The Institute begins by helping young couples in their discernment through Marriage Preparation. Couples are able to meet with one of our certified relationship coaches and counselors as a part of their discernment process. The Deanery of St. Jacob Netsvetov requires all persons seeking marriage to go through a formal marriage preparation program. 

Marriage counseling in the Orthodox Faith is a holistic approach that integrates psychological insight with spiritual guidance. It is rooted in the deep theological traditions of the Church while addressing modern relational challenges. Counselors help couples reconnect with their shared spiritual values, encouraging them to see marriage as a sacred union reflective of divine love rather than merely a social contract. This process not only aims to heal personal wounds but also strengthens the couple's commitment by aligning their lives with the timeless truths of Orthodoxy .

Guided by pastoral care and enriched by centuries-old liturgical traditions, the counseling process facilitates open dialogue, forgiveness, and renewed hope. Couples learn to navigate conflicts by embracing humility and mutual compassion—a journey that not only restores their relationship but also deepens their personal faith. Ultimately, this approach empowers couples to thrive in both spiritual and everyday life, making the sacred bond of marriage a living testimony to the love and mercy of God.

The Institute uses the Prepare and Enrich program and uses only those individuals that have been certified facilitators in the Prepare and Enrich Program. This program focuses on developing the family system through the use of reviewing current familial structures. It works to develop an authentically Christian form of marriage, in line with the Holy Scriptures while also developing the structure necessary for a long lasting marriage between the two individuals. This program works to test the couple in its ability to adapt to a new environment and form into a new cohesive organism that will withstand the trials and challenges of modern society. It will work to ensure that clear boundaries are in place, a hierarchy and structure of the family is established by the time of its completion. Most programs with couples could take up to 3 months with back to back sessions once a week. These sessions also help you review your own families and how these families have formed and shaped you. It will ask you hard questions, what are you willing to give up to marry this person, what do you have to keep. All of these questions are important as they can help to form the individuals to become a family unit. 

Those interested in starting a formal marriage prep program can contact us here.

Those needing Marriage Preparation can contact the Chancery offices to schedule or speak with your pastor.

Our Marriage Workshops are meant to help with various stages of life. These might be marriage based, transitions to parenthood or just working through couples' issues. Our marriage workshops are part of our mission to make Christ's body stronger and more resilient with skills and trainings that are beneficial to all persons who come. 

We also work with local churches in our areas to provide for trainings in marriage. If you are interested in us hosting an event please contact the chancery at 770-520-2234, or email Heather Hulgan at [email protected]

The Institute uses the Enrich program to provide enrichment to married families that are in need of pastoral counseling. The program centers on increasing communication and helps resolve conflict amongst couples. 

Couples will meet with a certified facilitator for no charge. If you are interested in this please contact your local pastor, or contact us here.