How holy and inseparable this union is, the Apostle Paul explains: "The wife has no authority over her own body, but the husband; neither does the husband have authority over his own body, but the wife" (1 Corinthians 7:4). And in another place he explains this union even more important: "This mystery is great; I speak in relation to Christ and to the Church" (Ephesians 5:32). The Church is united with Christ, as the body is so inseparable from the head, that neither Christ without the Church, nor the Church without Christ, can exist. Truly, the mystery of marriage is great, if it is to be a great sign of the eternal union of Christ with the Church. Platon, Metropolitan of Moscow (106, 194-197).

We will answer to God for the souls of children

The birth of children became the greatest consolation for people when they became mortal. That is why the humane God, in order to immediately mitigate the punishment of the forefathers and weaken the fear of death, granted the birth of children, manifesting in it... the image of the Resurrection (38, 162).

Even if our whole life is prosperous, we will be severely punished if we do not care about the salvation of our children (35:83).

Children are not an accidental acquisition, we are responsible for saving them. St. John Chrysostom (46, 1112).

Whoever wants to bring up his children well, brings them up in strictness and labor, so that, having distinguished themselves in knowledge and behavior, they may in time receive the fruits of their labors (49:139).

At any age, there are various worries and fears about children, and many labors. St. Nilus of Sinai (35:42).

Blessed is he who brings up children pleasing to God. St. Ephraim the Syrian (26:146).

As long as the soul is still capable of formation, tender and soft, like wax, and easily imprints images in itself, it must be immediately and from the very beginning awakened to good. When reason is revealed and reason comes into action, then the initial foundations will already be laid and models of piety will be taught. Then the mind will suggest useful things, and skill will facilitate success. St. Basil the Great (8:112).

Negligence about children is the greatest of all sins, it leads to extreme impiety (35:82).

It is not necessary to inspire fear in young people when they have become men, but to instruct and guide them from childhood. Then and later there will be no need for threats (35, 117).

We cannot deceive God, Who searches hearts, discovers everything, and makes us responsible for the salvation of children (35:124).

Good education does not consist in first allowing vices to develop, and then trying to expel them. We must take all measures to make our nature inaccessible to vices (35, 118).

If you have brought up your son perfectly, then he has brought up his son, and he has his, and it is as if a certain series of better lives will go forward, having received the beginning and root from you and bringing you the fruits of caring for your descendants (37:340).