In the following beautiful passage, Saint Gregory the Theologian summarizes many of the various blessings of marriage: In our living together we are one another’s hands, ears, and feet. Marriage redoubles our strength, rejoices our friends, and causes grief to our enemies. A common concern makes trials bearable. Common joys are all the happier, and accord makes riches more pleasant; it is even more delightful than riches for those without wealth. Marriage is the key of moderation and the harmony of the desires, the seal of a deep friendship, …the unique drink from a fountain enclosed, inaccessible to those without. United in the flesh, one in spirit, they urge each other on by the goad of their mutual love. For marriage does not remove from God, but brings all the closer to Him, for it is God Himself who draws us to it. 7