Kytheron Seraphim: The Christian family is being attacked and underminedtranslated

The serious spiritual and moral deviations connected with the crisis of the modern family are at the center of this year's Pastoral Encyclical of the Metropolitan of Kythera and Antikythera Mr. Seraphim, which was issued on the occasion of the beginning of the fast of August 15, 2026. His Eminence notes that August begins with the Advancement of the Holy Cross, the feast of Saint Osioparthenomartyr Elesis, patroness of Kythera, and the memory of Saint Solomon, the seven Maccabean children and their teacher Eleazar. At the same time, he reminds that during the period of the Fifteenth of August, the Holy Supplications to the Most Holy Theotokos are held every day.

Using the example of Saint Elesis and the Maccabean children as a starting point, the Metropolitan highlights the importance of the spiritual education of children and the responsibility of parents. As he points out, Saint Elesa was brought up "in the teaching and admonition of the Lord" by her pious mother, while the seven Maccabees, guided by their mother and Eleazar, endured the martyrdom with faith.

In the encyclical special reference is made to the blessing of marriage by Christ in Cana of Galilee, as well as to the exhortations...