 3Wedding Reception 3Weddings 3Children 2Engagement Matters 2Family Planning 2Fertilization 2Marital Problems 2Miscarriage/Stillborn 2Sterilization 2Working Mothers 2Abstinence from Sex Within Marriage 1Abuse (Physical & Emotional) 1Adoption 1Age Difference 1Certificate of Celibacy 1Child Abuse 1Civil Marriages 1Courtship 1Domestic Partnership 1Domestic-Violence 1Families 1Father 1Gender-Decisions 1Inheritance 1Intimacy 1Kissing 1Marital Love 1Marital Relationship 1Monogamy 1Opposite Gender 1Orphans 1Parental Approval/Disapproval 1Polygamy 1Pregnancy 1Siamese Twins 1
All questions in this theme
- Abuse (Physical & Emotional)I have been struggling lately with God. Every now and then I read verses in the Bible about obeying parents. My parents abused me physically and emotionally. I had a roof…
- AdoptionWhat is our church's viewpoint on adoption without marriage? Can someone adopt a child without being married?
- Birth ControlWhat is the Coptic Orthodox Church's view on birth control?
- Birth ControlHow does the Coptic Church feel about birth control and contraceptives?
- Birth ControlI have read your honorable response on birth control; I was more than surprised of that answer 'In the Q & A section'. How can the whole church, if this response really…
- Birth ControlI would like to know the view of family planning from our Orthodox faith and which methods someone can use?
- Celibacy/Single LifeSometimes I feel that God is not listening to my prayers concerning whether to get married or remain a celibate. I start to doubt and become afraid of getting lost. What…
- Celibacy/Single LifeIf God created Adam and Eve, how come St. Paul would later recommend that people be celibate as him?
- Celibacy/Single LifeIs it feasible that someone get married and remain celibate? What is the purpose behind it? I was considering the monastic life, but was unsure if this was God's will for…
- Celibacy/Single LifeI have been considering a life of celibacy for about 4 or 5 years. I need specific signs indicating that this is the right direction.
- Celibacy/Single LifeWhat options are there other than monasticism or consecrated service (i.e., Sisters or Deacons) for single men and women?
- Celibacy/Single LifeAre all who are not called to monasticism called to married life?
- Celibacy/Single LifeIs it wrong to view single life as a preparation for marriage or can single life be a calling in itself?
- Celibacy/Single LifeWhat are some practical steps single men and women can take to walk with Christ and also be receptive to His will concerning marriage?
- Celibacy/Single Life: Certificate of CelibacyFor new single newcomers to the USA, is a “certificate of celibacy” required by the Church in order to perform a wedding, or can the Church use my Egyptian ID/passport to…
- Child AbuseI know it is mandatory to be gentle and loving towards a victim's wounds, but it seems obligatory to also encourage them to protect their community and themselves by not…
- ChildrenWhat books available can Grade 3, 4, 5 kids read during their spare time?
- ChildrenIf children are a gift from God, why do some families/single parents treat their children badly whereas 'good' families who desperately want children remain barren?
- Contraception/ContraceptivesDoes the Coptic Orthodox church consider contraception a grave sin the way the Catholic Church does? What is the Coptic Church's view on this matter?
- Contraception/ContraceptivesWhat is the Church's view on Contraception? Would it be going against God's Will to control birth for one reason or the other?
- Contraception/ContraceptivesI would like to know our church's position on the morning after pill which has an active ingredient used as an emergency contraception.
- Contraception/ContraceptivesDoes the Church oppose the use of contraceptives to lighten menses before marriage or contraceptives after marriage?
- Contraception/ContraceptivesWhat is the Christian perspective on modern/medical pregnancy control methods/contraceptives?
- CourtshipI have been dating a guy from the church now for three and a half years. My family has known about it, and our fathers of confession are guiding the both of us. Recently,…
- DivorceIf our Church’s view on divorce is biblically based, how come it is not consistent in its application?
- DivorceTwo parents are having a problem. The church tried to solve the problem but one of the parents has refused any solution and filed for divorce in the court. What if there…
- DivorceHow is the Coptic Orthodox church different from all other Christianities in terms of doctrine and dogma related to marriage and divorce?
- DivorceI realize that the Coptic Church does not generally allow divorce. But I have a question that was asked by a friend of mine a few days ago. If there is a situation in…
- DivorceI am in the midst of getting a divorce. I was an Evangelical Christian, but then lost my faith in God about one year and a half ago as my husband seemed like two…
- DivorceDoes the Coptic Orthodox Church allow divorce? For example, if one of the couple has an affair, does the Church divorce the two?
- DivorceDoes the Church oppose divorce because of the verse that says, “Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6)?
- DivorceIf a couple hate each other and fight every day and abuse each other, is it not better to divorce than to stay in a relationship were they sin every day?
- Domestic PartnershipIs there a Bible verse that states you should not live with your fiancé prior to marriage? I understand we do not do so in order to refrain from the temptation of sexual…
- Domestic-ViolenceI have a serious problem with my husband and not only because of what is happening to me but also because of my concern for how the kids are being influenced by his…
- EngagementWhat are the steps that a couple need to follow before they get married? What is more important than looking for the spiritual, financial, social, educational level of…
- EngagementWhat is the church view on engagement rings?
- EngagementWhat is in an engagement and then a marriage contract? Is there an engagement contract?
- EngagementCan someone please explain in detail and clearly what is the appropriate limit of physical contact permitted during the engagement period?
- Engagement: Engagement MattersWith the help of God, I got engaged to a great girl. My parents worry a lot about everything, and they always tell me to be careful and to test the girl very well before…
- Engagement: Engagement MattersI am engaged to a great girl. We love each other dearly and respect each other very much. Sometimes we get into little arguments which worry me. My parents never stopped…
- FamiliesIf the woman with whom I am involved is committed to be a part of the Church, is it a problem that she has a child from a past relationship? We want to move forward with…
- Family MattersMy sister and I have a problem communicating with our father. He is hard to please, does not allow us to go out with our friends, nor talk freely on the phone with them.…
- Family MattersMy parents are constantly arguing. They always respond to each other with sarcasm, and neither seems to tolerate the other. My sister and I are away from home most of the…
- Family MattersI'm having some problems within my family. It's just that my family seems to always be having problems. My mother and father fight at least once every week. Usually it's…
- Family MattersFor the last 3-4 month my daughter (16) became increasingly harder and harder to deal with. She is always upset, angry and unhappy. She is fighting with everyone in sight…
- Family MattersI have an important predicament in my life, stuck between what my family approves and sees what is right for my life and what I feel is right for my life. I met a lovely…
- Family PlanningI am an orthodox Christian, currently engaged and soon to be married. What are the allowed ways of family planning. Is it sinful to practice pulling out and ejaculating…
- Family PlanningIn my culture, normally contraceptives are not allowed at all, so that is why I want to know other options. Are condoms allowed? I think as long as you already have…
- Family ProblemsI skipped school one day and my parents found out. They yelled at me, not knowing that it is a common thing to skip school. Well! my dad who has an anger problem, hit me…
- Family ProblemsMy dad goes out of town, and is always busy with his work and many other things. When my sister and I have a problem with my dad, he doesn't really listen and is very…
- Family ProblemsMy mother has left my father and been to Egypt without telling him. It has been roughly a year and a half next month since they have been separated. She is now back after…
- Family ProblemsWhen I do something wrong my mom says "God take her, you never listen to me" I just confessed on Sunday and I'm already causing trouble in the house. I really don't feel…
- Family ProblemsMy family is fighting all the time and I am very troubled by this, what can I do?
- Family ProblemsIt has been years now that my parents do not talk to each other nor acknowledge each other's existence in the house in which we all live. Curses, hatred, misunderstanding…
- Family ProblemsI am 18 years old and recently my mother and I got in a huge argument. I was complaining about how I didn't like the way she raised me very strictly and was very hard on…
- Fasts: Abstinence from Sex Within MarriageI am Orthodox Christian and I am married. My question is, according to our Cannon, is sexual intercourse allowed during fasting days?
- FatherWhy do we call a priest "father" although the Lord said, "Call no man father"?
- FertilizationIs it wrong/sin for a woman to donate her eggs? If for some reason, a relative (my cousin for example,) couldn't have kids and I gave her my eggs and her husband…
- FertilizationWhat are the moral implications of working at a fertility clinic where working hours and pay are excellent? The job involves taking down the patients' history monitoring…
- In-vitro Fertilization (IVF)What is the Church's view on in-vitro fertilization (lab fertilization)? Is it going against God's will in creating a woman incapable of giving birth?
- In-vitro Fertilization (IVF)What is the church's view on older women (50/60 years old) having IVF?
- In-vitro Fertilization (IVF)My husband and I have beautiful, naturally conceived children. We have been trying for over almost a year for another baby. My husband is in his late forties and I am in…
- In-vitro Fertilization (IVF)My goal for my future is to go to medical school and become a surgeon. It takes eight years to complete both college and medical school and five years of residency for a…
- InheritanceWhat inheritance does 1 Peter 1:3-5 exactly refer to? " Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again…
- Intercultural MarriagesWhat does it mean for a Catholic to be anointed before getting married to a Copt?
- Intercultural MarriagesFor a Russian Orthodox to get married to a Coptic Orthodox member, does he require to be baptized?
- Intercultural MarriagesI am a practicing Catholic recently got engaged to a practicing Coptic Orthodox. We have always supported each other's religion, and attended services at both churches.…
- Intercultural MarriagesMy boyfriend is a Coptic Orthodox. I am a Mormon. Can we be married in his church without me having to convert to his faith?
- Intercultural MarriagesWhat are the different options available in marrying someone of a different Christian religion? What are the different steps involved?
- Intercultural MarriagesI have a problem that involves an American girl whom I have known for the past 5 years. She met Abouna and had a few sessions with him to introduce her to our church. She…
- Intercultural MarriagesIn May 2011, I will be getting engaged to a Coptic Christian in his Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt. He and I have had many discussions about our faith, and I have done a…
- Intercultural MarriagesIf an Orthodox girl marries a Catholic man and she does not change her religion, can she still have communion in her Orthodox Church?
- Intercultural MarriagesMy fiancé, his mom, his sister, and I are protestant. My fiancé’s father is Coptic. He is putting a lot of pressure on us to have a Coptic ceremony. I agreed to it out of…
- Intercultural MarriagesMy family and I are not religious, but I have fallen in love with a Coptic man. We are both still in college and it is a long distance relationship. We met in person and…
- Intercultural MarriagesI have recently met a Coptic woman who is amazing. She is just a spiritual as I am, and I have felt closer to God since she has come into my life. I have also been…
- Intercultural MarriagesIf a Coptic Orthodox woman and a Roman Catholic man wish to marry in the Coptic Orthodox Church, can the marriage be celebrated without the Catholic man converting to the…
- Intercultural MarriagesCan members of the Coptic Orthodox Church (or Oriental Orthodox in general) marry someone who is Eastern Orthodox?
- Intercultural MarriagesI am a non-Egyptian single male in my 40s and raised Roman Catholic. I have been reading as much as I can about Orthodox Christianity. I have come to love the Coptic…
- Intercultural MarriagesI was recently baptized in the Coptic Church and will soon marry a Coptic man, the love of my life. Unfortunately, a very close relative in his immediate family just…
- Intercultural MarriagesMy Coptic Orthodox boyfriend discussed with his priest our wish to get married based on it being approved if I convert. The priest said that under the views of the Church…
- KissingIs it sinful for a female to kiss a male even if it feels good, satisfying and would be considered by me as a sign of affection and not sex?
- Marital LoveSome say that the marital love between husband and wife will continue in eternity. Is this true?
- Marital ProblemsI have been married for 14 years. We didn't know each other well before the marriage. And since the first day problems have started but we have always managed to get over…
- Marital ProblemsI have been trying to see ways to improve the situation between my husband and I by going to different marriage functions. We went to marriage seminars and got some books…
- Marital RelationshipYour Grace mentioned in the love sermon during the Graduate Convention that for married couples, neither dependence nor independence is good. Interdependence is what is…
- MarriageI cannot make up my mind regarding a marriage proposal. Could you please advise me?
- MarriageBefore Adam and Eve sinned, did they live a celibate life? Were they ordained by God to have children anyway, even if they had not sinned?
- MarriageIf an orthodox gets married to an unorthodox in court only as in the case of my friend, how does the church regard this marriage? What if rumors have it that one cheats…
- MarriageWhy aren't we allowed to date? Why can't we get married to someone who isn't Orthodox? Is it a sin, and if yes, why?
- MarriageWhat if a wife is spiritually more mature than her husband who is supposed to be the high priest of the home?
- MarriageWhat is a man's role vs. a woman's role in a truly Christian marriage? Nowadays we live in difficult financial times and women have to work both inside and outside the…
- MarriageI am not able to achieve peace of mind. I so desperately seek guidance. I have a friend from our church that I have known and cared deeply for since I was 15, almost 10…
- MarriageHow does the church view marriage of a woman to a man younger than her?
- MarriageDoes the Coptic Orthodox Church view marriage outside it as adultery?
- MarriageWhat does "The man being the head of the wife" mean?
- MarriageMarrying a woman much younger than a man seems to be the fashion these days. Does the church have a comment on that?
- MarriageHow does the Coptic Church handle cases of remarriage with members, whether within or outside the Coptic Church?
- MarriageWhat is the church’s teachings concerning sexual relation between husband and wife? What is right and what is not wrong?
- MarriageWhen two people do not get married to each other because it was not God’s plan for them to do so, should their relation be doomed to lifetime ruin or destruction?
- MarriageI have a question on virginity and the church. If a woman is required to state whether she is a virgin or not before marriage, and a man is required to state whether he…
- MarriageAm I right or sinful in choosing to leave my husband after twenty-three years of marriage because he abuses me physically for no reason and before my only twenty-two year…
- MarriageHow can I have a marriage relationship that does not distract me from our Lord Jesus Christ, and how would I know that this person is the one that the Lord has chosen for…
- MarriageEven after truly repenting for and confessing the loss of virginity, does the church still need to know about it before marriage, although in God's eyes this sin is…
- MarriageI am not sure if I want to get married or not. However, I have a friend, my age with whom, for the last five years, I have been in touch via email and phone calls. I do…
- MarriageI am a student in pharmacy, second year. I met a wonderful girl who has changed my life drastically. I started to go to church, serve as a deacon, pray, read the bible…
- MarriageShould I kill any strings to this relationship, because this relationship just came out of no where? It wasn't planned, or maybe it was not sent from God and it is not…
- MarriageWhat is Your Grace's opinion concerning marrying outside one's race? My daughter wants to marry a man from another race and color. Although I do understand that before…
- MarriageIs there anything wrong with using the Internet to get to know women in order to search for a future wife?
- MarriageCan a Mormon marry a Catholic to rectify their mistake of having had a child before marriage?
- MarriageWhy has marriage to be at Church? When a believer marries a non-believer, how should the relatives of the believer react to such a marriage?
- MarriageWhere in the Holy Bible is it stated that a believer should not get married to an unbeliever?
- MarriageCan a marriage between a Copt and a Jew be conducted at the Coptic Church in the presence of a Jweish Rabbai? If not, would a Coptic Bishop be willing to preside over the…
- MarriageI have been baptized into the Coptic Church since April 2003, my studies finally leading me to believe that Orthodoxy is the way I want to follow Christ, the closet way.…
- MarriageFour years ago I met a wonderful person. For the past year he and I have had the intention of getting married but of course the issue of rebaptism has been our primary…
- MarriageA sixteen year old high school boy asked me if it is alright for him to get to know a girl who is two years older than him, although he is not considering getting married…
- MarriageMy girlfriend lives in another part of my country, we speak mainly on the phone. We like each other a lot and are taking one day at a time. She has 3 children from…
- MarriageWhat are the most important factors for maintaining a successful, spiritual, satisfying married life?
- MarriageI've been introduced to several Coptic Orthodox men, but there is always something that seems not to work out. I always pray for God to reveal His will to me; but I'm…
- MarriageI am a 25 years old Copt. I came to the U.S around this time last year. I am engaged to a Greek Orthodox girl who was married before; but go divorced because of her…
- MarriageI just turned 29 years old. I'm being pressured by my family to marry and that is one of the reasons I feel discouraged and impatient. None of my attempts to get to know…
- MarriageShould a woman marry a man just because he is highly recommended by his spiritual father; even if she does not have any feelings for him? In 'On Marriage and Family Life'…
- MarriageFor an unmarried couple in love with each other and hoping to get married, why is it not Christian for them to satisfy their body need?
- MarriageI would like Your Grace's opinion on the verse: " But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart "…
- MarriageWhy can't a couple live together before getting married? Isn't it a good way of getting to know each other?
- MarriageIs there only one life partner for us and is God the one who chooses him/her?
- MarriageDo we believe in "meant to be"? In other words,God has a certain someone whom we "are meant to" marry?
- MarriageI am not sure if I should live with two faces, one in the Church and another outside. My husband thinks that life has more to it than just God, Church, fasting, and…
- MarriageI am planning to get married this year, yet I have been wondering about the meaning of, and aim behind marriage and having kids. Does this mean I do not love the person I…
- MarriageWhat does the church mean by wanting to know if a couple, about to marry, is virgin or not? Who else apart from the father of confession, who is the priest marrying the…
- MarriageWe are taught not to worry about earthly things but focus on spiritual things. " Seek ye first the kingdom of God " (Matthew 6:33). In that respect, is marriage…
- MarriageHow do we know when a person is emotionally mature and ready for marriage?
- MarriageWhat are the criteria by which emotional readiness can be measured?
- MarriageI have in front of me 3 women in the church in whom I am interested. From their conduct with their friends, their attendance in church, their families, and their…
- MarriageI hear many people and sermons saying that most people get married without being prepared for it, causing many marital problems later. How do I prepare myself for…
- MarriageHow does the Church interpret 1 Corinthians 7 where St. Paul contrasts the married life to the single life?
- MarriageI've been in this relationship for about two years and engaged for a little over half a year. My fiancé and I are in the process of planning our wedding and we bought an…
- MarriageIn the Old Testament, Book of Leviticus, it says that marriage between relatives or same blood is forbidden. Why is it ok in the Coptic Church for cousins to marry? Also,…
- MarriageI am born and raised in America and I am engaged to a man in Egypt who has never come here. He recently got his degree and wants to apply his education to get a…
- Marriagel had been practicing sexual immorality for about 15 years, but now l have hope in the Lord and started repenting by Lord's grace. I want to marry someone but who she was…
- MarriageMy husband and I got married through the court without having a church wedding. My parents do not know at all, but I wish to tell them. Is a church wedding/blessing still…
- MarriageCan an Orthodox deacon marry a girl who lost her virginity?
- MarriageHow can we know we are ready for a real Christian marriage? Also, how can I work on myself so that I can become the best partner?
- MarriageCan you explain this verse? "He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord" (Proverbs? 18:22, NRSV).
- MarriageIs it okay for a deacon to marry a non-virgin girl? Is it part of our culture or our belief (faith), because there is a fine line between culture and belief?
- MarriageEvery week, after the youth meetings, my father asks me which girls were there and which of them are pretty. I do not want to answer the question because I feel that it…
- MarriageWe have gotten mixed answers on this question. First, are you allowed to get married during fasts other than the Great Fast? If not, why is every other sacrament allowed,…
- MarriageWhy can I not marry someone from another church or an atheist? Many friends ask me, but I do not know how to answer them biblically and logically.
- MarriageCan marrying the wrong person destroy your chances of salvation? If only one person in the relationship seeks the kingdom of heaven, will that person be judged for it,…
- Marriage: Age DifferenceIs it acceptable for a girl to be interested in a guy who is two years younger than her? I feel like I am making a mistake because people will judge me.
- Marriage: Civil MarriagesAre civil marriages accepted by our Church?
- Marriage: IntimacyI have been married for 20 years and my husband's sexual performance is weak. He ejaculates in less than a minute, which frustrates me to the extent that I try to avoid…
- Marriage: Parental Approval/DisapprovalWhat do I do if my parents are making it impossible but I still want a woman even that has a child? I fully understand that it is completely out of the norm for my…
- Miscarriage/StillbornDo stillborn babies go to heaven?
- Miscarriage/StillbornWhat does the Coptic Orthodox Church believe or instruct about what happens to miscarried or stillborn children? Do they have souls? Will they go to heaven? How can we…
- MonogamyWhy should a man marry one woman only?
- Opposite GenderI need your advice on how to deal with boys. I say hello to them after church, chat with them politely in a group or alone, but I do not want people to start talking…
- OrphansI am writing to comment on a letter online signed by Your Grace and His Grace Bishop Serapion concerning the photos taken for orphans. The Keraza published similar…
- ParentingMy 20 month old boy hit our friend's 9 month old boy with a toy in his head and hurt him. What is the best way of dealing with this situation?
- ParentingI have seen very good kids and when I asked and saw their parents raising them, I knew that they set a reward for everything. That is why they are excellent. I use…
- ParentingOne of my friends uses this with her kids --- if you embarrass me, I will embarrass you. So, if the children misbehave outside and she is embarrassed by their behavior,…
- ParentingI have a 6 year old boy and an 8 year old girl. He usually likes to play with girls at school and talks about them at home and she usually likes to play with boys at…
- ParentingIn dealing with children less than 10 years or age, how can we as parents deal with wisdom every year at Christmas time when our young children find their friends asking…
- ParentingI have a few questions: Is it too much for their age to fast at 7 and 9? Should I invent nice ways to cook so they will like the fasting food and will not mind fasting?…
- ParentingI would like to know how to talk to my 9 year old daughter about things that we feel shy to talk about? Are there any books to read or sermons to hear? I feel that she…
- ParentingMy kids fast Wednesday and Friday, and other fasting. Last Wednesday, I gave my daughter chocolate for Thursday, but when I went to her room, I found out that she ate…
- ParentingThe letter kills but the Spirit gives life. I have been through some internal fights in the last few years trying to walk the thin line between protecting and giving my…
- ParentingMy son used to always discuss religion and spiritual subjects. I do not know what has happened. He used to read a lot of books. In college, they often said, there is no…
- ParentingMy teenage daughter is always telling me, “Do Not Judge,” whenever someone is doing something wrong, such as saying bad words, wearing inappropriate clothes, or…
- ParentingMy daughter is strong in front of me. She yells and tries to prove that she has rights as a 12 year old to be alone—to have her privacy, sometimes not to pray, nor eat…
- ParentingMy 12 year old daughter likes to stay alone, writes, plays guitar, or reads. She comes to talk to me when she has something funny or happy to share. When I want to talk…
- ParentingMy son had to read a text in high school about how unimportant motherhood is. They are saying that it is up to a woman to decide if she wants kids or not, and that…
- ParentingI had a discussion with some people about how important it is to have a spiritual guide or a third person between children and their parents. I was talking with someone…
- ParentsIs there anywhere in the Holy Bible, where a parent was wrong and was therefore not to be obeyed by their children? How would you advise someone whose parent is using the…
- ParentsI am a female in my 30s and live with my parents. I try my best to be respectful to them, but it is a struggle because to them, I am still a child and they treat me as…
- ParentsI am truly struggling with Love and BEARING WITH MY PARENTS. I am the worst kid ever by not following the commandments, but my parents always discourage me so much to the…
- PolygamyOn the web site www.christianpolygamy.com, it states that Christianity had always been practicing polygamy until the dawn of Catholicism. The Holy Book of Isaiah 4:1 is…
- PregnancySince Jesus Christ is already born, then not having children is not perceived as something bad anymore. It is not easy to raise children in America.
- Pregnancy: Gender-DecisionsWhat do you think about using natural methods to favor the gender of the baby when people are trying to have a baby of a certain gender? Those methods may include…
- Premarital DisclosureI was wondering if any details of past relationships that are not a part of one's life anymore must be disclosed to a girl?one is interested in before engagement or…
- Premarital DisclosureI am of age to get married. I recently met a girl with whom I started talking. All of our interests are lining up and we are mostly on the same page. The only thing is…
- Premarital DisclosureHow does God perceive virginity and the first sexual encounter shared between a newlywed couple after the sacrament of marriage?
- Premarital DisclosureHow heavily should a female weigh a male's past mistakes while considering whether to pursue a relationship with him?
- Premarital DisclosureIf the male wants to do whatever is objectively best for the female regardless of the impact it has on him, should the male in this scenario not pursue a relationship…
- Premarital DisclosureIf two spiritually, mentally, and emotionally mature young adults are getting to know each other with the intent for marriage, how heavily should each weigh the other's…
- Premarital DisclosureIf I sent a man nude pictures before marriage but repented and confessed, would I have to admit to telling him before we get married?
- Premarital SexIs there any verse in the Holy Bible that addresses having sex before marrying?
- Premarital SexI'm struggling with making a decision. My boyfriend and I have been dating for about seven months. It started off really well as we both are, with the help of God, good…
- Premarital SexIf a person does sexual acts before marriage, but still remains a virgin, does the other spouse still need to know about those sexual acts the person had committed even…
- Premarital SexI was very sexually active before marriage. I did not have intercourse, but I had oral sex. I regret it and I have not repeated it. I have been thinking a lot lately…
- RemarriageI know that people are allowed to get divorced in cases of adultery. So is the victim of adultery allowed to get remarried?
- RemarriageI am currently seeing a Coptic Orthodox girl. I am a Catholic and was married to a woman in a Catholic Church. I had a court ordered divorce with her because of her…
- RemarriageMy friend asked me a question, which I am passing on to you, as I do not know the answer. She was baptized and married in a Protestant Christian Church. I told her she…
- RemarriageI am a Roman Catholic who was previously married, although not in the Church. I have been divorced for 18 years. My current husband is Coptic Orthodox, and we were…
- RemarriageI know widows and widowers can marry if they wish, but who is allowed to marry with her/him? Can it be someone who was not previously married? If so, how will the…
- RemarriageI am not married yet, but I may marry a woman that was married and later divorced. She is divorced because her husband committed adultery. She is innocent. She has one…
- RemarriageI was not raised with religion and I was married by a civil ceremony outside of any church. We were divorced due to domestic violence. Can I marry a Coptic man in the…
- Sex / Sexuality: Sex in MarriageWhat is the correct spiritual, biblical, Orthodox and ecclesiastical concept of sexual relations in marriage? How should a prospective spouse view this concept?
- Sex / Sexuality: Sex in MarriageIs oral sex, within the bonds of marriage, permitted in the Orthodox Church?
- Sex / Sexuality: Sex in MarriageSt. Augustine taught that sex is always a sinful act even within marriage and should only be allowed for procreation. What is the Church's view in this matter?
- Sex / Sexuality: Sex in MarriageDoes the sacrament of Matrimony put restrictions on the sexual practices a couple may do to show their love to one another; particularly, the question of oral sex…
- Sex / Sexuality: Sex in MarriageWe are a newly married couple and would like to know when we are not 'permitted' to have sexual relations with each other (i.e. is it during all fasting days. How long…
- Siamese TwinsIs it ethical to separate Siamese twins?
- SterilizationWhat is the Church's view on permanent sterilizations such as vasectomy for men and tubal occlusion / tube tying for women? Is it a sin if it is intended to enjoy the act…
- SterilizationWhat is the Church/Bible's views on vasectomies?
- Wedding ReceptionIs it all right to have music, dancing and alcoholic drinks during a wedding reception?
- Wedding ReceptionMy brother's fiancée wants to have alcoholic beverages and dancing at her Wedding Reception which is against my moral code and practice. I am thinking of skipping the…
- Wedding ReceptionA couple will be celebrating their marriage next month, God willing. As the wedding approaches, more and more discussions about dancing arise. I have been told that the…
- WeddingsWhy does not the bride’s father escort his daughter to the Altar as it is in the western Churches?
- WeddingsOne of my closest friends will be getting married next year, and I am uncomfortable to walk in his wedding, since my wife will not be walking with me. My friend gave me…
- WeddingsIf I was to marry someone that is willing to convert [to Christianity], not for me but for the love of God, but she wants to have a regular wedding as it is her dream—not…
- Working MothersIn a situation like this, what does God expect of both partners; so that each can be happy and satisfied?
- Working MothersWhat is the major role God has designed for a woman? Is His reward to a career woman the same as to a housewife?
Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.