Fatherhood in the Ancient Faith

1. Day 1

   Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 LXX; 1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV

   The Divine Calling of Fatherhood

   As fathers, we are called to be spiritual leaders in our homes, role models guiding our families on a path towards a closer relationship with God. Today, we will explore the importance of our role as spiritual teachers and the ways in which we can fulfill this divine calling.

   Scripture tells us in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 LXX, “And these words, all that I command you this day, shall be in your heart and in your soul. And you shall teach them to your children, and you shall speak of them sitting in the house, and walking by the way, and lying down, and rising up.” As fathers, we have the privilege and responsibility of teaching our children about God's love and grace.

   The Early Church Fathers also emphasized the importance of fathers as spiritual leaders. In his writings on the upbringing of children, St. John Chrysostom writes, “For generally the children acquire the character of their parents, are formed in the mold of their parents’ temperament, love the same things their parents love, talk in the same fashion, and work for the same ends.” In summary, he writes that it is impossible for a father who does not teach his son to be virtuous to have a son who is virtuous. This is a reminder that our actions and words as fathers have a direct impact on the spiritual development of our children.

   As fathers, being a good role model for our children means that we must strive to live a life that is pleasing to God, and to set an example of faith, love, and virtue for our children to follow. Our role as fathers is a noble and divine calling, a sacred and holy calling from God and being a father is an opportunity to share in the divinity of God's attributes by imitating His love and care for our children as God loves and cares for us.

   In the beginning, God created man and woman in His image and likeness and blessed them to be fruitful and multiply. From the very beginning, fatherhood was a part of God's plan for humanity. The importance of being a role model is emphasized throughout Scripture and the writings of the Early Church Fathers. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” St. John Chrysostom wrote, “The father of a family, if he only knew how to order his own household, would suffice to teach the whole world. But if he is bad and uninstructed himself, his correction of others will be unprofitable, for the light which should shine forth from him is darkness.” Further St. Clement of Alexandria wrote, “The father who teaches his son must not be harsh or angry, but gentle and mild, and must not be severe in correcting him, but must show him kindness and love.”

   Let us reflect on our own lives and ask ourselves if we are living up to this calling. Are we setting a good example for our children? Are we striving to live a life that is pleasing to God? Let us pray for the strength and guidance to be the role models that our children need.

2. Day 2

   Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:8 NKJV; Deuteronomy 6:4-9 LXX

   The Responsibility of Fatherhood

   Today, we will focus on the importance of nurturing our children and responsibilities in providing for their physical and emotional needs. In the ancient faith of the Orthodox Church, fatherhood is seen as a sacred responsibility. Fathers are called to be the spiritual leaders of their families, guiding them in the ways of God and passing on the faith to the next generation.

   As fathers, we provide leadership and initiative in our households; we have the responsibility to guide our children on the path of righteousness and to teach them about the teachings of the Church, the lives of the saints, and the importance of prayer and worship. By doing so, we help to shape their character and guide them on the path of righteousness.

   In 1 Timothy 5:8 NKJV, we read, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” As fathers, it is our responsibility to provide for our families and ensure that their physical needs are met; however, it is equally important that we nurture our children emotionally and spiritually.

   The early church father, St. Clement of Alexandria, wrote in his work “The Instructor,” that the father should be gentle with his children, and the children should be loving to the father and he further instructs that the father should give the command, and let the children obey cheerfully. This is a reminder that we should not only provide for our children's physical needs, but also love them and guide them with gentleness and patience.

   In Deuteronomy 6:4-9 LXX we read, “Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and all your strength. And these words, all that I command you this day, shall be in your heart and in your soul. And you shall teach them to your children, and you shall speak of them sitting in the house, and walking by the way, and lying down, and rising up. And you shall fasten them for a sign upon your hand, and it shall be immoveable before your eyes. And you shall write them on the lintels of your houses and of your gates.”

   Fatherhood comes with great responsibility and we are called to teach our children about God's love and His ways. In Deuteronomy 6, God commands us to love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength, and to diligently teach His commandments to our children. We are to talk about God's ways with our children in every moment of our lives, whether sitting, walking, lying down, or rising up. This shows us that being a father is not just a role we play, but a way of life we must embrace fully.

   In the writings of the Early Church Fathers, we see a similar emphasis on the responsibility of fatherhood. St. John Chrysostom writes in his work, “Homilies on Ephesians,” “It is not enough to feed and clothe your children. You must teach them about God and instruct them in the faith.” We see here that fatherhood is not just about meeting physical needs, but also about nurturing our children's spiritual growth. As fathers, we can take seriously the responsibility to teach our children about God's love and to instill in them a desire to know Him more.

   Fathers have a unique opportunity to shape the spiritual lives of their children and to lead them to a deeper relationship with Christ. Let us pray that God will give us the grace to fulfill this sacred responsibility of fatherhood, and that He will bless our families with His love and grace.

3. Day 3

   Scripture: Proverbs 13:22 LXX; 2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV

   The Legacy of Fatherhood

   Today, we will reflect on the legacy we leave as fathers and the importance of passing down our faith to future generations. As fathers, we have a unique opportunity to leave a legacy for our children and for future generations. We can pass on not only our genes, but also our values, our faith, and our love. We can teach our children to love and serve God with all their hearts, and to live lives of faith and devotion.

   Proverbs 13:22 LXX tells us, “A good man shall inherit children's children; and the wealth of ungodly men is laid up for the just.” As fathers, we have the privilege of leaving a spiritual inheritance to our children and their children. This legacy is not only in what we leave behind, but also in the way we live our lives and the values we instill in our children.

   The Early Church Fathers also emphasized the importance of passing down our faith to future generations. In his work “On the Duties of Parents,” St. Augustine of Hippo instructs fathers to be good and faithful servants of God and for fathers to train their children in piety, which he says is the most important duty of a father. This is a reminder that our role as fathers goes beyond providing for our families, but also includes nurturing their spiritual growth and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

   St. Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” As fathers, we have the responsibility of passing down the spiritual legacy that has been entrusted to us...we are called to not only teach our children but also to equip them to teach others.

   The Early Church Fathers also understood the importance of passing on the faith to the next generation. In his work, “The Instructor”, St. Clement of Alexandria wrote, “We must train the young in the way they should go, as men will also walk when they are old; and when the soul is bent in youth to piety, it will be easier for it to mount up.” The time for our children to learn the ways of godliness are when they are young and we are able to set a right path for them, when we are still here with them to teach them the ways of godliness, else neglecting our God-given responsibilities our children are raised by the world to mimic the world and abandon the Church and their Creator...then we find ourselves wishing that we did more when they were younger. When we teach them to love God, when we show them how to love God and they learn to love the Lord their God from a young age, they will be raised in holiness, godliness, sanctity and humility and in time they will be train their children the same principles. What a legacy for us fathers to be partakers of, for us to be a part of something so profound and world-changing!

   We must teach our children to live according to the ways of God, to love and serve Him, and to be faithful to Him. We must also show them the importance of sharing their faith with others and making disciples. This is how we can ensure that the spiritual legacy that has been entrusted to us is passed on to future generations. St. John Chrysostom wrote, “The true treasure of a household is a father who is wise, virtuous, and just.” Our legacy as fathers is not measured by our wealth or our accomplishments, but by our character and our faithfulness, by what we pass on to our children - a strong and unshakeable love and relationship with God, that will be passed down from generation to generation.

   Let us pray for the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we raise and teach our children, so that they may grow up to be faithful and fruitful servants of God and may continue to pass on the legacy of the Ancient Faith to future generations. May we all be encouraged and inspired to fulfill our divine calling as fathers, providing for our families, nurturing our children, and passing down our faith to future generations. Let us pray that God will give us the grace to leave a legacy of faith and love for our children and for future generations. Let us strive to be wise, virtuous, and just, and to pass on the faith that has been entrusted to us. As we do so, we can trust that God will bless our efforts and use them for His glory.

   God bless you, fathers!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.