Clergy, counselors, pastoral care workers and lay persons from across the United States gathered in Houston, Texas Jan. 22-25 to share insights, tools and resources for strengthening marriages and ministering to married couples in times of challenge and crisis.  Keynote speakers set the tone for daily workshops, which focused on a variety of marital challenges set in the context of Kairos and Chronos time.  Keynote speakers included Dn. Michael and Gail Hyatt, Dn. Stephen Muse, PhD, and Carrie Frederick Frost, PhD. The Conference was supported with a grant from Leadership 100.

Fr. Alexander Goussetis, Director of the Center for Family Care notes, “Healthy marriages are threatened by unique struggles in our culture today. The conference was designed to integrate the treasured resources of our Orthodox tradition with the people who serve on the front lines of ministry.”

Participants reported a spirit of mutual respect, love, and sharing in morning and evening worship, the workshops, group activities and fellowship. Tools were shared for effectively ministering to married couples as they navigate the various stages and challenges of marriage.

Gratitude was expressed to Leadership 100 and to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Houston for their support.