I understand that doing so will entail much more than is asked of one in evangelical Christianity, not merely in terms of the observance of the traditions of the faith, but to be more deeply "moral" as well (theosis).
Glory to Jesus Christ!
I'll give you a few comments. I'm going to write this as if I know what I'm talking about, but don't take me too seriously.
The model of the Orthodox father and man is under-clarified in American Orthodoxy (if not everywhere) these days. We can say some things for sure, but many things are unclear. One thing to keep in mind though, is that not only is much more required of us, but much more is given to us. This is the key. Thanksgiving for the blessings of God.
1. The husband is the bishop of his home. Your home is your Church 7 days a week. Thus we need to lead our families in prayer. I am pitiful at prayer so we only have one absolute set prayer time. We need to do better about a compline service or some part thereof in my house. Sometimes I think husbands get caught up on the mechanics. Just do what you are going to do absolutely unabashedly and it will fly. Learn to chant. If it is not natural to you, just chant in a complete monotone, clearly and honestly. It doesn't need to be fancy. Start with something you can stick to and only very slowly move forward (that advice I'm sure you've read in many saints.)
2. Teaching. Unfortuantely, in many ORthodox parishes catechesis is weak. Fortunately, we have the great works of so many saints available to us to help. I've found an interrogatory didactic style works best. For instance, a little question like "Why do we get up in the morning" can provide a great table discussion topic. (Read your morning prayers for the answer!) "Thou hast raised us up as we lay in despair that we might sing the Glories of thy majesty!"
If you have a good discussion, come back to it a month later and see who remembers.
3. If your parish serves vespers on Saturdays make a commitment to it. Our children don't have the option to go out on Saturday evenings. It extracts one from the culture very powerfully to set aside the 5 p.m. sat to 5 p.m. sunday time block. But make it a time the children look forward to. Reading great stories as a family, preparing for Sunday guests, writing letters to faithful far away. Writing in journals, etc. are good Saturday p.m. activities. SUnday is like a little Pascha each week. Celebrate it. Save the treats for Sunday. have guests over, especially people who might not usually get invited anywhere.
4. Intercede persistently and regularly for those under your care. Keep lists of godparents, god children, children, wife, family, neighbors, those who've asked you for prayer, those who ahve offended you, those you ahve offended, etc.
5. be thankful for all God's grace. Try to find every possible opportunity to be agreeable with men and disagreeable with ourselves only.
Now if only I could do it.
In the dark,
The Sick Canary
