A two part reading of the works of Elder Aimilianos of Simonopetra and St. Philaret of Moscow.

Part 1: Marriage: The Great Sacrament
The great Athonite elder, Aimilianos of Simonopetra, delivered this lecture on marriage as a young abbot. Here, from the heart and pen of one of the most influential monks of modern times, we have, perhaps, the most beautiful description of the married life ever written. Listeners will find their hearts enthralled and their vision for married life greatly expanded by this lecture.
      
Part 2: On Holy Virginity
St. Philaret is certainly one of the greatest Orthodox preachers of the last several centuries. In this homily we have a classic patristic presentation on the supremacy and glory of the state of consecrated celibacy, presented with the stature and cogency of the great and holy Fathers. This work is a mighty antidote to the anti-monastic and pleasure-loving disease in which contemporary man swims. This offering is included in the Ten Marian Homilies of St. Philaret and is reproduced here.