The Priest and His House

The lecture of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III affirms that the priest’s house is the foundation of his pastoral service; if he manages his household and preserves his children, he will be more able to raise spiritual children among the people and serve the Church effectively and lovingly.

1. The Importance of Managing the Priestly Home

The priest is required to have managed his family and led them in obedience and submission, because raising the children and the stability of married life reflect directly on his success in ministry.

2. Conditions and Characteristics of the Priest’s Wife

Not every woman is suitable to be a priest’s wife; what is required is that she be a role model, pious, balanced, and if she participates in ministry it should be with talent and prior knowledge, not merely by position.

3. Etiquette of Intervention and Domestic Confidentiality

It is warned that the priest’s wife become an interfering person who displays household disputes before people or divulges confessions’ secrets; the home must preserve its privacy and dignity.

4. The Supportive and Calm Role of the Wife

The wise wife advises in private and helps him organize the home, relieves him of psychological pressures, and may be a secretary who assists him in preparing materials and books and services without dominating or appearing boastful.

5. Children as Role Models for the Faithful

The priest’s children should be examples in morals and church behavior, not demand special treatment or be exploited under the pretext that their father is a priest.

6. Economy and Trust in God’s Provision

Priests’ homes should not be extravagant in expenses so that the priest is not forced to seek embarrassing financial means; at the same time he is taught to rely on God’s provision and material moderation.

7. Discipline in Receiving People and Resolving Problems

It is preferable that church problems be resolved in the church or in the service houses attached to it, and not that the priest’s home become a public house affecting his private life and the neighbors’ quiet.

8. Closing Tone: Compassion and Patience

Wives of priests and their children are exhorted to endurance and compassion toward the people’s troubles, and that the priest’s house be a calming refuge and not a source of disturbance, in keeping with the priest’s pastoral role.

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