What is the pillar of marital life?

Abba Theonas says, “I will not refuse the affection of marriage; no, I will embrace it with still greater love. For I acknowledge and honor my wife assigned to me by the word of the Lord. And I do not refuse to be joined to her in an unbroken tie of love in Christ.”¹⁷²³

St. Basil the Great says, “‘Husbands love your wives’ (Eph. 5:25). Although formed of two bodies, you are united to live in the communion of wedlock. May this natural link, may this yoke imposed by the blessing, reunite those who are divided.”¹⁷²⁴ He also says, “Let husbands listen as well: here is a lesson for them. A viper vomits forth its venom in respect for marriage; and you, will you not put aside the barbarity and the inhumanity of your soul, out of respect for your union?”¹⁷²⁵